The remainder of the rock forming the body is exposed to view as regards the upper surface, but it is so worn away and honey-combed as to leave but little of the original outline; the remainder of the animal, which is couchant, lies embedded in the sand. It was uncovered, I understand, a few years ago, but has since been buried again in the sand. There is a temple close by of red polished granite half buried in the sand, which astonished me as much as the Pyramid, so enormous are the blocks of which it is built; the smooth polish is perfect and equals anything of the kind of the present day. The manner in which these blocks are hewn is really marvellous — such skill, such labour, such patience, fitting each other with wonderful exactness, and so close as hardly to admit anywhere of the blade of a small knife. The whole surface of the walls is of uniform smoothness throughout — a perfect plane; the same with the massive square monoliths intended to support the roof, all in their places, perfect^ upright. This granite has been quarried up the Nile some 200 or 300 miles away; the mechanical power that got these blocks where they are now is a mystery. We returned by a bright moonlight, having encountered a slight dust-storm, and passing en route a camel battery of artillery of the Khedive's army — the guns in line, then the line of camels lying down, and the men regaling themselves with a sheep just slaughtered, and some melons. We got back about nine o'clock to a cold dinner, which was very enjoyable. So much for my present experiences of Egyptian sight-seeing. I hope I haven't bored you, for the subject is a pretty stale one, and I think I have sent you enough for the present. With love to you all. — Ever yours affectionately,
Fredk. Stephenson.
To his Sister
Cairo, July 2, 1883. My dear Minnie, —... We are all well and flourishing, and as regards myself I have not felt so well for many a long time... this climate suits me in many respects particularly well.... I must, however, except Kimber from this favourable account; he has knocked up and cannot stand the climate, and I shall have to send him home.... I spent a few pleasant days at Alexandria last week, when I went to pay my respects to the Khedive, on the anniversary of his accession. He must have been gratified at the large attendance at his reception. The Greeks there were in a most disgraceful panic at the news that cholera had made its appearance at Damietta, some 70 miles off, and were leaving the town by hundreds, setting the worst possible example to the natives. We are in great hopes that the disease will remain confined to Damietta, or chiefly so, but we are taking here all reasonable precautions. — Ever yours affectionately,
Fredk. Stephenson.
To his Niece, Mrs. Frank Pownall
My dear Helen, — It is time, I think, that I should inquire how you are getting on and give you at the same time some news about this place and the life we lead. In the first place, I hope that you and Frank are well, and that the world is going on well with you both, as well as with Mr. Pownall. I suppose that Frank is fully employed, and Mr. Pownall taking advantage of the fine weather, which I hear you have been having lately, to pay some country visits. I have not forgotten his coming to see me off with Frank, and fully appreciated such a friendly act; it seems a very long time since then, though only two months, but that is always the case, I think, when living in a new country with plenty of occupation. [Here a flattened mosquito i\ This mutilated carcase represents one occupation — ^if not the principal; the brute settled on my hand while I was writing and did all he could to distract my thoughts, but you will be glad to know that I used