These exhibitions are too stubbornly authenticated by scriptural proofs, as well in the Old as in the New Testament,[185] for any one to affect disbelief in them without at the same time disbelieving the authenticity of the Scriptures themselves. Yes, I implicitly subscribe to the truth of the narration; and as I mean to bring home their _initiation_ in the art, as well as in their other several accomplishments, to the Chaldean diviners, or _Aire Coti_ shepherds--a branch of the Tuath-de-danaan colonists of this our western isle--from whom, or their relatives, under the designation of Uksi, Indo-Scythæ, or Cushite shepherds--who, if not all one and the same, were at least mixed and incorporated--the Egyptians had imbibed it--this, I trust, will plead my excuse for obtruding its notice here, as well as for dilating so much at large upon the early history of Egypt.[186] CHAPTER XII. I come now, with the same view, to consider the _destination_ of their famous “Pyramids.”[187] In this pursuit the first thing that strikes us is the uniform precision and systematic design apparent in their architecture. They all have their sides accurately adapted to the four cardinal points, as the four apertures near the summit of most of ours indicate a similar regard to fidelity to the compass. In six of them which have been opened, the principal passage preserves the same inclination of 26° to the horizon, being directed towards the polar star. And I doubt not, were the ground _within_ and _around all_ of _ours_ sufficiently explored, there would be found, in some at least, regular vistas to correspond with this description. Their obliquity too being so adjusted as to make the north side coincide with the obliquity of the sun’s rays at the summer’s solstice, has, combined with the former particulars, led some to suppose they were solely intended for astronomical uses; and certainly, if not altogether true, it bespeaks, at all events, an intimate acquaintance with _astronomical rules_,[188] as well as a due regard to the principles of _geometry_.[189]