Lebanon rises at no great distance on the east, stretches far toward the north and the south, and is a healthful and pleasant resort for Franks in summer.

There is a large and beautiful plain on the south, abounding in olive, palm, orange, lemon, pine, and mulberry trees.

Damascus was then distant three days, but less time is required now, by reason of the new macadamized road.

Sidon might be reached in one day, Tyre in two, and Tripoli in three.

An additional motive, in those troublous times, for making Beirut a central station, was the protection afforded by Mr.Abbott, a friendly English Consul.
The two brethren landed, with their wives, October 16th.