The Pyramids, of which I have so often spoken, are, above all things, the most wonderful of the Egyptian antiquities, and exhibit the science of early times graphically. Nor were their temples less majestic. That erected at Sais had in it a sanctuary, which consisted of a single stone. The carriage of this employed two thousand men for the whole period of three years. The length of this hallowed stone was twenty-one cubits, the width fourteen, and the height eight—and allowing the cubit to be one foot seven inches, you will have an idea of its diminsions. The practice of erecting monolithic (single stone) temples was very general in Egypt, some striking specimens having been preserved in various parts of the country. Pilgrimages and sacrifices were a part of the system of religion. The latter were employed for the expiation of sins. The worshipper placed his hand on the head of the victim, loaded it with imprecations, and its last gasp was the seal of his pardon. Till the reign of Amasis, even human victims were offered. Besides the heavenly bodies, some kinds of animals, also, were worshipped. These were not regarded as mere symbols, but adored as actual gods, like the Apis and Mnevis; this worship arose from the hieroglyphics of the Egyptians. In one of their places of worship, the painting below was found, which represents offerings, attended by priestesses, coming to the temple. And with this, I shall conclude my notes upon Egypt. [Illustration] THE WILLOW TREE. FROM MARY HOWITT’s “DIAL OF LOVE AT NOON-DAY.” In a valley deep a little stream did run, Dashing o’er the pebbles in the blithsome sun; By the river’s edge the forget-me-not did grow, And a weeping willow kissed the water’s flow. The violet raised its head from under the willow-tree, Whispering gentle words, as also did the bee, Who came to gather honey from the lovely flowers Of the valley meadow, till the cruel mowers Came, each scythe in hand, to that valley deep, And cut down the flowers. Weep, weep, oh weep! Now no more the flowers fill with scent the air, Now no more the skylark has a young brood there. Lonely is the willow, by the water’s flow, Weeping, ever weeping, to the stream below:— Weeping, ever weeping, like a thing forlorn— Mourning for the flowers that were cut down at morn. The corn is ripe and golden, the autumn sun o’erhead, But in that silent valley the willow-tree is dead. [Illustration: The Goat of the Welsh Guards] The Regimental Goat.