438 SEMENOUD. 
where they will be free from injury, and their merit be justly ap- 
preciated. 
As it was impossible for Mr. Salt to finish drawing, during the 
evening, all the remains that were visible, he and Captain Vincenzo 
staid behind while we proceeded to Semenoud, where we were very 
civilly received by the Schech, who came to make the excuses of 
the Gacheef, for his not being able to wait upon us, in consequence 
of severe indisposition. 
May 13. —It was very sultry in the morning, till the air was 
cooled by a violent thunder storm. Mr. Briggs and I went, as usual, 
to the Hummaum, which we invariably found refreshed and cooled 
us, and took off the sensation of soreness, which exercise in such a 
climate is apt to produce. The inhabitants were extremely civil ; 
the better order complained heavily of the oppressions under which 
they laboured, and declared that the French did not use them half 
so ill. The poorer people brought me a few trifling antiques to pur- 
chase, and among others a small brass statue of Isis, as she is repre- 
sented at Bahbeit, with large horns, and the moon placed between 
them ; composing altogether a head dress which a mortal would 
be unable to sustain. Captain Vincenzo and Mr. Salt returned to 
dinner, having finished the drawings, and purchased for me a dove- 
tail of metal, evidently intended to fasten two stones together. My 
friend, Mr. Davy, informs me that it is pure copper. On account of 
its singularity I have given a drawing of it, with the hieroglyphics 
that are still visible. 
We were informed in the evening, that Mohammed AU had or- 
dered a fresh contribution of grain to be levied on the Delta, in 
consequence of the alarm excited by the appearance of Elfi and his 
