3-065-999 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Sketches from Palestine: Mount Ebal and Shechem (Nablous), 1874. Engraving of a sketch by Lieut. Conder. 'The modern Nablus, on the site of the ancient Shechem, lies in a narrow valley between the high and rugged hills of Ebal (mountain of curses) on the north, and Gerizim (mountain of blessings) on the south. Both these stony hills are steep and barren...But the valley between is one of the most delightful spots in Palestine. More than seventy springs burst from all sides; long gardens of orange, lemon, and walnut surround the town...The modern town is hot and dirty; but great interest attaches to it as the seat of the last remnant of that wonderful Samaritan people now fast dying out. Their customs and prejudices are undisturbed by modern science. The Survey party could not convince the high priest that Gerizim, which he believed to be the highest mountain in the world, was actually overtopped by the northern summit. The yearly Passover is held on this sacred summit...The [engraving shows] that flush of colour which for a few minutes pervades the mountain in the evening, with a brilliancy of reflection, from the hard grey crags and ruddy soil...This contrasts forcibly with the dark foliage of the valley lying in the shadow of Gerizim'. From "Illustrated London News", 1874.