1 ROSETTA 
CHAP. WTe were detained with the fleet until the 
I. 
- — , ninth. Upon the morning of that day, the 
BraakeVs cutter being ordered to Rosetta, we 
again set out for this place ; sailing in company 
with the Dorothea frigate, until she came off the 
mouth of the Nile. The surf on the bar being 
low, we were able to pass over it, and therefore 
entered the Rosetta branch of the river. Of 
the seven mouths this river formerly possessed, 
only two now remain ; those of Damiata and 
Rosetta. Soon after passing the bar in the 
embouchure of the Rosetta branch, an island 
divides the stream into two broad channels ; 
and just beyond the point where these again 
unite, upon the western side of the river, 
Rosetta is situate ; appearing equally beautiful, 
whether approached by land or by water. 
This small island is covered with clover and 
date-trees : it was then appropriated to the use 
of the French and Maltese prisoners, taken at 
Damiata, and other places upon the Nile 
towards Cairo. 
Rosetta, We remained at Rosetta until the twentieth, 
visiting, occasionally, the Delta, and the en- 
virons of the town. The description already 
given by Sonnini of this place is ample and 
accurate. Chameleons are very common in the 
gardens, and upon the island in the midst of 
