364 EGYPT. 
^fx^" ^^^^^^- ^^^ strong reflection of the sun's rays 
from the sand is painful ; but the most refreshing 
breezes, as constant as the sun, daily cool 
this parched coast. We did not experience any 
oppressive degree of heat, but walked about 
two miles, from the shore to the camp, with 
great pleasure. The sands were covered with 
rare plants ; and these were all in flower. 
The twelfth Dragoons, the regiment to which 
our viit was principally intended, had received 
orders to march for Rosetta the day following 
that on which we arrived. We dined with them 
in their Egyptian mess-room ; which consisted 
of a square hole in the sand, covered with the 
branches of palm-trees. In the evening we 
rode with them throughout the camp, and 
passed the outside of the lines. The whole 
front of the British army was then drawn out, 
and under arms, behind the breast-work. We 
visited the twenty -eighth regiment, in which were 
several officers of our acquaintance ; and also 
the artillery upon the heights opposite to 
Alexandria. Our videttes were then going out. 
From this place we very distinctly saw the 
French cavalry descending from the works before 
Alexandria, to relieve their own videttes. They 
were so near, that we could discern the riders, 
and distinguish them when putting on their 
