except those of modern erection raised for pleasure and retreat, such as the Kiosks, 
which are perched in fine situations. One of these on the Island of Rhoda is three 
stories high, and presents from its summit a beautiful panorama. “ I stood upon 
the little balcony of one of the windows,” writes a lady, “ quite enchanted with the 
scene; immediately below me lay the whole extent of the island spread out with 
all its parterres and terraces, like a map of many colours girded by the silvery river, 
whose course stretched on either side as far as the eye could reach. Cairo was 
behind me, but immediately in front stood out the colossal Pyramids in bold relief: 
a blue misty haze intervened, and reminded me of the many miles which separated 
us. I could have looked and looked for ever, but some carpenters who had been 
working at the windows were pestering me for bachsliesh, and would not allow me to 
enjoy it long.” 
Wilkinson’s Egypt. St. John’s Egypt and Nubia. 
THE LETTER-WRITER. 
This has been a favourite subject with painters, and Wilkie made studies in the East 
of such groups as were thus presented to him. The letter-writer is usually found 
in the market-place, or in known stations, where those who are unable to write can 
with his aid communicate their joys or their sorrows to those far distant from them. 
The woman in this group, a Copt or Christian, is pouring into the ear of the old 
man the news to be conveyed to those whom the imagination can supply,— a husband, 
a son, or a brother, torn perhaps from her hy the hatred and cruel conscription, 
an exercise of power the most remorseless in its rigour ever exercised by Mehemet Ali. 
This business of a letter-writer is not confined to the East. In Italy public 
scribes are to be found in every city, but more especially in Rome and Naples; travellers 
in Spain have also noticed them; and, unless very recently become extinct, even 
in Paris sage-looking old men are intrusted with the secret correspondence of those 
whose education has not extended to the accomplishment of writing. 
Roberts’s Journal. 
