The exterior opening Is 60 feet above the foundation, and leads into a passage 66 paces long, how much obstructed by sand and dust. It is closed by two large blocks of granite, the attempts to penetrate which seem to have been made in various directions, before the true opening was discovered. This leads into another gallery 120 feet long, and so steep, that it has been necessary to cut steps in the floor, to facilitate the ascent. This gallery terminates in a landing place 15 feet square, containing a perpendicular opening downwards, commonly called "the Well." Another gallery of 170 feet long, then leads into what is called the "Queen's chamber," about 18 feet long, by 15 broad. The hypothesis which makes it the tomb of the queen of Egypt, is purely gratuitous, as there is no sarcophagus or other object denoting such a destination. The next gallery is longer than any of the rest, extending 180 feet; it is 64 feet wide, and the roof rises to the height of 60 feet. At the end is an enormous mass of granite, which seems to have long baffled the zeal of the searchers. At length, by cutting through 13 feet of solid rock, they found the entrance of the principal chamber. This is of an oblong form, 32 feet long, 16 broad, and 18 high. At the farthest extremity, on the right, appears the sarcophagus, for the reception of which this immense structure appears to have been reared. It is of granite, 6 feet 11 inches long, 3 wide, and 3 feet 1 inch high. No other excavation, either here, or in any other part of the pyramid, has yet been discovered.

The second pyramid, or that of Cephrenes, had defied, till of late, all attempts to penetrate into its interior. The efforts of M. Belzoni, however, were successful. He was for a long time involved in passages which proved to be only forced ones, made by his predecessors, in vain attempts to find the real entrance. At length he discovered a block of granite, inclined in a similar manner to that in the passage of the pyramid of Cheops. Following this indication, he at length, about noon of the 24 March 1818, discovered the true opening of this great pyramid. Proceeding along a narrow pas sage, upwards of 100 feet in length, he reached the great chamber, 46 feet long, 16 wide, and 23 high, cut chiefly out of the rock. The most conspicuous object was a large sarcophagus of granite, half sunk in the floor, and containing a small quantity of what appeared to be human bones. On the walls was an Arabic inscription, importing that this pyramid had been opened and inspected in presence of the sultan Ali Mahomet. The appearance of this sarcophagus, with bones supposed

VOL. V. PART 1.

to be human, appeared to confirm the be lief that these stupendous monuments, as had been asserted by Strabo and Diodorus, were intended as sepulchres for the kings of Egypt. But a thigh bone which major Fitzclarence brought to London, being examined by the royal college of physicians, was pronounced to belong to a cow, whence it has been inferred that these extraordinary structures were reared in honour of this favourite object of Egyptian worship.

About 300 paces to the east of the second pyramid appears the celebrated Sphynx, or statue of a huge monster, cut in the solid rock. Dr Pocock found only the head, neck, and the top of the back visible; the rest was sunk in the sand. The length from the fore part of the neck to the tail, was 125 feet. M. Belzoni, with the same industry which he has displayed on other occasions, has lately cleared away the sand from this huge mass, and laid open a multitude of curious objects. A monolithic temple of considerable dimensions was discovered between the legs of the Sphynx, and another in one of its paws. ground in front was covered with Grecian and Roman buildings, inscriptions on which commemorated the visits of the emperors and great men to view this remarkable object.

The

PYRENEES, a range of lofty mountains in the south of Europe, which divide France from Spain, and extend, almost in a straight line, from St Sebastian on the Bay of Biscay, to Port Vendres on the Mediterranean, a distance of fully 250 miles. They have been divided into two parts, taking as the distinguishing point, the Maladetta mountains, and the country near the source of the Garonne; a track nearly equidistant from the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, where the western half of the Pyrenees seems to end, and the eastern to begin. The direction of both is the same, viz. from north-west to south-cast. These two chains, nearly continuous, form both the natural and political boundaries of the two kingdoms, and separate at their sources the streams which flow towards each. From them proceed, under various names, a number of inferior ramifications of mountains along the French territory to the north, and the Spanish to the south. Many of these are parallel to, while others are at right angles with, the main chain. The general distinction is that on the side of Spain: the aclivity of the Pyrenees is often extremely steep, presenting a continued succession of rugged chasms, abrupt precipices, and huge masses of naked rock; on that of France, the ascent is generally gradual, and the mountains both more accessible, and of more pleasant

M

aspect.

The eastern Pyrenees are seen at a great distance from the north, the intervening ground being level. Viewed from the mountain of Cette, nearly 100 miles, they seem like a vast promontory rising from the water, and exhibiting a succession of sharp and rugged summits. The central Pyrenees are obscured by detached groups of mountains; and the traveller coming from France, arrives within 40 miles, before discovering this noble barrier. The mountains are highest towards Mont Perdu, about 100 miles from the Bay of Biscay. They attain there an elevation of between 10,000 and 12,000 feet, and contain glaciers, as in the Alps; but these masses of permanent ice are much less extensive, the point of perpetual congelation being at a height of 10,000 feet, instead of 8000 (as in the Alps), a difference owing chiefly to the vicinity of the sca on either side.

In an extent of 250 miles, there are necessarily many passes; the total number, including paths for pedestrians, exceeds fifty, but the carriage roads hardly exceed five; and of these, the most frequented are from Jonquera to Perpignan on the east, from St Sebastian to St Jean de Luz on the west, and at some distance inland, from Pampeluna to St Jean de Pied de Port. It was by the last that the French army, under Soult, marched to attack the British before Pampeluna, in July 1813. The passes in the interior are over very high ground; thus, that of Pineda is 8248 feet above the sea; Gavarnie, 7640; Lavareze, 7350; and Tourmalet, 7195.

Like the Alps, the Pyrences present a surprising variety of climate and products, and the same rapid transitions froin sterility to luxuriant vegetation; from the barren rock to the verdant slope, or the smil ing valley. The rural economy of the Pyrenees is very similar to that of Switzerland. The manners of the people are marked by that hospitality and primitive simplicity, which in all ages have been the distinctive features of sequestered societies. The shepherds have often winter habitations in the lower vallies, and a summer residence in the higher. There, as in the low country in this warm latitude, the productiveness of the soil depends on irrigation; and much ingenuity is displayed in conducting the water of the springs by petty channels, from one patch of land to another. But the cattle are inferior to those of the Alps; cheese and butter are scanty, and the income of the shepherds is derived from the sale of young cattle, of little value. Timber fit for ship-building grows in great quantities on the ascent of these mountains. Pitch and tar are also

abundant, and the great difficulty is in conveying them to the sea side. Of metallic productions, iron has been found chiefly towards each end of the Pyrenees, while lead and copper predominate in the centre. The precious metals, as well as cobalt and zinc, are likewise found; and the mining business is likely to be much more productive, when better understood; at present, the machinery and mode of working are extremely backward. There are here no canals; and the great rivers which carry the waters of the Pyrenees to the sea, the Ebro on the south, the Garonne and the Adour on the north, are but partly adapted for navigation. The treaty of the Pyrenees, concluded between France and Spain in 1659, took its name from the ratification having been exchanged in the isle of Pheasants, in the river Bidassoa, at the western extremity of these mountains. See the three succeeding articles; also Arriege, Department of; and Roland, Breche de.

PYRENEES, EASTERN, a department in the south of France, comprising what formerly constituted the provinces of Roussillon, Cerdagne, and part of Languedoc. It is bounded by Spain on the south, and the Mediterranean on the east. It has a superficial extent of 1650 square miles, but a population of only 127,000. The surface is mountainous, but with not so great a degree of elevation as in the centre of the Pyrenees; and on the coast of the Mediterranean there is an extensive plain. The rivers which water this department, the Tet, the Tech, the Gly, and others, are large and rapid torrents during winter and spring, but fall off greatly in the summer months. The climate varies much in dif ferent degrees of elevation, but is in general by no means cold, the winter resembling the spring of a more northern latitude, and the heats of summer being sometimes excessive, even on the mountains. The principal products, after corn, are wine, olive oil, millet, flax, and hemp. In grounds which, from their situation, admit of being watered, two, and even three crops are sometimes raised in the course of the year. The fruit is excellent; oranges and lemons grow in the open field; but plantations of wood are rare, and the heat and drought of the climate are unfavourable to pasturage. The mineral products are iron, some copper and lead, with a little alum. The manufactures are trifling; but a considerable trade is carried on in raw produce, both with Spain and the interior of France. This department belongs to the diocese of Carcassone, and to the jurisdiction of the cour royale of Montpelier. It is divided into three arrondisse

ments, viz. Perpignan (the capital), Ceret,

and Prades.

PYRENEES, LOWER, an extensive department in the south-west of France, including the ancient provinces of Bearn and Navarre, i. e. the north-west part of the Pyrenees, and the country between them and the Bay of Biscay. Its superficial extent amounts to 3100 square miles; its population to 383,000. The face of the country is mountainous; the scenery extremely diversified and romantic. It is watered by the Adour, and a number of mountain streams called gaves, all flowing westward from the Pyrenees to the sea. The climate is temperate, the great heats of summer being moderated by the breezes from the mountains and the neighbouring ocean. The principal productions are corn, flax, wine, chesnuts, and other fruit. The minerals are salt, copper, lead, iron, coal, marble, alabaster, and granite. The quantity of corn raised is equal to only half the consumption of the department; but the cultivation of vines, as well as of flax, is extensive. As the climate and situation are favourable to pasturage, the rearing of cattle is carried on with success. The manufactures are woollen, linen, leather, and of late, cottons. The articles of export are wine and brandy, timber, salt, iron, live cattle, salt meat, and wool. The department belongs to the diocese of Bayonne, and to the jurisdiction of the cour royale of Pau. It is divided into five arrondissements, viz. Pau (the capital), Oleron, Mauleon, Bayonne, and Orthez. It was the scene of military operations between the French and British, from November 1813 to March 1814. The French were inferior in numbers, but much favoured by localities, and the fulness of the mountain streams at that season.

PYRENEES, ÕPPER, a department in the Eouth-west of France, less extensive than the preceding, and formed of a portion of the Pyrenees about 70 miles from the Bay of Biscay, and of the track of country to the north. Its extent is about 1800 square miles; its population nearly 200,000. Its surface is mountainous, and is remarkable for its picturesque views and diversity of scenery. Several of its vallies, such as those of Aure, Barrege, Bastan, Campan, Cauterets, and Gavarnie, penetrate into the very heart of the Pyrenees. The soil in the elevated regions is stony, and little fit

for cultivation; but in the vallies, and on the sides of the mountains, it is very fertile. This department is watered by the Garonne, the Gimone, the Louzon, the Save, the Gers, and a multitude of inferior streams. Its mineral waters, particularly those of Bagneres, Barreges, Cauterets, &c. are celebrated. The climate is variable, but seldom subject to extremes of either heat or cold. The principal products are corn, flax, vines, figs, and other fruit; also copper, iron, lead, calamine, and other minerals. To these its export trade is li mited, the manufactures being of little account. This department belongs to the diocese of Bayonne, and to the jurisdiction of the cour royale of Pau. It is divided into three arrondissements, viz. Tarbes (the capital), Bagneres de Bigorre, and Argelles.

PYRGO, a village of European Turkey, in the Morea, province of Elis, situated on an elevated plain between Mount Olonos and the Alpheus, about 8 miles N. W. of the village of Phloka. The inhabitants are chiefly Albanians.

PYRGOS, a small town of Greece, in the island of Santorin, in the Archipelago. It is agreeably situated, and commands a fine view, both by sea and land. 6 miles S. W. of Scavo. Long. 25.38. E. Lat. 36. 26. N. PYRITZ, a town of Prussia, in Pome rania. Though an old town, it is tolerably built. Population 1700. 15 miles S. by W. of Stargard.

PYRMONT, a small district in the northwest of Germany, situated between Hanover in the north, and the Prussian government of Minden, in Westphalia, in the south. It belongs to prince Waldec, with the title of a county, but has an area of only 36 square miles, with 4300 inhabitants; so that, of the prince's income (about L.10,000), the larger half arises from the mineral springs of the capital.

PYRMONT, the chief town of the above principality. It contains 2000 inhabitants, and is in great repute for its mineral springs. It is situated in a pleasant valley, and has public walks, and houses adapted to the accommodation of visitors. 33 miles S. S. W. of Hanover, and 16 S. E. of Rin

teln.

PYSCH, a small river of East Prussia, which issues from the lake of Spirding, near the small town of Johannesberg. PYZDRY. See Peisern.

QUA

QUACHA, a lake of the United States, in Louisiana, 7 miles W. of New Orleans.

QUACKENBRUCK, a small town of Germany, in Hanover, on the river Hase, which traverses it in seven small channels, that unite in two below the town. 26 miles N. of Osnabruck, and 44 S. W. of Bremen.

QUADE, POINT, a cape on the south-west coast of the island of Celebes. Long. 119. 48. E. Lat. 5. 22. S.

QUADRA AND VANCOUVER'S ISLAND, is situated on the north-west coast of North America, between Queen Charlotte's sound and De Fuca's straits. Nootka sound lies in the vicinity of this island, on its south-west side. It was so named by captain Vancou ver, to commemorate his meeting with signior Quadra, the officer who was commissioned by the court of Spain to cede, in the name of his court, the disputed territory of Nootka to Britain, and from whom Vancouver experienced much civility and kindness.

QUADRING, a parish of England, in Lincolnshire, 7 miles N. N. W. of Spalding. Population 622.

QUAHU, a district on the Gold coast of Africa, in the kingdom of Aquamboe.

QUAICHA, a watering place in Abyssinia, near the frontier of Sennaar, 38 miles E. S. E. of Giesim.

QUAINTON, a village and parish of England, in the county of Buckingham. It is situated at the foot of a hill which commands a very extensive prospect. The church is a large and ancient building. In the church-yard is one of the largest elm trees in England; and near this is an almshouse. Population 818. 6 miles N. W. of Aylesbury.

QUAIR, a stream of Scotland, in the county of Peebles, which, after a rapid course of above 5 miles, falls into the Tweed, opposite the village of InverIeithen.

QUAKER HILL, a village of the United States, in Pawling, New York.

QUAKERTOWN, a township of the United States, in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, 33 miles N. N. W. of Philadelphia.

QUALATCHE, a town of the United States, in Georgia, 40 miles W. N. W. of Tugeloo.

QUALLA MOORBA, a river and port situated on the western coast of Malacca.

QUA

The river is large, deep, and rapid; but the heavy surge which breaks during the south-west monsoon, has formed a dangerous sand-bank, extending three miles out to sea. This river is, however, frequented on account of the tin mines in its vicinity, the annual produce of which is 1000 peculs of 133 lbs. each. It would be much more were a sufficient number of hands employed. 18 miles S. of Queda.

QUALO, a town on the north-east coast of Sumatra. Long. 99. 40. E. Lat. 2. 45. N. QUALUGA, a small seaport of Whidah, in Africa, 18 miles N. W. of Sabi. QUAMTOM, a town of China, of the third rank, in Yunan.

QUAN, a town of China, of the third rank, in Shantung.

QUANAMORA, a town of Western Africa, on the banks of the river Sher bro. Long. 10. 15. W. Lat. 7. 45. N.

QUANG-LING, a town of China, of the third rank, in Quangtong.

QUANG-PING, a city of China, of the first rank, in the southern part of Petchelee. It is situated in an agreeable and fertile territory, watered by several rivers abounding in fish. Long. 114. 29. E. Lat.

36. 47. N.

QUANG-PING, a city of China, of the second rank, in Koeitchoo. Long. 107. 27. E. Lat. 26. 50. N.

QUANG-PUNG, a town of China, of the third rank, in Petchelee.

QUANGSEE, a province of China, situated on the south-western frontier, bordering on Tonquin. The eastern and northern districts are flat, fertile, and yield rice not only for internal consumption, but even for export to the neighbouring province of Quangtong. The rest of the province consists of lofty mountains, covered with extensive forests. These mountains contain mines of gold, silver, copper, and tin, the working of which was long prohibited; but in the early part of the last century, the governor obtained permission for the people of the country to open them, on condition of paying forty per cent. to the emperor, and five per cent. to the officers and troops employed in superintending them. The mines, it appears, are so productive as to bear even these enormous imposts. The gold mines, however, were retained by the emperor in his own hands. Upon the whole, Quangsee appears to hold