45 .-- Plan of Pithom.] [Illustration: Fig.

46 .-- Store-chambers of the Ramesseum.] [Illustration: Fig.

47 .-- Dike at Wady Gerraweh.] The irrigation system of Egypt is but little changed since the olden time.
Some new canals have been cut, and yet more have been silted up through the negligence of those in power; but the general scheme, and the methods employed, continue much the same, and demand but little engineering skill.
Wherever I have investigated the remains of ancient canals, I have been unable to detect any traces of masonry at the weak points, or at the mouths, of these cuttings.

They are mere excavated ditches, from twenty to sixty or seventy feet in width.

The earth flung out during the work was thrown to right and left, forming irregular embankments from seven to fourteen feet in height.