Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1857-08-01

The river is still so high that much of the land is
covered with water, and we had not proceeded very
far before were on the shore of a small lake Of
some ten acres in size but not more than foot deep.
Through this the donkeys progressed slowly, and on
arriving at the opposite side we found bank some
three feet high, up which climbed Mays dom
key slipped in the ascent and the donkey boy caught
her, saving her from fall into the muddy Nile.
This accomplished, We went on some distance
the raised banks of the canals dykes, which were
in fact the only land visible above the water o.
casionay we reached places where the ladies were
obliged to leave the donkeys, and then two Arabs,
standing shoulder to shoulder made chair which
lady sat and carried across, while the donkeys
padded through the water washing their Sides So
by field and flood" reached the mud village of
Matareeyeh, where the obesk is said to be. 1t in
fact two miles beyond Entering the village by
rude gateway we wound through the narrow, crook
ed paths between two novels built of mud and un-
burned brick, passing occasionally a roughly con-
structed house of stone, IN the walls of which were
many stones marked with legends of three thousand
years ago, and finally made our exit at mud hole
where dozen more naked children of both sexes
were playing in the water. and at length reached the
strip of desert sand which surrounds the garden of
the obelisk. Crossing this arrived at place
where some huge stones lie they were left by the
cxcavators after building materials. They form the
sides and top of gigantic gateway. marked with
the catouche of the Pharaoh of the Exodus They
not mentioned in any of the nooks and are
probably recent discovery, that is, comparatively
recent, for most of the books Of value on Egypt are
marvellously ancient in these modern times. Pass
ing these at length reached the base of the soil:
tary monument of Osrtasen and sat down in its
shade to look up at the legend. 1t was easily read.
We had before us the copy with the translation of
each letter. that it not difficult to imagine the
history of that splendid stone. We could see the
form of the old patriarch leaning the arm of his
noble son, while he heard his voice rectng that
A. " Al.
mighty sons of Jacob listening to the same voice.
We could hear the tones of the old Academician re-
citing it. 1t was the same story that we now read.
But in place of the marble pavement and the gorge
colonnade that once surrounded it, there was
nothing to disturb the rural aspect of the scene
and we spread our MONDAY meal where Pharaohs
worshipped.
had brought my gun with me from Cairo. It is
my old favorite which has been heard in nearly all
the forests of North America, from the west bank
of the Mississippi to the shores of Maine. carried
it myself, not caring to trust donkey boys hands
with an article that value chiefest among my pos
sessions. A flock of the Ibis flew over close to u.s.
1t was the most beautiful flight of birds have ever
seen. They of the crane or heron species, pure
white, standing on the ground some three feet high.
They not wild, feeding the peasants in the
fields. | wanted one specimen and sent a load of
small shot at the last one of the flock they went
over. was not as sure in my aim as l ought to
have BEEN l did not hit the bird, but l did hit his
tail! blowing it to pieces and causing snow storm
of white feathers. He turned and looked at the
wreck of his TAIL if he thought of following it, and
then at me. The long neck admitted of this, and
felt the reproach of the look as he flew in zs-zag
line down toward the Nile.
We passed the day at Heliopois, wandering here
and there, tracing the imaginary lines of the old city,
drawing probable plans of temples and palaces, and
weaving improbable histories for their Inhabitants
As the sun went westward we made our preparations
to return home haviHg finished luncheon and given
the remains to the boys who growing fat on the
uncommon fare which we daily give them Arabs
live on sour bread native figs. They seldom eat
meat that is the poorer classes, and their fare like
their clothing, is Of the simplest sort. The boys
delighted with the remains of melons that cannot
eat and they make quick work with the French
bread and mutton that we give them.
We came home by another route taking in our
wav spot which is especially sacred among the
Christians of Egypt. The Coptic Church especially
venerate it. and believe the Greeks do deny its
authenticity. leave you to judge for yourselves.
1t is the tree under Joseph and Mary rested
when they were in Egypt, with their Holy Child,
flying from the enmity of Herod so say the believ-
very large fig tree. 1t is not large that
have seen but it is curiously shaped, being in fact
four springing from the ground the trunks of
all being united in one. 1t measures in crcumfer-
ence, outside of the knots and odd shaped excres-
ences Just twenty eight feet. Its diameter is twice
as large way as the other.
Here we gathered flowers, for garden is
kept around it, and here, too, paid bucksheesh
to three or four Arabs before we succeeded in get
ting out, and then mounted the donkeys and took
to the desert road and came homewards in the even
ing, when the setting sun and rising moon were
struggling for the mastery over the city of Saadin.
W. G. P.