CHAPTER XII.

The Island of Philœ--The Cataract of Assouan--The Burial Place of Osiris--The Great Temple of Philœ--The Bed of Pharaoh--Shooting in Egypt--Turtle Doves--Story of the Prince Anas el Ajoud--Egyptian Songs--Vow of the Turtle Dove--Curious fact in Natural History--The Crocodile and its Guardian Bird--Arab notions regarding Animals--Legend of King Solomon and the Hoopoes--Natives of the country round the Cataracts of the Nile--Their appearance and Costume--The beautiful Mouna--Solitary Visit to the Island of Philœ--Quarrel between two native Boys--Singular instance of retributive Justice 141