A GIGANTIC PROJECT. 117 



notes, the sweet accents of their joy, and, perhaps, 

 of their gratitude. Charming birds ! you were 

 quitting a dull and dreary place, to which you gave 

 an air of life, and were going to animate lovely 

 groves, already embellished by all the favours of 

 nature. May you long continue there, a testimony 

 of your fortunate navigation, and a proof that, iu 

 the midst of the horrors of tempests and of raging 

 seas, and among men who seem to be rendered un- 

 susceptible of the tender affections of the heart, by 

 the necessity of braving continued danger, you 

 met with feeling and compassionate beings." 



Sonnini was desirous of extending his researches 

 throughout the length and breadth of Africa, from 

 the Gulf of Sidra to the Cape of Good Hope. His 

 ardent spirit prompted him to propose the gigantic 

 project he had formed ; but it was not sanctioned 

 by those in authority, and he was limited to a nar- 

 rower field. His attention was to be peculiarly 

 devoted to the natural productions of the country, 

 and to extend to the manners and habits of the 

 people. The narrative of his travels in Egypt 

 gives a minute and animated picture of his personal 

 adventures, and is full of valuable zoological obser- 

 vations. 



One of the former was of a very reprehensible 

 character, and had nearly cost him dear. Having 

 been detained some time at Cairo, he amused him- 



