DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.11637#0153
travels in upper
CHAP. XXVII.
Lakes of nati on—Cophtic convent in the Desert—
We meet with a hand of Arab robbers — Singular
scenes that ensued—Difficulty of obtaining entrance
into the monastery—Wild boars. .
We had travelled about thirteen or fourteen
leagues from Honeze on a plain, which ascended
with a constant gradual slope, and reached the
summit of a hill, or rather chain of hills, stretch-
ing to the north-north-west. Opposite to this, at
the distance of three or four leagues, is another
chain, parallel to the first. These form between
them a deep valley, furrowed by narrow passes still
deeper. The sides of this valley are perpendicular
precipices from the summits of the hills down more
than half their height : below this they are gentle
declivities of fine, loose sand. In the bottom of
this valley, at the foot of the eastern lull, are the
lakes of natron. These captivate the eye of the
traveller, fatigued with the frightful monotony of
the desert. A vast basin of water; the multitude
of shrubs, that overshadow its borders; the reeds
and other aquatic plants, that display their verdure
on the surface; the herds of deer, that assemble
there to quench their thirst; and the birds, among
which
CHAP. XXVII.
Lakes of nati on—Cophtic convent in the Desert—
We meet with a hand of Arab robbers — Singular
scenes that ensued—Difficulty of obtaining entrance
into the monastery—Wild boars. .
We had travelled about thirteen or fourteen
leagues from Honeze on a plain, which ascended
with a constant gradual slope, and reached the
summit of a hill, or rather chain of hills, stretch-
ing to the north-north-west. Opposite to this, at
the distance of three or four leagues, is another
chain, parallel to the first. These form between
them a deep valley, furrowed by narrow passes still
deeper. The sides of this valley are perpendicular
precipices from the summits of the hills down more
than half their height : below this they are gentle
declivities of fine, loose sand. In the bottom of
this valley, at the foot of the eastern lull, are the
lakes of natron. These captivate the eye of the
traveller, fatigued with the frightful monotony of
the desert. A vast basin of water; the multitude
of shrubs, that overshadow its borders; the reeds
and other aquatic plants, that display their verdure
on the surface; the herds of deer, that assemble
there to quench their thirst; and the birds, among
which