Tent Work in Palestine A Record of Discovery and Adventure

Abstract

THIS is the first substantial result of the survey of Palestine, which has been going on for the last few years. It is published by the Committee of the Palestine Exploration Fund, but is merely preliminary to the publication of the various detailed memoirs and the unprecedentedly minute map which are in preparation. It is mainly the narrative of Lieut. Conder's personal work and adventure, but besides its strong interest as a record of adventure in one of the most interesting countries in the world, it contains a vast amount of information and discussion concerning the many places so full of sacred associations to all Christian peoples. The work of the Survey was often pursued under considerable hardships, and occasionally at some risk, and more than one of the staff had to succumb during the progress of the work. It is evident that this most interesting of surveys has been executed with a minuteness and a care that leave little to be desired. The survey was actually commenced at the end of the year 1871. Capt. Stewart, he first officer in charge, had to come home on account of his health, and in July, 1872, Lieut. Conder took up the command, and completed four-fifths of the survey, the remaining fifth being carried out in 1877 by Lieut. Kitchener. The great map now extends over 6,000 square miles, from Dan to Beersheba, and from the Jordan to the Mediterranean Sea. This map is being prepared in twenty-six sheets; and an idea of its minuteness may be obtained from the fact that it will show tombs, caves, cisterns, wells, springs, rock-cut wine-presses, remarkable trees, and even the Roman milestones. Accompanying the map will be a memoir prepared by Lieut. Conder under the direction of Major Wilson and Mr. George Grove. It is hoped that all will be ready for publication in the course of a few months. This memoir will contain a vast collection of varied information gathered from many sources, and with the map will undoubtedly be of infinite service to students of the Biblical narratives. Lieut. Conder's work will amply repay careful study, and the many illustrations of places whose names are “familiar as household words,”add greatly to its interest and value.

Tent Work in Palestine. A Record of Discovery and Adventure.

By Claude Regnier Conder R.E., Officer in Command of the Survey Expedition. Two vols. (London: Bentley and Son, 1878.)