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