Egypt was, formerly, a mighty empire, and had rich and haughty kings, who adorned it with magnificent temples and palaces.  I dare say you remember what you have read of it in the history of Joseph and his brethren, and in that of Moses.  It was here that Solomon built his magnificent and gorgeous Temple.  It is now, however, an exceedingly mean country, and is governed by a Turkish Pacha, whose grandfather contrived to make himself master of Egypt, as well as of Syria and Palestine.  The climate of Egypt is excessively hot,—­in fact, the nights in spring are the only pleasant part of the year.  The nights in autumn are also very fine,—­even delicious; and the rays of the moon are so bright that the natives, who sleep in the open air, cover their eyes to prevent their being injured by the brilliancy.  The greater portion of the land is covered with burning sands; but wherever the waters of the river Nile have been conducted by canals, and allowed to flow over the country, the earth becomes fertile, and fruits thrive luxuriantly.  There are but few garden flowers, but roses are extensively cultivated, the attar of roses forming an article of commerce.

There are many valuable minerals found in the earth; and beautiful marble, alabaster, salt, alum, and other useful things.  The woods, marshes, plains, and rivers supply a variety of animals, most of them wild and ferocious.  It was in Egypt that the Hippopotamus was found.  The people devote themselves to agriculture, the rearing of bees, and poultry; they also carry on an important trade with other countries.  Most of the Egyptians are strong, of a tawny complexion, and of a gay disposition.  They luxuriate in water; and esteem it the height of enjoyment to sit by a fountain, smoking their pipes; they are excessively fond of bathing.  Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is a large city, with irregular unpaved streets, and brick houses, with flat roofs.  There are a good many small manufactories; and some schools, a printing-office, and a large library.  There are numerous magnificent fountains in the city, which are indispensable on account of the intense heat; and more than a thousand shops for selling cups of coffee, of which the Egyptians are very fond; these coffee shops are called rahwehs.  All along the river Nile the banks show signs of industry; cotton, tobacco, and other produce being grown down to the water’s edge.  The Pyramids of Egypt, the time of the building of which is not known, are considered one of the wonders of the world.

* * * * *

The Greeks have sent some fine stuffs; their silk manufactures are really beautiful, and their sculptures and feather-fans are splendid.  Greece was a famous country long, long ago, in ancient history, but it has undergone many sad changes, and was for a long time ruled by the Turks.  The English, French, and Russians rid it from Turkish hands; but its present government is weak and imperfect, for the numerous