DAMIETTA 
415 
half after four. At half after seven we stopped on the banks of an 
inlet of the sea, which in the time of the rising of the Nile is the vent 
of a canal. This is probably one of the Pseudostoma, mentioned 
by Ptolemy, as lying between the Sebennitic and Phatmetic mouths 
of the Nile; but as it is the only one of which we could discover a 
trace during our journey, it is impossible to ascertain whether it be 
that of Pineptimi, or Diolcos ; but, according to D'Anville, it would 
be the latter. This geographer has not laid down the country we were 
passing, with his usual accuracy ; there does not exist a vestige of 
an inland narrow lake running parallel to the sea shore, nor is there 
any village, nor any ruins where he places Lashom. 
Fearing we might want water, we had sent on an express to Da- 
mietta, ordering some to be sent to meet us: we found it waiting 
our arrival, to our great satisfaction, for ours was all gone. It blew 
very fresh in the night from the west. 
April ^8. — We observed the water had risen considerably, and 
were all obliged to pass on the camels. It was six when we mounted. 
At half after eight we were met by the Schech ofSalaniCjthe district 
opposite Damietta, and soon afterwards saw the town, and quitted 
the sea side to make direct for it. Near the Nile we were met by 
Signor Giorgio 's brother, Signor Gabriel Airut, the Russian Consul. 
Under some trees, on the banks, carpets were spread, upon which 
we partook of coffee and sherbet. The Governor, Achmed Aga, had 
sent his boat for me. As we approached the vessels, they hoisted 
their colours, and fired a gun each. On landing, I was saluted with 
as many guns as they had mounted. I went directly to the house of 
the brothers Airuts, where I received the visits of the Vice Consuls, 
and among others of the French, who being also Swedish, came in 
