southern steppe, extends a plain of increasing breadth, which is called "the Plain of Sharon," or the "low country" (_shefelah_). In the east the mountain declines towards the Jordan. Some peaks of this mountain acquired a special significance. Such were the two hills by the side of Shechem, _Gerizim_, "the mountain of the blessing" (2,650 feet), and _Ebal_, "the mountain of the curse" (2,700 feet); _Bethel_, in the east (2,400 feet); _Mizpeh_, some hours' journey from the subsequent capital; _Mount Zion_ (2,610 feet); and the _Mount of Olives_ (2,700 feet). This peculiar and greatly varied configuration of the land had its effect not only upon the productions of the soil, but also upon the character of the people. From north to south, Palestine is divided into three belts. The broad mountainous tract occupies the centre; the low land (_shefelah_) extends from the west to the sea, and the meadows (_kikkar_, _araboth_) from the east to the Jordan. In the lowland the climate is mild; in the mountains, it is severe during the rainy season, but temperate in the summer. In the district of the Jordan the heat continues during the greater part of the year. With the exception of the Jordan, the land has no rivers which retain their waters throughout the year; but even this river, owing to its precipitous course, is not navigable. The Jordan rises from three sources in the slopes of Hermon. At first it runs sluggishly, and before entering the Lake of Merom it divides into small streams. On emerging from the lake, its waters are united in a narrow basalt bed, and flow into the Lake of Galilee. On issuing thence, the Jordan widens, rushes over rocks, and, after forming many rapids in its swift course, empties itself and disappears in the Dead Sea. During spring-time, when the melting snow of Hermon swells the waters, this river fertilises the adjoining low-lying plains, especially those on its eastern bank. The other streams, including the Jarmuk and Jabbok, become dry in the hot summer season. Such winter streams (_nechalim_), nevertheless, enhance the productiveness of the district through which they flow, and the cultivated lands are situated on the banks of these intermittent streams. The fertility of the soil is also favoured by the small springs which flow down the hills without being collected into rivulets. The districts devoid of springs are supplied with drinking-water by the rain, which is gathered in cisterns excavated in the rocks.