546 WONDERS OF ART. A' 
into narrow paths, leading to deep perpendicular P‘**’ jii| 
tlie bottom of these pits are other adorned charnhcf 
lower stiU a new series of perpendicular pits and ho (li( 
chambers, until at length, ascending a long flight 
visiter reaches an open place on a level with the cham 
first entered. ores^”'’' 
The ancient Latopohs, now called Esneh, ‘ jj cO'l 
among its remains, the portico of a temple which 
sidered as one of the most perfect monuments ot ‘ 
architecture. It is very well preserved, and possessc*^!^ jp' 
richness of sculpture. It is composed of eighteen 
elegant columns, with broad capitals ; and the hieroS j-^ljUti 
■ 1 relief with which it is covered wilhinside and 
have been executed with great care. They contai"'^^ 
other subjects, a zodiac, and large figures of ^ 
crocodiles’ heads. The capitals, though all differed 
very fine effect ; and, as a proof that the Egypha^’j 
borrow from other nations, it may be remarked, 
ornaments of which these capitals are composed, js ' 
taken from the productions of their own country, 
lotus, the palm-tree, the vine, the rush, &:c. 
CRYPT.®, OR CATACOMBS OF ALEXA>'iP’^'^^.j;(|l)’ 
In the construction of these primeval sepulchres a pj® jjjll 
labour has been bestowed. They are situated ^ 
league along the shore, to the westward of the 'Jj, 
of Alexandria. Their intricacy is such that the 
not enter tliem without being provided witli a clu^ ^^ic^, 
to secure tlieir retreat. Doctor Clarke has been 
in his description of these subterraneous abodes ° 
and from his interesting narrative the following P^*^ W 
extracted. 
“ The original entrance to them is now close^» 
tenially concealed from observation. The ow jj S ‘ 
which admittance to the interior is practicabl®j^|,giy ',((• 
aperture made through the soft and sandy rock, * ;ii' 
enough to admit a person upon his hands and ‘ ^ it'j 
it is not unusual to encounter jackals, escaping 
lerior, when alarmed by any person npproacn'j^jjj^i^ 
account the guide.s recommend the practice 
gun, or pisttd, to prevent any sally of tliis kntd. D ^ 
this aperture with lighted tapers, we arrived, ■' 
