Thurs 2. [2 February 1905] Delicious day. Busy all the morning. Went
to the German colony and ordered iris bulbs from Johannes Bacher
who has a charming market garden. After lunch rode out to
Bethlehem [(Beit Lahm)], the country looking its best and prettiest.
Wonderful light on the olives and the red hills. The Moab hills beyond
Moab snow covered. Rejoiced in Constantine's beautiful basilica.
Found there Najib's Buittar friend who lives there. On my way home
rode down the valley of Jehosaphat and saw the tombs and the great
walls. Beautiful golden evening. Dined with the Dicksons where I met
the Sykes.