174 The houses were enclosed and overhung by beautiful trees, richer in foliage and flowers than the in habitants of northern countries can easily imagine. Some of the most common of these were palms, which often rose to the height of one hundred feet, supply ing the Babylonians with dates and a peculiar wine. Directly at the foot of the hanging gardens lay exposed to the view of the observer from above, the new palace, with its marble courts, and splendid arches, and beautiful porticoes. On the opposite side df the river appeared the old palace; a little beyond that the temple of Bel rose six hundred feet into the air. This tower, and the courts and build ings around it, were ever thronged with priests and wise men, who were engaged in offering sacrifices to the idol, or in pursuing their various studies. The river Euphrates rolled through the middle of the city, reflecting from its smooth and glassy surface the shadows of the walls, and towers, and brazen gates that lined its shores. Many boats and vessels of various sizes were sailing upon its waters. These were commonly óf a circular figure, and eovered
