x THEORY OF THE EARTH. 205 



the tour of the zodiac in 26,000 years ; that it 

 indicated, for example, the position of the sol- 



and resumes the same direction toward the bottom as the 

 first signs. On the band nearest the lateral wall and the 

 north, we see first, but at a considerable distance from the 

 wall of the bottom, or the west, the Capricorn, which 

 marches in a contrary direction to the Aquarius, and is di- 

 rected toward the east, or the entrance of the portico, 

 having the feet turned toward the lateral wall. Close 

 upon it is the Sagittarius, which thus corresponds with the 

 Fishes and Ram. It also marches toward the entrance ; but 

 its feet are turned toward the axis, and in a contrary di- 

 rection to those of the Capricorn. At a certain distance 

 before, and placed near one another, are the Scorpion and a 

 woman holding the Balance. Lastly, a little before, but 

 still at a considerable distance from the anterior or eastern 

 extremity, is the Virgin which is preceded by a sphinx. 

 The Virgin and the woman holding the Balance, have also 

 their feet toward the wall, so that the Sagittary is the only 

 one which is placed with its head contrary to the other 

 signs. 



To the north of Esne is a small isolated temple, equally 

 facing the east, and having a zodiac also in its portico 

 (Great Work on Egypt, Antiquities, vol. i. Plate 87-) This 

 zodiac is upon two lateral and separated bands. That 

 which extends along the south side commences with the 

 Lion, which marches toward the bottom, or toward the 

 west, the feet turned toward the wall, or the south. It is 

 preceded by the Scarabaeus, and the latter by the Gemini, 

 marching in the same direction. The Bull, on the con- 

 trary, faces them, having a direction toward the east. But 

 the Ram and the Fishes resume the direction toward the 

 bottom, or toward the west. On the band of the north 



