The animals are small, and extremely gentle--delicate and lively turtle-doves, blue-birds so light that they rest on a blade of grass without bending it, crested larks which venture almost under the feet of the traveller, little river tortoises with mild and lively eyes, storks with grave and modest mien, which, laying aside all timidity, allow man to come quite near them, and seem almost to invite his approach.

In no country in the world do the mountains spread themselves out with more harmony, or inspire higher thoughts.

Jesus seems to have had a peculiar love for them.

The most important acts of his divine career took place upon the mountains.

It was there that he was the most inspired;[2] it was there that he held secret communion with the ancient prophets; and it was there that his disciples witnessed his transfiguration.[3] [Footnote 1: Jos., _B.J._, III.iii.1.The horrible state to which the country is reduced, especially near Lake Tiberias, ought not to deceive us.