^IZ TRAVELS IN UPPER 



The devastation which the necessities of a large 

 army must require, and military labours of every 

 kind, are so many wounds given to agriculture. 

 The trees, which are so valuable in Egypt, where 

 wood of every description is extremely scarce, will 

 fall beneath the hatchet of necessity or of malevo- 

 lence ; the destruction will ensue of the ancient 

 plantations, a necessary asylum against the heat of 

 the climate, and of groves always verdant, and 

 loaded with sweet and refreshing fruits. - By this 

 means, at a moment when peace shall be restored, 

 it will be requisite to repair the ravages of war and 

 of barbarism, before any plans of improvement can 

 be carried intoexecution; an immense undertaking, 

 but not too difficult for the courage and activity of 

 the French. 



An excessive heat, particularly in the southern 

 extremity of Egypt ; the hurricanes of the south 

 rolling along clouds of dust and of flames, may ap- 

 pear inconveniences sufficiently serious to deter 

 individuals from an inclination to inhabit the new 

 colony. But the coolness of the night relieves the 

 scorching heat of day, and the soutliern impetuous 

 gusts, which are certainly attended with danger, 

 very seldom arise. There is no ancient colony but 

 what presents greater discouragements ; but there 

 is no one which possesses more numerous advan- 

 tages. The climate is by no means unhealthy. 



With 



