State Library of NSW
[Page 80]
two hills & like other Eastern Towns has narrow cobble stone streets. The dress of the inhabitants is noticeable particularly the head dress of the women.I saw the Manger in the Church of Nativity where Christ was born & it impressed me very much. The birth of a Daughter in Bethlehem is not looked upon with much rejoicing. With a boy it is the reverse. The Bethlehem people struck me as being of a much superior type than any other place I had seen in Palestine. They tell me it is impossible to buy a Wife for less than £ 50[?] in Bethlehem. The girls are prettier than in most parts. In fact Bethlehem is looked upon as a superior place which to my way of thinking is correct.
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