by Egypt and the Red Sea. 241 



journey betwixt these two places, may be performed in a fort- 

 night. 



The works which have been written on Egypt are so nu« 

 merous, that is difficult, if not presumptuous, to say which 

 should be selected as a guide. For this purpose, Denon or 

 Hamilton are generally recommended ; and, for the ancient 

 history of Egypt, Herodotus and Strabo. Volney treats of it 

 during the reign of the Mamalukes, and describes the various 

 sects and nations composing its population. Norden, Neibuhr, 

 Bruce, Burckhardt, have also written upon it ; and the last, 

 from having professed Mahomedanism, learned a great deal 

 of the customs, rites, and other ceremonies of the natives. 

 There are several very late travels : Legh, 1812, Light, 1815, 

 Captains Mangle and Irby, Belzoni, Henniker. The last 

 has given a concise journal of the antiquities, &c. 



Travelling in Egypt is safe and easy. At present, there is 

 no occasion for a Janizary, as such a person, so far from being 

 of use, would be a mere annoyance. It is necessary, however, 

 to be armed with pistols and a fowling-piece, &c. and to be 

 prepared for danger, particularly should any part of the coun- 

 try be in a state of insurrection, as such a circumstance ren- 

 ders the protection of the government precarious, and often 

 useless, even at a considerable distance from the scene of tu- 

 mult. The Turks always are completely armed ; consequent- 

 ly, arms are looked upon as a part of dress, and insure respect 

 to every person who is entitled to wear them. 



The Turks, in general, not excluding the soldiers, were al- 

 ways most willing and ready to oblige, or to be of service ; 

 and, during the insurrection, this friendly disposition of theirs 

 was frequently of some importance. In return for their civi- 

 lities, they merely asked for a little powder for priming, for 

 which purpose, a couple of charges was sufficient, or request- 

 ed us to look at their wounded, and give medicine. They 

 fancy, indeed, that every Frank has some skill in physic ; and, 

 on this account, a few common medicines and ointments should 

 form a part of the stock laid in. 



It has been in contemplation to establish steam-vessels on 

 the above route. The red sea seems to be particularly fa- 

 vourable for their employment ; and fuel, consisting of wood 



VOL. IV. NO. II. APRIL 1826. Q 



