fOl DESCRIPTIONS OF EGYPT*. 
" scription." On passing this cataract, the aspect 
of the country is entirely changed. The valley of 
Upper Egypt, which had not before extended above 
a few miles in breadth, is entirely closed in, and 
the mountains scarcely leave a few patches, on which 
dates can be planted. The varied population of 
Egypt disappears, and is supplanted by a native 
race called Barabras, the same which, on At- 
las, are called Brebers or Berebbers, for the tribe 
of Nuba, who have given name to this portion of 
Africa, are situated much farther up, and to the 
west of Abyssinia. The Barabras are described as 
rigid Mahometans, yet a harmless, frank, and ho- 
nest people. At Siala, Mr Legh met a chief, cal- 
led the Douab CachefF, from whom he met a hos-^ 
pitable reception, and ready permission to proceed 
up the river. Passing Deghimeer and El Umba- 
rakat, at which last place there are considerable 
ruins, the travellers arrived at Kalaptsh, situated 
three miles above an island of the same name, and 
which presented a magnificent temple, though in 
a state of great dilapidation. Soon after, they came 
to a still more remarkable object, the excavated 
temple at Guerfeh Hassan, which appeared to Mr 
Legh superior to every thing else he had seen 
both above and below Syene. The outer court is 
sixty-four feet in length, and thirty-six in breadth. 
The interior consists of three chambers, the larg- 
est of which is forty-six and a half feet in length, 
