e production of the
milder kinds of fruits; yet hath it a moist soil [in other parts], and
produces all kinds of fruits, and its plains are planted with trees of
all sorts, while yet the olive tree, the vine, and the palm tree are
chiefly cultivated there. It is also sufficiently watered with torrents,
which issue out of the mountains, and with springs that never fail to
run, even when the torrents fail them, as they do in the dog-days. Now
the length of Perea is from Macherus to Pella, and its breadth from
Philadelphia to Jordan; its northern parts are bounded by Pella, as we
have already said, as well as its Western with Jordan; the land of Moab
is its southern border, and its eastern limits reach to Arabia, and
Silbonitis, and besides to Philadelphene and Gerasa.

4. Now as to the country of Samaria, it lies between Judea and Galilee;
it begins at a village that is in the great plain called Ginea, and
ends at the Acrabbene toparchy, and is entirely of the same nature with
Judea; for both countries are made up of hills and valleys, and are
moist enough for agriculture, and are very fruitful. They have abundance
of trees, and are full of autumnal fruit, both that which grows wild,
and that which is the effect of cultivation. They are not naturally
watered by many rivers, but derive their chief moisture from rain-water,
of which they have no want; and for those rivers which they have, all
their waters are exceeding sweet: by reason also of the excellent grass
they have, their cattle yield more milk than do those in other places;
and, what is the greatest sign of excellency and of abundance, they each
of them are very full of people.

5. In the limits of Samaria and Judea lies the village Anuath, which is
also named Borceos. This is the northern boundary of Judea. The southern
parts of Judea, if they be measured lengthways, are bounded by a Village
adjoining to the confines of Arabia; the Jews that dwell there call it
Jordan. However, its breadth is extended from the river Jordan to Joppa.
The city Jerusalem is situated in the very middle; on which account some
have, with sagacity enough, called that city the Navel of the country.
Nor indeed is Judea destitute of such delights as come from the sea,
since its maritime places extend as far as Ptolemais: it was parted into
eleven portions, of which the royal city Jerusalem was the supreme, and
presided over all the neighboring country, as the head does over the
body. As to