travels

260 TRAVELS IN EGYPT, NUBIA,neglected state as that described by former travellers, thereis a square fort newly erected on the east side of the Mokattam,commanding it.It is approached from the interveningvalley by a sloping causeway, about sixteen feetbroad, on high narrow arches, whose intermediate space isstrengthened by buttresses.The fort is retired about a hundredyards from the crest of the hill, and the ground in frontis cut away into an esplanade.It has bastions and curtainsof small dimensions, and would be large enough for a Europeangarrison of four hundred men; though that numberwould be considerably augmented where the defenders areTurks.It is of masonry, casemated, and bomb-proof againstsmall shells: the walls about twelve feet thick, with loopholesin parts admitting them. No guns were mounted, thoiighthere Was space enough in the flanks to place them if required.The other parts of the Mokattam behind commandthe fort at about musquet'-shot distance; but the neighbouringground is completely isolated, and might be fortified so asto form a mutual support with the fort.This was withoutcistern or well; but the Turkish engineer was about to makeone.There is a sally-port to the east, and to the west wasthe principal entrance.The desert adjoins the Mokattam.The confidence of the Pasha's ministers in the Englishmade them allow me to remain several days in the fort; andthe engineer showed me his plans, which were well drawn.ΚΥΠΡΙΑΚΗ ΒΙΒΛΙΟΘΗΚΗ