These pools are three in a row, one over the other, and so disposed that the water of the uppermost may descend into the second, and from the second into the third. They are quadrangular, and of an equal breadth, viz., about 90 paces but in length they differ, the first being ;

160 paces, the second, 100, and the third, 220. All three are of a considerable depth, well walled and plastered, and contain a large quantity of water. About 120 paces distant spring which supplies them with water. The aqueduct is built on a foundation of is the

stone, and the water runs in earthen pipes, about 10 inches in diameter, which are cased with two stones so as to fit them these are covered over with other, but ; rough

8 PRELIMINARY ESSAY.

stones, well cemented together, and the whole is so sunk into the ground on the side of the hills, that in many places nothing is to be seen of it. This work did formerly extend the length of five or six leagues, and appears by the strength and contrivance of it to have been designed to last as long as the world."

Maundrel, an English traveller, and consul at Aleppo, visited Judea in 1697, and published an account of his travels from which we make this further extract, concerning Solomon's Aqueduct :

" At about 140 paces from Solomon's pools, is the fountain from which principally they derive their waters. This the friars believe to be that sealed fountain to which the Holy Spouse is compared, [Cant. 4, 12,] and in confirmation of this opinion, they pretend a tradition, that Solomon shut up these springs and kept the door of them sealed with his signet, to the end that he might preserve the water for his drinking in the natural freshness and purity.