tarted by land. Ameres rode in a chariot,
which was similar in form to those used for war, except that the sides
were much higher, forming a sort of deep open box, against which those
standing in it could rest their bodies. Amuba and Chebron traveled in
a wagon drawn by two oxen; the rest of the party went on foot.

At the end of two days they arrived at their destination. The house
was a small one compared to the great mansion near Thebes, but it was
built on a similar plan. A high wall surrounded an inclosure of a
quarter of an acre. In the center stood the house with one large
apartment for general purposes, and small bedchambers opening from it
on either side. The garden, although small, was kept with scrupulous
care. Rows of fruit trees afforded a pleasant shade. In front of the
house there was a small pond bordered with lilies and rushes. A Nubian
slave and his wife kept everything in readiness for the owner whenever
he should appear. A larger retinue of servants was unnecessary, as a
cook and barber were among those who traveled in the train of Ameres.
The overseer of the estate was in readiness to receive the high
priest.

"I have brought my son with me," Ameres said when the ceremonial
observances and salutations were concluded. "He is going to commence
his studies in irrigation, but I shall not have time at present to
instruct him. I wish him to become proficient in outdoor exercises,
and beg you to procure men skilled in fishing, fowling, and hunting,
so that he can amuse his unoccupied hours with sport. At Thebes he has
but rare opportunities for these matters; for, excepting in the
preserves, game has become well-nigh extinct, while as for fowling,
there is none of it to be had in Upper Egypt, while here in the
marshes birds abound."

The superintendent promised that suitable men should be forthcoming,
one of each caste; for in Egypt men always followed the occupation of
their fathers, and each branch of trade was occupied by men forming
distinct castes, who married only in their own caste, worked just as
their fathers had done before them, and did not dream of change or
elevation. Thus the fowler knew nothing about catching fish or the
fishermen of fowling. Both, however, knew something about hunting; for
the slaying of the hyenas, that carried off the young lambs, and kids
from the villages, and the great river-horses, which came out and
devastated the fields, was a part of the business of every villag