tersected by streams and begirt with trees," the water being conducted to the homes through conduits and canals. " Here prices are moderate, fruits abound and snow and condiments are found. Nowhere else will be seen such magnificent hot baths, nor such beautiful fountains, nor people more worthy of consideration." Though the Romans had left walls of tremendous strength and beautiful gates, which elicited the admiration of all beholders, the pride of the Damascene lay in the great mosque, a temple in the earliest times and a Christian church devoted to St. John after that. The inscription over the door, "Thy Kingdom, Ο Christ, is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations," could not be removed, but otherwise the conversion to a mosque had been complete. It aroused Mukaddasi's enthusiasm as it had that of countless other visitors. He dilates upon its great magnificence. Outer walls of square stones, accurately set and of large size. Crowning them splendid battlements. The columns supporting the roof black polished pillars in triple rows and set widely apart. A great dome in the center over the niche. Around the court lofty arcades, with arched windows above, the whole area paved with white marble. The walls of the mosque for twice the height of man faced with variegated marbles. Above this, even to the ceiling, mosaics of various colors and in gold, showing " figures of trees and towns and beautiful inscriptions, all most exquisitely and finely worked. The capitals of