1907-1908.] 65 



government during the first dynasty. The Apis bulls were 

 worshipped here, and afterwards interred in the huge granite 

 sarcophagi in the Serapheum at Sak-Kara, the necropolis of 

 Memphis. These sarcophagi, or granite coffins, were 15ft. long, 

 11ft. high, and 8ft. broad, and weighed 65 tons. Some of them 

 are elaborately sculptured with hieroglyphics. The tomb of Thi, 

 with the interesting records on the walls of its chambers, was 

 described, as was also the Stepped Pyramid, which is much older 

 than the Great Pyramid, and built of brick. The rock tombs of 

 Beni Hassan, and interesting records on their walls, were illustrated 

 and described, as were the temples of Abydos, Dendera, Esna, and 

 Edfu. A reference to the rock tomb of Rameses III. provided an 

 agreeable surprise. From the paintings of the king's harpers on its 

 walls it has come to be known as the " Harper's Tomb." One of 

 the pictures thrown on the screen represented the Egyptian harper 

 of remote times, and the lecturer expressed a wish that the music 

 of the silent instrument might return out of the distant past. 

 Immediately the strains of a harp sounded through the hall, and 

 on a screen at the side of the platform being drawn aside Master 

 Malachy M'Fall was revealed. His selection was heartily 

 applauded, and the audience insisted on an encore. The 

 lecturer then dealt with the glories of Thebes, and concluded 

 with a description of the Holy Isle of Philae, built by Rameses 

 II. to commemorate his victory over the Hittites. (Applause.) 



A discussion followed, which was taken part in by the Chair- 

 man, Mr. John M. Dickson, and Mr. E. J. M'Kean, B.L. 



A cordial vote of thanks was accorded to the lecturer, on the 

 motion of Mr. W. H. Stephens, C.E., seconded by Mr. William 

 Gray, M.R.I. A., and Mr. Plunkett having suitably replied, the 

 proceedings terminated. 



