a town of Turkey in Asia, in Syria, situated in E. Long. 34° 55'. N. Lat. 36° 15'. By some travellers it is corruptly called Amar and Amant. Some mistake it for the ancient Apamea; but this is now called Afamiyah, and is situated a day's journey from Hamah. Hamah is situated among hills, and has a castle seated on a hill. It has all along been a considerable place, and in the 13th century had princes of its own. It is very large, and being seated on the ascent of a hill, the houses rise above one another, and make a fine appearance. It is, however, like most other towns under the Turkish government, going to decay. Many of the houses are half ruined; but those which are still standing, as well as the mosques and castle, have their walls built of black and white stones, disposed in such a manner as to form various figures. The river Affi, the ancient Orontes, runs by the side of the castle, and fills the ditches round it, which are cut very deep into the rock. This river, leaving the castle, passes through the town from south to north, and has a bridge over it, though it is pretty broad. In its course through the town it turns 18 great wheels, called by the natives fahi, which raise great quantities of water to a considerable height, and throw it into canals supported by arches, by which means it is conveyed into the gardens and fountains. There are some pretty good bazars or market-places in Hamah, where there is a trade for linen, which is manufactured there, and sent to Tripoli to be exported into Europe.

HAMAMELIS, witch-hazel; a genus of plants belonging to the tetrandria clas; and in the natural method ranking with those of which the order is doubtful. See BOTANY Index.