Mejdel, Magdala.—1 h.’s ride along the shore brings us to this wretched hamlet, now the only inhabited spot in the plain of Gennesaret. In riding along, the wonderful richness of the soil strikes us. Nowhere else have we encountered such thistles, such grass, and such weeds—and such grain on the few spots still cultivated. Josephus described Gennesaret 18 centuries ago as an earthly paradise, where the choicest fruits grew luxuriantly, and eternal spring reigned. His words were not much exaggerated; for now, though more a wilderness than a paradise, none can fail to remark its fertility. The shore is lined with a wide border of oleander; behind this come tangled thickets of the lote-tree; and here and there are little groups of dwarf palm. The voice of the turtle-dove is heard on every side, and quails spring up from our feet at almost every step.

We are also struck with its desolation. 18 centuries ago it was the most densely populated part of Palestine—now it may almost be described as without an inhabitant. The few hovels of Mejdel contain the whole settled population, Another thing is worthy of notice, though it may seem trivial. Almost every man on the plain of Gennesaret, especially such as are engaged in fishing along the shore, appears to go habitually naked. (See John xxi. 7.)

Mejdel contains about 20 huts, and the ruins of a tower of modern date. Between the village and the shore are foundations and heaps of rubbish. Yet the name of this miserable hamlet has been incorporated into every language of Christendom. It was the birthplace of Mary MAGDALENE, out of whom Jesus “had cast seven devils,” and to whom He “appeared” immediately after His resurrection. Mark xvi. 9.) The name and sight of the village will call up that solemn scene related in John xx. 11-18,

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