Formerly the world was accustomed to speak of Egypt as the “land of ruins;” a better title is now given, the “land of monuments.” The reason of the change in the title is that it has been found that its ruins contain the account of the past history of Egypt. Hundreds of years ago travelers came across these great ruins covered over with sculptures and paintings, they found traces of the existence of gigantic structures, they found, in almost perfect preservation, great structures like the pyramids and the sphinx. Here evidently was a treasure-house of information, but where was the key to unlock it? It was like a great pawnbroker’s shop, full of rubbish, but also with many articles of value locked up within its walls, but with no key to unlock its doors. It was a land of enigmas, of puzzling problems, of riddles. The traveler turned from object to object with the tone of interrogation. Why was this, and this? What was its purpose? How came it here? What does it all mean? Evidently these great buildings were not erected, these mysterious sculptures carved, these puzzling paintings drawn, merely to amuse a passing fancy. There must be some meaning in them. Scholar after scholar pored over it, beat their brains about it, and gave it up. Century after century passed away and still the mystery remained. There was one key which was found, but to use this key another key was needed. The writing of the Egyptians yet remained. Undoubtedly, in their sacred books, and in the inscriptions on the monuments or walls of the temples were descriptions of the purpose of the great buildings, full accounts of the past and their lost history of Egypt, and perhaps accounts of arts and science now lost to the world. A rich reward this, to the scholar who should succeed in unraveling the mystery. [Illustration: ROCK TEMPLE OF IBSAMBUL, RESTORED.] THE HIEROGLYPHICS.