282 SIR WILLIAM DAWSON, C.M.G., LL.D., F.R.S., 



had at command an abundance of men and means, and these 

 they employed in quarrying and working stone for temples 

 and statues on a scale which has not since been equalled in 

 any part of the Avorld. In more modern times there may be 

 equally great triumphs of design and mechanical execution, 

 but they run in different directions, and aim at different 

 results from those of the ancient people of Khemi, who, with 

 all their ordinary wants superabundantly supplied by the 

 fertility of their soil and their own eminent agricultural skill, 

 could afford to spend a vast amount of energy in great works 

 of art, commemorative of their lives and national achievements 

 or tributary to their religion. 



The President. — I will ask you to return your thanks to Sir 

 William Dawson for his most interesting Paper and also to 

 Professor Hull for having been so kind as to read it. The Paper 

 is rather technical in its nature, that is, it can hardly he discussed 

 except by geologists and those who are to a certain extent versed 

 in Egyptology. In inviting remarks thereon from those present, 

 I think, in tlie first place, I should ask Professor Hull himself to 

 speak. 



Professor Hull, LL.D., F.R.S. — We have here before us the 

 results of the observations and reflections of a very accomplished 

 naturalist — one well known in this country. Sir William Dawson 

 was in Egypt in the years 1883-4, the same time that I went 

 there and to Palestine, and during his stay he made ample use of 

 the material before him, but he is very careful to inform us that 

 he did not do what I am sorry to say some travellers do, namely, 

 take chips from the works of art themselves. I feel grateful to 

 Sir William Dawson myself for having had the opportunity of 

 reading this Paper, and if any present sbould desire further 

 information on any subject touched on in it I shall be happy, so 

 far as 1 am able, to answer any question. 



The Hon. Secretary (Captain F. Petrie, F.G.S.). — Before the 

 discussion commences may I read a letter received from Major 

 Conder (D.C.L., LL.D.), who is unable to be present this evening. 



