398 
MENUF. 
stood few were larger, and those only a very little. I looked also 
in vain for his little stick, with which a single man was to move so 
prodigious a weight as a yard of one hundred feet, with a propor- 
tionable sail annexed. Alas ! the present race has lost this valuable 
discovery, which, not even Mr. Bruce's elegant drawing and section 
could preserve, and it is now necessary to employ seven or eight men 
to dip the yard, and change it from one side to the other. Our cabin 
was comfortable, though low, and we were furnished with excellent 
provision through the care of Mr. Thomaso. The Rais went on till 
about two, when he stopped for day-light to pass a place considered 
as dangerous, in consequence of piles driven into the river to turn a 
part of the stream into the Damietta branch, which was nearly dry. 
This work succeeded, but occasioned the loss of several vessels.' 
March 11. — The river winds so considerably, that every half 
hour the wind must be adverse, let it come from what point it will. 
It blew fresh towards the middle of the day, and drove us against 
a bank, where we were obliged to track. We reached Menuf about 
twelve, but our cook-boat did not make its appearance till three; 
During our stay here I received a very polite message from the 
Kacheef, saying that he should be happy to see me, or would pay 
me a visit. I went to him. He was a sensible Turk, who made 
very civil speeches. He wished to know if I wanted any thing. 
He expressed a regret that, as he had not many sheep here, he had 
been able to send me only two, but had a bullock at my service if 
I wished for it. This I declined, and soon took my leave. I found 
the sheep had arrived, with a cargo of bread, and some coffee. A 
present was requisite in return. I sent him a muslin embroidered 
shawl, and, in consequence of a hint, given to my servant, two 
