the ancient Sechem, a populous and flourishing city of Palestine, and the chief city of the Samaritans. In the time of Vespasian it was called Neapolis, or the New City; and it is mentioned by Pliny and by Josephus under the name of Neapolis. It continued long afterwards to be known chiefly by its Greek name, which has now been changed to that of Nablous or Naplous. It is situated in a long valley, which, according to the accounts both of Dr Clarke and Mr Buckingham, is beautiful, being covered with woods of olives, corn-fields, reservoirs of water, gardens, aqueducts in different directions, and all the marks of industry, opulence, and abundance. It is situated between the two hills of Gerizim on the south, and Ebal on the north, and completely fills up the intermediate valley, so that there is no room for its extension in breadth. The town consists of two long streets running nearly east and west through the centre of the valley, and these intersected by smaller ones mostly crossing at right angles. The town contains six mosques, five baths, a Greek church, an excellent covered bazaar for fine goods, and an open one for provisions; besides numerous cotton cloth manufactories, and shops of every description. One of the mosques, built within the precincts of a ruined church of St Helena, presents on its eastern front, which is still perfect, a fine pointed arch, supported by Corinthian columns. The inhabitants are mostly employed in the manufacture of soap; but the other products supply a very widely extended neighbourhood, and are carried by caravans to Egypt and Damascus, and to the rest of the neighbouring countries. Several relics of antiquity are here exhibited. Amongst these may be mentioned the tombs of Joseph and of Joshua, which are, as usual, hewn in the solid rock, and are thus calculated to endure. There is little doubt amongst the learned as to the identity of these relics. About three miles on the road to Jerusalem is a spot called Jacob's Well, to which still greater reverence is attached by the inhabitants, as the place where our Saviour conversed with the woman of Samaria. The resident population of Naplous has been estimated at 10,000, though Mr Buckingham seems to think this estimate somewhat high. They are almost all Mahommedans, the few Greek Christians scarcely amounting to fifty. The town is governed by a mutezellim, or magistrate, subject to Damascus; and he has at present about 402 Arnaut soldiers. The dress of the men is partly Turkish and partly Arabic, more nearly approaching to the former than the latter. The faces of the women are covered with a coloured veil, as in the towns of Yemen; they also wear a scarf of a yellowish white, with a deep red border, which is thrown over the head and shoulders. No Jews are permanent residents in this place. It is twenty-four miles north of Jerusalem. Long. 35° 22' E. Lat. 32° 16' N. NAPOLÉON.