es and
sheep are frequently sacrified at the shrines of sheiks of reputed
sanctity, or at the mosque dedicated to Lady Zeynab. A pilgrimage to
Mecca and the performance of certain ceremonies there are supposed to
cleanse the pilgrim from sin. The Copts (who form the minority of the
population) have always preserved their veneration for Scripture, but
neglected it, and were extremely ignorant, till in some degree aroused
by the efforts of missionaries to seek more after education, and to read
more of the Word of God." She proceeds thus to describe the work among
these people: "On our yearly Nile excursion we had great cause for
encouragement, both among the Copts and the far more numerous Moslems.
The coast of the river is dotted with numbers of villages--some almost
large enough to be considered towns, boasting a few houses with windows,
a mosque, and a small primitive school; others are mere hamlets,
consisting of mud huts crowded closely together, and built in and out of
the palm-trees. We brought to several of these places both medicine for
the sick and books for those who desired them, and were heartily
welcomed as the peasants' friends; indeed every year the welcome grows
warmer. Dr. Azury, the skilful medical man of the Mission, has always
numerous patients; and after their bodily ailments have been attended
to, they and their friends and neighbours assemble on the shore to hear
him read from the Bible. Mrs. Shakoor and myself are at the same time
occupied in visiting the poor women in their homes or in reading and
speaking to troops of both men and women in the open air. When we are
going to leave, the boat is besieged by men and lads asking for Bibles
or portions of Scripture, which are given to those only who can read.
The last sight as we sail away is often that of a circle gathered round
one who reads aloud to those who cannot read for themselves." [1]

[Footnote 1: _Report of the English-Egyptian Mission_ for 1887.]

V.

PROGRESS OF THE SCHOOLS.

The boys' school, which had begun with a few ragged Moslem children in a
room which was little better than a stable, increased rapidly. In 1870
the pupils numbered one hundred and sixty in daily attendance. About
half were Moslems, the rest Copts and Syrians, with one or two little
negro slaves or bronzed Nubians. Many were very poor, but some belonged
to the middle classes, and there were even a few from wealthy families,
who would ride to school on donke