We visited the prison one morning, and saw the wretched prisoners huddled together, in cells like cages, ranged round an open courtyard. Eager hands were thrust through the bars, and cries of "_backsheesh_" filled the air. One of the "cages" was called the blood prison, in which several murderers were imprisoned; they clamoured with the rest for money. We looked with pity upon the miserable creatures, for we were told that it was quite possible most of them had not committed the crimes of which they were accused, but that private spite and intrigue had brought them there, where they would probably remain, unless large bribes were paid for their release. Another day, as we were riding across the plain of Sharon, we were much amused at seeing a camel ploughing. He strode along, ostrich fashion, with his most supercilious air, pulling behind him a ridiculous little plough of primitive make. He looked so irresistibly funny that we burst out laughing. In other parts of the country we saw camels and oxen yoked together, but more generally the latter animals only. Ploughing would seem to be but a pastime in Syria. The soil is so rich and fertile that it only needs turning over slightly, when the seed dropped into the furrows springs up in a marvellously short time and yields a rich harvest. We had many discussions with our friends about plans for further travel. Eventually we decided to go to Jerusalem, and while there engage an experienced dragoman to accompany us through Judea, Samaria and Galilee. We made up our minds to go alone, and avoid tourist routes and tourist parties. Though this decision was thought somewhat rash, we had no occasion to regret it. S. E. B. [Illustration] FOOTNOTES: [Footnote A: Prov. XXV. II, "apples" in our translation being now generally thought to mean "oranges." The former fruit is not cultivated in Palestine.] THE GIRL'S OWN QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS COMPETITION. _Readers will find full particulars of this Competition--in which everyone has a chance of winning either a prize or a certificate, and the certainty of largely adding to her stock of information--by turning back to page 14._ QUESTIONS 25-36. 25. Who was the monarch who once attended a rehearsal of his own funeral? * * * * * 26. What is the largest palace in the world used as a residence? * * * * * 27. What is the exercise most conducive to physical beauty? * * * * * 28. What was the first street ever lit by gas? * * * * * 29. How fast can one read, when reading silently? * * * * * 30. What famous philanthropist was known as the "Nightingale of the House of Commons"? * * * * * 31. How many hours a day should we give to sleep? * * * * * 32. What is the most famous signal ever made to the British navy?