In transcribing the following paragraphs from the Internet Archive online version of The Imperial Gazetteer’s entry on Egypt I have divided the long entry into separate documents, expanded abbreviations for easier reading, and added paragraphing and links to material in the Victorian Web. Unless otherwise noted, charts and illustrations come from the original Gazetteer. — George P. Landow
he following general view of the exterior features of the city is given by Dr. Hoffmeister (1846): Palm-trees and mimosas rise in grand picturesque groups above the city walls. The central part of the background is filled by a wood of palms, stretching into the distance; near to this, on the right, rise the giant structures of the pyramids of Ghizeh. These supply the place of mountains, which would other wise be wanting to complete the picture, the foreground of which consists of a thick wood of acacia. In the interspace are fields of maize; in the midst of the plain a small lake, embowered with rows of the Labekacacia. On the horizon the desert may be distinctly perceived, by the yellowish-gray of the atmos phere which hangs over it. The cemeteries or cities of tombs," are situated outside the walls. Among them are the sepulchres of the Mamaluke kings, of the Circassian dynasty (reigned 1382-1517), on its East side, beyond the gate Bab-el-Nasr. To each tomb a mosque is attached.
The palace and gardens of Shoobra lie about 4 miles to the North of the city, the road to which, along the banks of the Nile, is shaded with lofty sycamores. This splendid country-seat of Mahomet Ali is begirt with a fine pleasure-garden; more than 30 Persian wheels are employed in irrigating its grounds. In its immediate vicinity are some other villas; and adjoining them, a row of extensive manufactories. Between Boulac and Cairo are the fine palace and magnificent gardens of Ibrahim Pasha. [1.552]
Bibliography
Blackie, Walker Grahamiles The Imperial Gazetteer: A General Dictionary of Geography, Physical, Political, Statistical and Descriptive. 4 vols. London: Blackie & Son, 1856. Internet Archive. Inline version of a copy in the University of California Library. Web. 31 July 2020.
Last modified 1 August 2020