Abstract
Just about thirty years ago I first set foot in Egypt. since that time I have paid several visits to the country, and have had full opportunity of inspecting its modern towns, and of examining that marvelous system of irrigation which is the sole source of its wealth. I have also explored many of its grand temples and tombs. I have tried to discover the origin and object of tis pyramids, obelisks, sphinxes, and colossal statues. I have spent much time in the study of its unique historic records, inscribed upon the walls of Karnak, Luxor, and Abu Simbel, and written upon papyrus rolls which have lain for thousands of years entombed with the embalmed bodies of the mighty dead, and are now, year after year, being brought forth by successful explorers, perfect as when deposited beside the mummies of the Pharaohs, and are being deciphered by scholars. I have inspected also, with absorbing interest, the interiors of those vast rock-hewn sepulchral chambers, on whose walls are depicted with singular minuteness of detail, artistic skill, and brilliancy of colouring, the manifold arts and industries, field labours and domestic pursuits, amusements, battles and conquests, trials and punishments, royal processions and state formalities, religious observances, funeral rites and ceremonies,-in a word, the whole life of the ancient Egyptians, in their best days, from the monarch to the peasant, from the warrior triumphing to the chained captive and down-trodden slave. I have spent days and days, with ever-increasing interest, in the Museum of Boulak, where the French and German savants, Brugsch, and Mariette, and Maspero have, with extraordinary treasures of ancient art and literature unequaled in the world. I have also, during my visits, talked familiarly with the cultivators of the soil,-those fellahin, as they are called int their native tongue, who are doubtless the descendants of the aboriginal Copts. I have talked with the village Sheikhs, and district Mudirs, the hard task-master of the fellahin. I have talked also with the Beys and Pashas, men of an alien race and foreign language, who have long usurped authority, and who continue to oppress the people and spoil the country.