MERAWI trenches in which the foundations of block-houses were to be laid. The route from Merawi to Berber via the Desert of Gilif cuts off the great bend which the Nile makes between these places, and is much frequented; it was actually traversed by the Camel Corps in 1897, when they marched to strengthen Berber after its evacuation by the Dervishes, and it is used as a trade road to this day.

Lepsius was of opinion " that once, though perhaps not in historic *' times, there must have been a connection by water which cut off *'the largest portion of the great eastern bend of the Nile, now VIEW OF THE' TOWN OK MERAWI, SHOWING THE FORT AND MOSQUE IN 1842.

[From Russegger, Rehen, Plate 22.

** formed by the rocky elevated plateau at Abu Hammed, driving " back the stream above a degree and a half towards the south, " contrary to its common direction." ' Whether this was so or not, geologists must decide.

At a distance of from eight to ten miles up stream, according to the road taken, on the same side, i.e., the west of the river, is the great pyramid field of Nuri, cr Nurri ; the journey may easily be made on a camel in a little over two hours, but in a sailing boat rather longer time is required. The pyramids of Nuri stand on a "Letters from Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sinai," p. 218.

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