Oriental and Biblical Journal. We are happy to introduce to the public a new magazine, entitled THE ORIENTAL AND BIBLICAL JOURNAL. The object of this magazine is to give results of latest researches in all Oriental lands, such as Egypt, Assyria, India, and countries farther east, including also Italy, Greece, Troy, and other regions known to classic history. It will also embrace many subjects of a more general character, such as the manners and customs of all nations, their traditions, mythologies and religious notions, as well as language and literature; and everything that may serve to illustrate the history of the human race, or confirm the truth of the scripture record. A large number of distinguished scholars have already promised to contribute to its pages, and among them are Rev. Selah Merrill, D. D., Rev. Howard Crosby, D. D., Rev. James Strong, D. D., of Drew Seminary, New Jersey, Rev. Lyman Abbott, D. D., Rev. T. O. Paine, the best Egyptologist in this country, Rev. A. H. Sayce, D. D., F. R. S., of Oxford, Eng., and many others. The Journal will also embrace correspondence from missionaries and residents in various parts of Asia and Africa, Japan, Polynesia and Australia, and the expectation is that all Ancient and Primitive Races of the Earth will ultimately be embraced within its scope. There is no doubt that Bible scholars, classical students and professional men will find it a valuable accession, as the subjects to which it is especially devoted are now becoming very important, and the effort to comprise the many facts which are now scattered through so many channels into one journal, must be very welcome. Hitherto there has been no reliable publication in this country on these subjects. Scholars, if they would keep pace with the progress of discovery, are obliged to take a large number of European journals, and to purchase many and expensive books. We have peculiar advantages for securing information as to the results of investigations. Our magazines have a circulation among the societies of Europe, and we have already secured the hearty co-operation of some of the most eminent Archæologists in the world. Arrangements are in progress by which we shall secure the Reports of the Palestine Exploration Party, and of the Archæological Societies at Rome, Athens, and other places, as they are published. Quarterly, illustrated. Price, $2.00 per year. Sources of Information as to the Prehistoric Condition of America. JANUARY, 1880. PALESTINE EXPLORATIONS. BY REV. SELAH MERRILL, D.D. Between Lake Tiberias and the Dead Sea there is, at present, but one bridge over the Jordan, and that is Jisr Mejamieh, about six miles south of the Sea of Galilee. Just below this lake are the ruins of a once fine Roman bridge of ten arches, which was, no doubt, on the main route from Tiberias and Tarichæa to Gadara and the eastern cities and plains. On the Menadhireh, or ancient Hieromax, or Yarnuk (for the stream is known by all these names), which is the first tributary of the Jordan on the east, below the lake of Tiberias, there is a bridge of five arches situated only a few miles from the point where the two rivers unite. The next and only other bridge of which there is, at present, any trace, is one, now in ruins, at the Damieh ford, which was on the high-road from Nablus, or ancient Shechem, to Gilead and the East. This bridge was originally Roman work, but there are evidences of extensive repairs by the Moslems, or Crusaders. On the east side the bank is quite low, and the wide flat at that point is often overflown; hence it was necessary to build a causeway, which was done at great expense. I traced 450 feet of this causeway, or eastern approach, to the bridge, which was supported on arches, nine of which remain. The original length of this causeway was probably one hundred or more feet, greater than that indicated by the figures which I have just given. The foundation of the abutments at the eastern end are still perfect. The bridge itself, over the river must have been not far from one hundred feet in length. Formerly, there were ruined piers in the stream, and my Arab guides said they used to swim to them, but they have been washed down by floods and are no longer visible. The foundations on the western side have likewise disappeared. Roman civilization demanded the convenience and luxury of substantial roads and bridges, and when some civilized power again gets control of Syria and the Holy Land, we may expect that these conveniences for travel and commerce will be restored. At the present time, at Damieh, and also at Jericho, there are ferry-boats run by strong ropes, which are stretched across the river. Once in the Bible, when David returned from Mahanaim, a ferry-boat is mentioned for carrying across the household and goods of the King. (2 Sam. XIV, 19). |