DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.9059#0157
CROCODILES.
145
formerly have been found on the Nile in <far
greater numbers than at present. Moreover, let
it be borne in mind that in the daj^s of Abd-el-
Latyf (1190 of the present era) hippopotami
were still to be found in the Damietta branch.
Therefore, seeing what a number of crocodile
mummies are found, not only at Maabdeh, but
also in various other parts of Egypt, one may
rest assured that once upon a time the Nile
produced these creatures in considerable num-
bers. When Champollion passed Keneh, he
saw fourteen crocodiles "in-solemn conclave"
on an islet. If the like good fortune never now
falls to the lot of the tourist, it is because the
crocodile is driven back farther and farther
south by the fire-arms of travellers, and the
constant passing of steamboats, to such an
extent that the Nile is likely ere long to know
them no more below Assouan, except by tradi-
tion.
Manfalout, Siout, * Tahtah, Sohag and Girgeh
* Siout, however, deserves a visit, being the capital of
the province, and having an important trade with Darfur,
from whence caravans arrive periodically. Its pottery
works are justly renowned. It is a picturesque place,
and tho bazaars afford many interesting studies, both of
costume and manners. [The flourishing American mis-
sion at Siout, under the direction of the United Presby-
terians, is worthy of a visit. — Ed.]
145
formerly have been found on the Nile in <far
greater numbers than at present. Moreover, let
it be borne in mind that in the daj^s of Abd-el-
Latyf (1190 of the present era) hippopotami
were still to be found in the Damietta branch.
Therefore, seeing what a number of crocodile
mummies are found, not only at Maabdeh, but
also in various other parts of Egypt, one may
rest assured that once upon a time the Nile
produced these creatures in considerable num-
bers. When Champollion passed Keneh, he
saw fourteen crocodiles "in-solemn conclave"
on an islet. If the like good fortune never now
falls to the lot of the tourist, it is because the
crocodile is driven back farther and farther
south by the fire-arms of travellers, and the
constant passing of steamboats, to such an
extent that the Nile is likely ere long to know
them no more below Assouan, except by tradi-
tion.
Manfalout, Siout, * Tahtah, Sohag and Girgeh
* Siout, however, deserves a visit, being the capital of
the province, and having an important trade with Darfur,
from whence caravans arrive periodically. Its pottery
works are justly renowned. It is a picturesque place,
and tho bazaars afford many interesting studies, both of
costume and manners. [The flourishing American mis-
sion at Siout, under the direction of the United Presby-
terians, is worthy of a visit. — Ed.]