CHAPTER XXVIII.

JAFFA.

JAFFA, PALESTINE, Feb. 21, 1890.

Our party left Cairo on the 19th, going by rail one hundred and fifty miles to Alexandria, and leaving there at 10 A.M. the following day, arrived here by steamer this morning.

The landing from the steamer was made in boats, and was rather rough, the sea running high and there being no breakwater.

This is said to be the oldest town in the world, and is certainly the dirtiest one I ever saw. We drove all about, going first to the house of Simon the Tanner, situated near the sea. We saw the tank in which he used to tan his leather, and went on the top of the house, where he and his family used to sleep. We then went to the house of Dorcas, situated in a grove of orange-and lemon-trees, and I bowed my head to her memory, for she not only did good to the poor herself, but her example has caused countless millions of Christian women in all the ages since to do the same, very often in associations named after her.

The oranges raised in and about the town are very large and fine, and much exported. Great crowds of Turks, camels, and donkeys were in the market-places.