287 
of Edinburgh, Session 1867 - 68 . 
obelisk on a pedestal, &c., it could be sent to and set up in 
England. These plans are supposed to have been prepared in 1820 
by Captain Boswell, R.N., for the Government, but no action was 
then taken in the matter. 
It appears to me (having studied and been employed formerly as 
an engineer) that there might be no need for a vessel being built on 
purpose to carry the obelisk. A large Clyde lighter, raised upon, 
might transport it across the Bay of Biscay in summer ; or if an old 
ship, sufficiently seaworthy, is got, and the masts taken out of her, 
and the beams cut across, the obelisk might be taken alongside, 
raised, and lowered into her, iron beams being ready, with bolts 
and screws, to connect and secure the cut beams of the vessel ; then 
towed by a steamer to England. Once there, little difficulty would 
ensue before it occupied a place of distinction ; but not necessarily 
on a pedestal, which would change its original character through 
giving it additional height. It is 64 feet long, weighs 284 tons, 
and is 7 to 8 feet square at the base of the shaft. 
I understand that in an apartment in the Louvre part of the 
machinery is preserved by means of which the transport of the 
French obelisk was effected. This could be seen, or even lent to 
assist our engineers, and save heavy costs ; and this need not be 
heavy, unless with gross mismanagement and a mere job made of it. 
Honestly gone about, the cost would be moderate. 
Lord Stanley wrote me that he was not aware that the Parlia- 
ment would vote a sum of money to move the obelisk. This might 
be asked, however. 
I quite concur with Professor Piazzi Smyth in denouncing the 
barbarism of breaking off pieces of and carrying away Egyptian 
antiques ; but I think we might remove the prostrate obelisk 
hidden and buried in the sand, leaving, of course, the twin obelisk 
set up in its place, and always most interesting as a “ Cleopatra’s 
needle.” The prostrate one might be converted into building mate- 
rials ere long, if not looked after. 
Lately, in Glasgow, I made myself acquainted with the engineer 
of the Clyde Navigation, Mr A. Duncan. I went over the matter 
with him of the means of transporting the obelisk, and I suggested 
an iron casing or vessel built round it. He approved of this, and 
on my asking him to give his ideas on the matter — also to look at 
2 p 
VOL. VI. 
