and useful in torpor of liver and other diseases. None of these waters are bottled or exported except as curiosities by tourists. Especially celebrated are the hot springs at Tiberias, which ever since the Roman occupation have been renowned for their curative powers, and in bygone ages were compared to the famous waters of Baia. They may yet become 'Syria's Carlsbad.'
"The present baths at Tiberias were built by Ibrahim Pasha in 1833, during the Egyptian invasion. Additions were made in 1890 by the Turkish Government, but the accommodations are inferior and lack cleanliness. The temperature of these springs is about 143° F., and the waters contain sulphur, chloride of magnesium, and iron. They are in many respects similar to those of Carlsbad. The hot springs of Tiberias are largely frequented by natives from all parts of Syria and are reputed to cure chronic rheumatism and various skin diseases.
"In 1887 Doctor Schumacher, of Haifa, was asked by the Turkish Government to plan suitable modern baths; but the project was never carried out, owing to the fact that, according to a firman, the baths could never be let for a longer period than two years, and consequently no responsible lessee could be found to take them over and place them under efficient management. All efforts by natives and foreigners to change the terms of the lease failed, the Government considering that the baths in their present state were quite sufficient for their purpose, viz., to offer free lavations for the poor, especially the Bedouins, and a few single baths for natives of means.
"At present the revenues of the estab-\nlishment accrue to Tiberias, while the an-\nnual rent, amounting to some $2,500, flows\ninto the national exchequer. In Roman\ntimes the springs were called Ammaus.\nPliny extols their sanatory properties.\nRoman villas, temples and baths sur-\nrounded and Herod's acropolis crowned\nthe heights near the thermal baths. Under
American or European management, with the expenditure of $50,000, this watering-place could become a source of wealth to those concerned. The season lasts from February to May. In Galilee the climate is delightful in the spring, as tourists well know. A resort offering such baths and such historic associations would seem to have a bright future."
FREEDOM
There was great confusion in the forest. The animals were all full of excitement and all seemed to be talking at once. "How long," they said, "shall we stand and watch this evil? How long will robbery and villany of all kinds rule supreme over the forest? Why should we not arise and protest against such outrageous actions? Who is it that gives the lion permission to devour us? Why should the wolf be sole master over everything? Why should the bear be constantly thinning our ranks? Why should we, the weaker creatures of God's creation, have to bow in humble submission to their will? Isn't the rabbit as good as anyone else? Why, then, should it always be fearing the approach of another animal? Or the mule, why should he have to work all the time, dragging heavy loads? Let us do away with such rules and proclaim liberty throughout the forests unto all the inhabitants thereof. Let us raise the flag of liberty and down all sovereignty. The mule as the lion, all alike shall do as pleases them."
This suggestion was received with great enthusiasm among the animals. But, since it pleases the lion to tear and destroy, and the mule to carry the burden and let others lead him, a new system is imaugurated in the forest. Henceforth the lion devours on account of his freedom, and the mule labors under his burden in the name of liberty.
Thus is Freedom established in the Forest.—From the Midrash.