DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6551#0167
RETURN FROM UPPER EGYPT.
131
amined these remains, we passed through an undulating
country, where my companion got several fair shots at
cranes, but without success, although he dismounted,
and knelt down to take deliberate aim. This instance,
and what I had previously seen in the desert, near Pal-
myra, gave me a bad idea of the prowess of the Arabs.
In a few miles we came to the village of Shadowee,
situated on lofty mounds near a deep glen, through which
a large stream flows towards the Lake Moeris.7
7 I was informed, that the population of this place only amounted
to four, or five hundred, although it formerly exceeded six thousand,
and that many of the Sheiks had been killed, or forced to run away to
the desert. The Faioum presents a striking contrast to the alluvial plains
of the rest of Egypt, as it consists of high undulating ground, and of
picturesque valleys well watered by streams, which flow from the Bahr
Yousef, and from the other canals. A variety of timber and of fruit-
trees, gardens of roses, and vineyards, amidst groves of olive, and of mul-
berry-trees, vary its appearance. The Lake Moeris presents a fine ex-
panse of water to the westward, and beyond it is the interminable desert.
The antient canals, and watercourses seem to have been constructed
with great skill, and it is to be regretted that no regular survey of
them exists, as it would probably shew the former level of the Nile, and
afford information respecting the Bahr Bela Mar, and might also lead to
the discovery of the famous labyrinth, and of other celebrated remains.
Yet, notwithstanding its fertility, in no part of the country is distress
more apparent, or cultivation less attended to: indeed, a considerable
part of the land is entirely neglected; for, besides the oppression which
affects the whole country, the Bedouins, as I have mentioned, are allowed
to encamp in great numbers, and their cattle are turned out amongst the
crops in perfect security; whilst those of the inhabitants are obliged to be
driven home every evening to the villages; and the report of fire-arms,
shouting of men, and the continual barking of dogs during the night, shew
that, even there, they are not in safety. The Sheiks of the villages connive
at depredation, and keep on good terms with these savage intruders, that,
131
amined these remains, we passed through an undulating
country, where my companion got several fair shots at
cranes, but without success, although he dismounted,
and knelt down to take deliberate aim. This instance,
and what I had previously seen in the desert, near Pal-
myra, gave me a bad idea of the prowess of the Arabs.
In a few miles we came to the village of Shadowee,
situated on lofty mounds near a deep glen, through which
a large stream flows towards the Lake Moeris.7
7 I was informed, that the population of this place only amounted
to four, or five hundred, although it formerly exceeded six thousand,
and that many of the Sheiks had been killed, or forced to run away to
the desert. The Faioum presents a striking contrast to the alluvial plains
of the rest of Egypt, as it consists of high undulating ground, and of
picturesque valleys well watered by streams, which flow from the Bahr
Yousef, and from the other canals. A variety of timber and of fruit-
trees, gardens of roses, and vineyards, amidst groves of olive, and of mul-
berry-trees, vary its appearance. The Lake Moeris presents a fine ex-
panse of water to the westward, and beyond it is the interminable desert.
The antient canals, and watercourses seem to have been constructed
with great skill, and it is to be regretted that no regular survey of
them exists, as it would probably shew the former level of the Nile, and
afford information respecting the Bahr Bela Mar, and might also lead to
the discovery of the famous labyrinth, and of other celebrated remains.
Yet, notwithstanding its fertility, in no part of the country is distress
more apparent, or cultivation less attended to: indeed, a considerable
part of the land is entirely neglected; for, besides the oppression which
affects the whole country, the Bedouins, as I have mentioned, are allowed
to encamp in great numbers, and their cattle are turned out amongst the
crops in perfect security; whilst those of the inhabitants are obliged to be
driven home every evening to the villages; and the report of fire-arms,
shouting of men, and the continual barking of dogs during the night, shew
that, even there, they are not in safety. The Sheiks of the villages connive
at depredation, and keep on good terms with these savage intruders, that,