in Ancient Geography, a place in the neighbourhood of the brook Kishon, whose inhabitants refusing to come to the assistance of their brethren when they fought with Sisera, were put under an anathema (Judges v. 23.) "Curse ye Meroz, says the angel of the Lord; curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof: because," &c. Some have thought that Meroz is the same as Merus or Merom; and this F. Calmet thinks the most probable opinion in this matter. Others will have it, that Meroz was a mighty man, who dwelt near the Kishon, and not caring to come to the assistance of Barak and Deborah, was excommunicated by the angel of the Lord by the sound of 400 trumpets. The angel of the Lord, according to some, was Barak, the general of the Lord's army; but according to others he was the high priest for the time being, or a prophet.

MERSA, a town of Barbary, pleasantly situated about 11 miles from the city of Tunis, and two from Melcha the site of ancient Carthage. The bey has here two country houses, one of them very costly work, built by Hassan Bey surnamed the Good. From these are orange gardens reaching almost to the seashore; on the edge of which is a famous well of sweet water, esteemed the best and lightest in the kingdom. Close to this is a coffeehouse, whither numbers of people from the neighbouring places resort to drink coffee, and a glass of this natural luxury so peculiarly enjoyed in the eastern countries. In the middle of the court is a large mulberry tree, under the shade of which they sit and smoke and play at chess; inhaling the comfortable sea breeze that refreshes this delightful spot. The water is drawn up by a camel with the Persian wheel.

There are the remains of an ancient port, or cothon, (supposed to be an artificial one), built by the Carthaginians after Scipio had blocked up the old port, nothing but the turret or lighthouse being left.