The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1881-08-06

whole ruins may be surveyed-original-
ly a structure 600 feet in length and
built entirely of the svenite or rosy
granite from the far-oif quarries of
Assuan. Scattered about in all direc-
tions lie the papyrus-bud COLUMN
obelisks, colossi and shrines; ov.r-
thrown. indeed, but otherwise contiilu-
ing in marvellous state of preservation.
the inscriptions and carvings, in the
finest style of Egyptian art. being as
fresh as though they had been cut only
yesterday. 10 one approaching from
the west, a PROSTATE statue of the great
Rameses first presents itself, sculptured
out of block of the hardest red sand
stone. of a chrystalline texture. The
workmanship is admirable, and, the
plaits or bands of the head-dress being
in relief, also in yellow color, the
monument may be regarded as g huge
cameo. Here, also. cut in block of
soft limestone, containing shells, is
Sphynx, together with three large
broken obelisks of granite. At short
distance occurs small granite head of
king, still retaining traces ofred color.
TO the right of the first compartment
of the Temple is lateral chapel,
constructed of limestone. In the sec
ond compartments are found several
fine papyrus-bud columns, covered with
hieroglyphics cut with extreme skill, be-
sides obelisks of the best workmanship.
having apices perfect. In the third
compartment more obelisks exist. on
one of which Rameses appears making
an offering in sculpture of finest style.
Several colossi remain erect, in black
basalt or in red and yellow crystalline
sandstone; also some granite objects
belonging to the Hykos. There are,
besides, number of seated statues, in
blush granite, and sandstone kneel-
ing figure of a scribe, bearing &. table of
offerings. The most remarkable feat
ure, however, is a pair of monolithic
shrines. having a covered roof. covered
with sculptures and hieroglyphics with
in and without, those at one end repre-
senting triad of deities (Amen, Tum
and Mutt in carving absolutely superb,
while the figure of Rameses on the roof
is cut like gem. In the fourth COM
partment are more broken obelisks;
and in the fifth further remains of col
umns. with papyrus-bud capitals, three
being the most ancient portion of the
Temple, and dating back to the remote
period of the sixth dynasty, Pi-Rames-
su, thus, must have possessed more
monoliths than any other holy place in
Egypt. Around the ndos, or holy of
holies, are the marks of a great conaa-
grafton. Surrounding the temple was
vast inclosure wall, of crude bricks.
formed of Nile mud, with few or no
traces of mud to bind them; while be-
| yond these remains of innumerable
houses, also of crude bricks, are seen.
Further off to the north rises strong
and massive rampant, constructed OF
small mud bricks, arranged in very
intricate manner, the walls sloping in
ward on both sides from bottom To top.
Between the wall and the Temple are
the relics of gateway, composed OF
sandstone and granite. Here in one
place Jumps of molten glass are strewn
about. Further north yet occurs traces
of the outer walls of the city, with many
proofs of fire. A few hundred yards to
| the southwest of the west end of the
Temple, lies PROSTATE single granite
column, and half a mile to the southeast
| the disintegrating remnants of double
row of huge red granite pillars The
surface is everywhere full of pottery
fragments, of an extremely rude de-
scription. On the highest pointsof the
tell stands small yell, called Ryid San.
From these mounds of unusual size and
height the eye ranges across marsh to
the great lake of Menzaleh, or eastward
and southwark over an uninhabited and
blasted waste. In the dim distance thu
tops of palm trees may be discernet
marking the edge of cultivated land
Westward, beyond the novels OF Sar
and the old canal, vast swamps extend
with here and there scant patches o
cultivation as far as the power of vision
can reach.