WISHING to obtain a further knowledge of the mountains to the east of
the Jordan, and being still more desirous of visiting the almost unknown
districts to the east of the Dead sea, as well as of exploring the
country which lies between the latter and the Red sea, I resolved to
pursue that route from Damascus to Cairo, in preference to the direct
road through Jerusalem and Ghaza, where I could not expect to collect
much information important for its novelty. Knowing that my intended way
led through a diversity of Bedouin tribes, I thought it advisable to
equip myself in the simplest manner. I assumed the most common Bedouin
dress, took no baggage with me, and mounted a mare that was not likely
to excite the cupidity of the Arabs. After sun-set, on the 18th of June,
1812, I left Damascus, and slept that night at Kefer Souse, a
considerable village, at a short distance from the city-gate, in the
house of the guide whom I had hired to conduct me to Tabaria.
Kefer Souse [Arabic] is noted for its olive plantations; and the oil
which they produce is esteemed the best in the vicinity of Damascus.
June 19th.--In one hour we passed the village Dareya [Arabic];