303 



That the original site, on which both Thebes and 

 Memphis were built, was such as has b en represent- 

 ed, there can be no doubt. The authority which we 

 has e. for the gradual increase and elevation of the land 

 at those places, forbids our withholding assent to 

 the truth of the reports which we have received on 

 that, point. Nay more, if we extend our views back 

 a few centuries more, our imaginations will represent 

 those places to us covered at all times with water. 

 And, however strange and absurd the idea may ap- 

 pear, had not the labours of man been introduced to 

 alter or defeat the plans of nature, we should not be- 

 hold the frightful difference that is now presented to 

 view. 



We might, if the formation of the alluvial grounds 

 depended only on the alluvion of the river for its in- 

 crease, see it somewhat elevated and greatly extend- 

 ed, as in many places ; but not thrown up into mounds 

 and high banks, suited to the building of cities and 

 other works. 



" The meeting of two masses of fluid, (says Mr. 

 Volney,) produces nothing but a mixture, from which 

 a common level soon results." " Running waters 

 level much more than they heap up."* 



With a view to the better understanding of this 

 subject, I will examine some of the conclusions w r hich 

 Dr. ftiuur has drawn from these premises. 



Volney's Travels, page 26. 



