The average height of the Libanus mountains, from the top of which the snow entirely disap pears in summer, must be considerably below t 1, 000 feet, probably about to,000 feet above the level of the sea. But the higher points, particularly the Sannin, which is the highest of all, must be above that limit.
(4) Vegetation. Cultivation is, however, chiefly found on the seaward slopes, where nu merous villages flourish, and every inch of ground is turned to account by the indus trious natives, who, in the absence of natural levels, construct artificial terraces in order to prevent the earth from being swept away by the winter rains, and at the same time to re tain the water requisite for the irrigation of the crops (Burckhardt, pp. tg, 20, 23). When one looks upward from below, the vegetation on these terraces is not visible; so that the whole moun tain appears as if composed only of immense rugged masses of naked whitish rock, traversed by deep. wild ravines, running down precipitously to the plain. No one would suspect among these rocks the existence of a vast multitude of thrifty villages, and a numerous population of mountain eers, hardy, industrious, and brave (Robinson, iii, 44o). Here, amidst the crags of the rocks, are to be seen the remains of the renowned cedars ; but a much larger proportion of firs, oaks, bram bles, mulberry-trees, fig-trees, and vines (Volney, i, 272). (Comp. Ezek. xxvii :18.) Its wines are also noticed (Hos. xiv :7) ; and in Cant. iv :it; Hos. xiv :7, it is celebrated for various kinds of fragrant plants.
It is not easy to determine, with certainty what can be intended by the prophet Isaiah in the phrase, "the glory of Lebanon" (chap. xxxv :2) ; but very likely it refers to the verdure constantly maintained on it, and to the stately trees which cover it.
(5) Literature. Robinson, Biblical Researches, iii :344, 345, 439: Kitt°, Pictorial History of Pales tine, Introd. pp. xxxii-xxxv, lv ; Reland, tina, 3tt; Roserunaller, Biblisch. Alterthum, 236; Raumer, Paliistina, pp. 29-35; D'Arvieux, Afenioires, ii, 25o; Volncy, Voyage en Syrie, 243 ; Seetzen. in Zach's 11-1onatl. Corresp., June, 18o6; Burckhardt, Travels in Syria. p. sq.: Rich ter, Wallfahrten, p. 102, etc.; Irby and Mangles, Travels, pp. 206-220 ; Buckingham, Arab Tribes, P. 468, sq. ; Fisk, in Missionary Herald, 1824; Elliot, Travels,ii, 276; Hogg. Visit to Alexandria, Jerusalem, etc., i, 219, sq.; ii, 81, sq.; Addison, Palmyra and Damascus, ii, 43-82; Tristram, Land of Israel, 1865; Reports of the Palestine Explora tion Fund.
LrBATION (1t-ba'shiln), a word used in sacri ficial language to express an affusion of liquors, poured upon victims to be sacrificed to the Lord.
The quantity of wine for a libation was the fourth part of a hin; rather more than two pints. Among the Hebrews libations were poured on the victim after it was killed, and the several pieces of it laid on the altar, ready to be consumed by the flames (Lev. V1:20 ; V111:23, 26 ; 1.X ; XVI :12, 20 ; XX111:13). They consisted in offerings of bread, wine and salt. (See OFFERING.) LIBERAL (hb'Er-a1). In Is. xxxii:5, 8, the term naw-deeb' (Heb. voluntary) seems to have been applied to persons of noble character or birth. By an easy transition it means one noble in heart and action.
A liberal person is one ready to give to the poor and needy. Alen stand by "liberal things," as showing kindness to the poor as an especial means of procuring and establishing one's wealth (Prov. xi :25). God giveth "liberally," with a willing and bountiful heart, and in a large abun dance (James i :5).