74 
A TRIP TO EGYPT. 
We now entered the St. Grothard tunnel, one of the great 
engineering triumphs of our age. On emerging on the Italian side, 
we commenced to descend a series of picturesque valleys to the 
north Italian lakes, of which we got some pretty glimpses. At 
Milan we saw its unique cathedral of white marble, and wandered 
in the bright sunshine amidst the forest of white marble spires on 
its roof, each of which was ornamented by twenty-four statuettes. 
Another day’s railway ride to the south brought us to Florence, 
which has been appropriately termed £i The Home of Art,” there 
being 7,000 natives employed in producing works of art in stone, 
marble, iron, copper, gold, silver, precious stones, and on canvas. 
Passing down the fertile valley of the Arno we reached Naples late 
on Saturday night, where we had the most unusual experience in 
that city of a heavy fall of snow. We sailed from here in the fine 
steamer Bokhara, 2,500 horse power, and had magnificent views 
successively of the three great volcanoes of Southern Europe, 
Vesuvius, Stromboli, and Etna, in a state of activity, dense 
volumes of smoke issuing from their summits, whilst their sides 
were sparkling in the white snow. 
We now crossed the blue waters of the Mediterranean for 1,100 
miles, when we found ourselves steaming in sight of the fine 
Eastern port of Alexandria. 
Near the entrance of the harbour we passed the line of British 
war-ships, and as we steamed up the harbour itself we passed 
those of other nations, one of which, an Italian frigate, fired a 
salute, we presumed in honour of our arrival. The buildings 
round, including the summer palace of the Khedive, being built of 
white stone, presented an imposing appearance. 
On reaching the landing stage a scene of wild confusion 
presented itself to us. An immense crowd of half-naked men and 
boys, some with asses and some with camels, screaming and 
quarrelling, vociferating and gesticulating, strive to take possession 
of the unfortunate stranger, and almost force him to mount. And 
on a line beyond stands a vast assemblage of vehicles of varied 
size and shape. With some difficulty the luggage is disposed of, 
an ass mounted or a carriage entered; and having settled with the 
April, 1893. 
