But such is the peculiar character of Eastern scenery; in Europe, meadows, alps, and woods exhibit quite a distinct class of natural beauty.

In a mountain region of Europe, a sight like the one we were now admiring would scarcely have charmed us so much.

But in these regions, poor alike in inhabitants and in scenery, the traveller is contented with little, and a little thing charms him.

For instance, would not a plain piece of beef have been a greater luxury to us on our journey than the most costly delicacies at home?
Thus we felt also with regard to scenery.
On entering the town we experienced a feeling of painful emotion.
Tabarith lay still half in ruins; for the dreadful earthquake of 1839 had made this place one of the chief victims of its fury.

How must the town have looked immediately after the calamity, when even now, in spite of the extensive repairs, it appears almost like a heap of ruins! We saw some houses that had completely fallen in; others were very much damaged, with large cracks in the walls, and shattered terraces and towers: every where, in short, we wandered among ruins.