Page:Philosophical Transactions - Volume 145.djvu/138

122 reference to the great question of the duration of its secular increase. I rejoice to think that I am to have so able a coadjutor on the spot, for in the prosecution of this inquiry you may solve some of the most interesting questions in the history of ancient Egypt. Your suggestions as to the spots where the shafts should be sunk around the Obelisk of Heliopolis are excellent.

"In carrying the plans into execution, it is important that the following particulars should be attended to:—

"1. To make a ground plan of the space around the obelisk within which the shafts are to be sunk, marking the exact spot of each shaft and its distance from the obelisk.

"2. In digging the shaft A, to mark the depth from the highest point upon or near to the obelisk which the alluvial deposit now reaches to the base of the masonry on which the obelisk stands.

"3. If the above masonry rests on rubbish or on Nile mud; if the former, the nature of the rubbish and its thickness.

"4. If the rubbish rests on Nile mud.

"5. The sinking of the shaft to continue so long as it passes through characteristic Nile mud, marking the depth of the mud.

"6. If the mud be completely penetrated through, the nature of the ground on which the lowest layer of mud rests.

"7. In all the shafts sunk, to note every change in the nature of the soils passed through. and to preserve a specimen of each variety of soil, carefully marking the specimen with a number referring to a catalogue descriptive of the sinking.

"8. To examine carefully whether there are any shells or other organic bodies in the soils passed through; and if so, to preserve them, marking each specimen in the way mentioned in No. 7.

"9. If any fragments of human art be found in the soils passed through; and, unless they be brick or other rude material, to preserve them, marking each specimen in the way mentioned in No. 7.

"10. To note the thickness of the layers of Nile deposit, and the number of them in a given space, say a foot."

On the 3rd of June 1851, wrote to me as follows:—"His Highness the Viceroy has been pleased to grant every aid and means required for the execution of the works of research at Heliopolis, consequently I trust that your plans will be carried out to your complete satisfaction. Arrangements have been made to commence working at Heliopolis on the 10th of this month. During the operations I shall most scrupulously adhere to the general directions with which you have favoured me."