3 
with mud, occasioned; so that we passed it almost 
without perceiving it. 
The wind failing altogether, we cast anchor in the 
Nile, near the land, at a short distance from the bar. 
How fine a sight it is to see this sea of smooth water! 
The mouth of the Nile was at a league's distance at 
least; we were in reality in the Mediterranean Sea; 
and we drank some of the water, which was perfectly 
sweet, and which repels the water of the sea far beyond 
the bar. 
At half past nine a favourable wind sprang up, and 
we set sail. At ten we entered the mouth of the Nile. 
What a fine picture! This majestic river, whose waters 
flow slowly between two banks covered with palm- 
trees, and those of every other species; with large 
• plantations of rice, which were then in cultivation; 
with an infinity of wild and aromatic plants, whose 
perfumes embalmed the air; with villages, and small 
houses, scattered here and there; with cows, sheep, and 
other animals, peaceably reposing upon the verdure; 
with a thousand species of birds, which made the air 
resound with their notes; with millions of geese, 
ducks, and water fowl, diving into the water; with 
large flocks of swans, which appeared as sovereigns 
among these aqueous animals; all combined to make 
me exclaim, Ah! why did not the goddess of Love fix 
her abode upon the banks of the mouth of the Nile! 
We saw Fort Julian upon the left bank of the river; 
it appeared to be in a good state, and well furnished 
with artillery. Upon the right was a large island newly 
formed, named Djezira Hhadera, or Green Island, 
which owes its origin to the shipwreck of a djerme, 
upon which the sand and mud have accumulated: it is 
at present of a great extent, and covered with houses 
