PALMYRA IN THE WILDERNESS

THE first view of that classic city was strange and impressive, far beyond all our anticipations. We reached the pass through the lot eastern ridge; we began the ascent of a rising ground that forms the crown of the pass. So far we saw nothing, except the old castle frowning overhead on the left, and a few tower-like tombs on the hill-sides. The crest was gained at last, and then the whole site of the city burst upon our view.