Page 99 - Travels in Arabia (Vol 2)_Neat

80 SHERM TO SINAI. [CH.

date-trees, which overshadowed several graves.
Here, as in other parts of Arabia, these are
distinguished simply by a rude fragment of
rock placed at either extremity. The summit

of a hill is usually chosen by the Arabs for
their places of sepulture; and they still re­
tain the primitive custom of bringing then-
dead from afar to be interred there.
As we approached the termination of the
valley its ruggedness disappeared, and we
now travelled with facility over a bed of firm
sand, the whiteness of which contrasts well
with the dark mountains that bound the de­
file, here but a few yards in breadth. Shortly

after noon we reached the summit of Jebel
Sube‘iy&, and from hence several hundred
feet, and distant about five miles, we first saw
the monastery. The wind, even at this hour,
blew from the direction of Jebel Musa so
keen and cold, that we were obliged to dis­
mount from our camels and walk until about
five, when we halted beneath its walls.
We found some difficulty in procuring ad­
mission in consequence of being unprovided

with a certificate; and, had it not fortunately
happened that one of the party had visited