372 



PPIYSICAL HISTORY OF MAN. 



relic seems referable to the period under consideration. — At the 

 present day, the flax, although a Northern plant, is cultivated 

 throughout the Arab countries, to the Dekkan inclusive. 

 Checkered baskets, and flag-shaped fans, are figured on this mummy 

 case ; and it may therefore be inferred, that the Doum-palm (Hy- 

 phasne crinita), was already known in Egypt. — This tree, is repre- 

 sented as regularly planted, in some Pharaonic plans of gardens. 



3. The Pharaonic Ages. 



The Third Period in the history of Egypt, commences with the 

 expulsion of the Hyksos or Shepherds; and with the accession of 

 the Dynasty, usually termed the Eighteenth. The temples at 

 Thebes, were chiefly reared by the princes of this, and the next 

 succeeding Dynasty; and indeed, constructions of this same date, are 

 the most numerous everywhere in Egypt and Nubia. 



On the earliest Egyptian monuments, representations of gods, are 

 rare; unless perhaps, as a hieroglyphic character: but manifestations 

 of idolatry and polytheism, abundantly distinguish the Pharaonic 

 constructions. Were, however, all other marks wanting, these con- 

 structions might readily be recognised. 



By the representation of the horse. Sieges and military expeditions, 

 (conducted on foot,) are indeed represented at Beni-Hassan : but 

 with the acquisition of the horse, a marked change appears to have 

 taken place in the national character; and the Egyptians, became 

 a warlike and conquering people. Leaving on their monuments, 

 ample illustration of the " Heroic Ages" of ancient writers. 



The earliest figure of the pig hitherto discovered, occurs in a tomb 

 at El Kab, (belonging to the commencement of the Eighteenth 

 Dynasty.) A drove, is here made to subserve agricultural pur- 

 poses, in the peculiar manner described by Herodotus. Goats, 

 had been previously employed, as appears from the anterior monu- 

 ments. 



In the procession of foreign nations bearing tribute to Thouthmosis 

 HI., a young elephant is led by men of the White Race; and it 

 may be inferred, from the latter circumstance, that the animal was 

 not derived from Africa. India?! elephants could have been conve- 

 niently transported to Egypt, either by the Persian Gulf, or alto- 



