333 



most probably, have been ever since the sea existed; 

 is certain.* 



Mr. liruce says, " On the opposite, or Arabian 

 side, the sea coast of the Hejas, and that of the Te- 

 lia ma, are all moving sands ; and the dry winter mon- 

 soon from the south east blows a large quantity from 

 the deserts, which is lodged among the rocks on the 

 Arabian si !e of the gulf, and confined there by the 

 north east, OP summer monsoon, which is in a contrary 

 direction, and hinders them from coming over, or cir- 

 culating towards the Egyptian side."t 



From this source, and in this manner the Arabian 

 deserts are constantly advancing into that sea. 



At its northern extremity, where it is more frequented 

 and better known by travellers, we have a more par- 

 ticular account of the changes that have taken place. 



In speaking of the winds of the Arabian deserts, 

 Dr. Shaie observes, " Of these the southerly ones are 

 the gentlest ; though those in other directions are the 

 most frequent ; and by blowing over a vast tract of 

 this sandy desert, and bearing away the sandy surface 

 along with them, make continual encroachments upon, 

 the sea, and frequent changes upon the continent. 

 From the same cause likewise, not only the harbour of 

 Suez is, at present entirely filled up ; but the channel 

 of the sea which extendeth two or three miles further 

 to the northward, nay once, perhaps, reached as 



* See Rennell's Herodotus, p. 454 & 457. 



f Bruce's Travels, second edition, vol. If, page 122. 



