[A] "Modern Egypt," vol. ii.
We next passed the False Pyramid. It takes its name from the base being of rock and not really part of the building.
The banks of the river and villages were enlivened with palm-trees. But we passed no place of any size or interest till we came to Benisooéf.
Benisooéf is the capital of the province, the Fyoom, and has several manufactories of cotton and silk.
We are lounging idly on deck looking at the scene before us. A great many boats are tied to the shore, and a number of people are on the quay. The children are tolerably clad, and some of the old men are exceedingly picturesque in their white dresses, with their cloaks thrown over their shoulders and leaning on their staves; girls are coming down to fill their jars with water and carrying them away most gracefully on their heads. And as for animals! Hugh would find more than enough to satisfy him. Dogs, goats, poultry, cows, horses, camels, buffaloes! And such a noise! we can scarcely hear ourselves speak for the clatter. But a gentleman who is going down to Cairo, and will leave at daybreak, has just sent to know whether he can take any letters for us. So good-by for the present.
SCENE ON THE NILE.