434 NOETH-EAST AFEICA. 



change of ideas between the Eastern and Western worlds, between India, Greece, and 

 Egypt, out of which arose the modern philosophies and religions. 



Nevertheless, Alexandria has failed to revive its past glories as a centre of the 

 sciences and letters. At present it is essentially an emporium of commerce. More 

 than one-third of all the Egyptian exchanges with the rest of the world are effected 

 in this seaport, which before the opening of the Suez Canal enjoyed a monopoly of 

 the export and import traffic with the "West. In 1866, the year of its greatest 

 prosperity, caused by the effects of the American Civil War on the cotton trade of 

 the world, its exports rose to nearly £20,000,000. The north-east harbour, wrongly 

 called the "New Port," although no improvements have been executed here, is very 

 shallow, and frequented only by small coasting craft. During the last century 

 vessels of this class owned by Christians were compelled to cast anchor in this harbour. 



The south-east, or " Old Port," the Eunostos, or " Haven of Welcome " of the 

 ancients, is alone available for vessels of heavy draught. Unfortunately it is of 

 difficult access, the channels being tortuous and obstructed by reefs, amongst which 

 large ships cannot venture without a pilot. In rough weather even light craft are not 

 free from the risk of running aground. But inside the pier, which forms a south- 

 westerly prolongation of the coast-line from the peninsula of Pharos, shipping of every 

 description finds complete shelter and ample space to ride at anchor. There is 

 altogether a water surface of no less than 1,000 acres, with a normal depth of from 

 28 to 33 feet. 



The Mahmudieh Canal, which has its outlet in this port, should and occasionally 

 does serve, jointly with the railway, as a highway'' of communication between Alex- 

 andria and the Nile Valley. But notwithstanding its foul condition, the water of 

 this canal is utilised chiefly to supply the inhabitants of this seaport, and to irrigate 

 the surrounding plains. At times the canal has been completely exhausted, leaving 

 the boats frequenting it landed high and dry on its muddy banks. 



The local industries contribute but little to the general trade of the place. The 

 chief articles here manufactured are silk and cotton woven goods, reed and palm 

 matting, essences and perfumery. 



Ramleh — Meks — MUDAR. 



Like all other great cities, Alexandria has its complement of suburban resi- 

 dences, environs, and pleasure-grounds. Along the canal and fortifications 

 stretching southwards the country seats enjoy the shade of avenues of palms, 

 clusters of bananas, mimosas, and other tropical plants. Towards the north-east 

 Nicopolis, built by Augustus to commemorate the battle of Actium", has been 

 replaced by the modern town of Ramleh, or "The Sands." During the last 

 century little more than a shifting dune, Ramleh has now become an extensive 

 aggregation of palaces, country residences, villas, hotels, houses in every form and 

 style of architecture, painted in every hue, and scattered without order along the 

 beach or within view of the sea. 



Southwards stands the château of Meks, at a point of the coast-line where it 



