718 REPORT— 1894. 



[6. On the Geography of Lower Nwbia. By Somers Claeke, F.S.A. 



The paper was chiefly confined to that part of Lower Nubia which will be 

 flooded by the proposed Nile reservoir. The difierence in size and colour-effect of 

 the scenery in the valley of the NUe above and below Assuan were noticed. The 

 Wadi Kenus, the abode of the Beni Kensi tribe, is nearlv coincident with the pro- 

 iected Nile reservoir, and if the proposed scheme is carried out the population to 

 be displaced numbers about 30,000, inhabiting a cultivated area of some 10,000 

 square acres (F). Population in the Ptolemaic times must have been greater, as 

 there are tracts about Korti and Dakkeh, once under cultivation, now abandoned. 

 In the Dodeka-Schoenus there are a number of temples and remains of antiquity 

 within the district thus named, a further proof of considerable population ; and the 

 district is protected by a line of forts, some of very high antiquity, some of later 

 date. The existence of Egyptian civilisation side by side with the ruder customs 

 of the natives is especially to be observed in the method of burial. The present 

 inhabitants on the course of the Nile valley from Assuan to Wadi Haifa exhibit 

 Tery slight variations in modes of dress, particularly among the women. Men go 

 to Cairo, women stop in the villages, so that the men adopt ordinary dress of 

 fellaheen in Egypt. 



The manner of building houses from lumps of earth, crude brick, with flat 

 wooden or vaulted brick roofs constructed iu the same way as those used by tlie 

 ancient Egyptians was noticed. Reed shelters are also in use. 



Not only the unique antiquities but the present people, with all life, animal and 

 vegetable alike, are afl'ected by the projected reservoir. In view of the contem- 

 plated destruction it is of the utmost importance to make an exhaustive scientitie 

 investigation of the valley before it is submerged. 



On a Neio Representation of the Vertical RelieJ of the British Isles. 

 By B. V. Darbisiiire. 



