Εικόνες σελίδας
PDF
Ηλεκτρ. έκδοση
[graphic][merged small][merged small]

FROM ROSETTA IN EGYPT, TO LARNECA
IN CYPRUS.

Return to the Fleet-Nelson's Island-Antiquities - Rosetta - Trilinguar Inscription -Scarabæus Pilularius-Curious Edifice in Rosetta of the Gothic form-Voyage to Cyprus-Appearance of the Island-Salines-Hot WindsLarneca-Insalubrity of the Island-Produce of the Land-Wine of Cyprus-Wretched Condition of the Country Phænician IdolsNature of the Cyprian Venus-Antient Gems -Signet Rings-Origin of the Camachuia-Theban Stone-Paintings commemorated upon

VOL. IV.

[ocr errors]

B

CHAP.

I.

the Fleet.

Nelson's
Island.

Gems-Notice of a Picture by Zeuxis-Substances used for the Signets of Cyprus-their most antient form.

UPON the first of May, we returned to the

Return to fleet for our baggage, and took this opportunity to examine the Isle of Bekier', or, as it is now called, "Nelson's Island." We procured here about half a bushel of the bulbs of a very superb species of lily, with which the whole island was covered. Heaps of human bodies, cast up after "the Action of the Nile," as it has been rather improperly termed, and not having been exposed to the devouring jackals, still presented upon the shore a revolting spectacle. Captain Clarke, who was with us, employed the crew of his cutter in burying their remains; and we were proud to aid their Antiqui- pious labour. Small as this island is, it yet contains some very remarkable antiquities. We observed the paved floors of buildings, with part of their superstructure, and some arched chambers lined with stucco, stretching out from the island towards Aboukir.

ties.

Other

(1) Or, Aboukir.

(2) Even the Rosetta branch of the Nile is at such a considerable distance to the East of Aboukir Bay, which was the real scene of action, that to call it the Action of the Nile is not less absurd than to name the Battle of Trafalgar the Action of Tangiers.

remains might also be observed under water
a convincing proof of the changes to which the
coast has been liable, from the encroachment

of the sea. A very singular subterraneous
passage, now open at its northern extremity,
leads to some apartments in the opposite
direction, which have an aperture above them,
on a level with the surface of the higher part of
the island no conjecture can be formed whither
this passage extended elsewhere, as it has been
opened by the sea towards the bay. Pliny
mentions this island; but the history of these
ruins seems to be lost in hopeless obscurity:
some have suspected that they might have
belonged to the antient city of Canopus, now
lying buried beneath the waves,-a memorable
instance of the fate attending cities distin-
guished only by their vices: but all this is
mere conjecture, and some reasons will be
given in the sequel to show that Canopus may
have had a different situation3. We found here
a few other curious plants, whose names will
appear in the Appendix to the Third Section; and
we observed in great abundance, among the
sand, those small and beautiful shells worn by
Maltese sailors, in their ears.

CHAP.

I.

(3) See Chap. VIII. Vol. V.

« ΠροηγούμενηΣυνέχεια »