Near the Sphynx is a temple excavated in the solid rock. Huge blocks, some seventeen feet long, of red granite are in it so arranged as to form passages and doorways; others of alabaster, of scarcely smaller dimensions, being interspersed among them. So far, information is wanting with regard to the history of this temple; but to us it is no less wonderful in its way than any of the other objects and buildings we visited.
At last the time came for the troops on board the _Euphrates_ to resume their homeward voyage. It was with regret that we took leave of Captain Dunn and officers, and proceeded to the train by which the transit across the desert was to be made. It was now late in December; the _sensation_ of cold experienced by us during the night of our journey very severe, far beyond what readings of the thermometer indicated.
By afternoon of 28th we were on board the _Crocodile_, and away from Alexandria. On New Year’s Day anchored in the Grand Harbour of Malta, in which as companions our transport had British ironclads, and vessels of all sorts belonging to various nationalities. Resuming our voyage on the 3rd, we passed Gibraltar on the 6th; thence homeward the passage was short but boisterous. On the 12th we landed at Portsmouth, our leave-taking very different in kind from that on quitting the _Euphrates_.
Duties--Geology--Societies formed--Portland prison--Parkhurst-- Garrison prisons--Gymnastics--Arrival of 33rd and 101st Regiments-- Man of 3rd Light Dragoons--Sale of decorations--Illness--Discharging soldiers--Comments.
Appointed to the Southern District,[269] the duties connected with departmental administration were entered upon without delay. Within the garrison of Portsmouth, headquarters of the district, they included work relating to embarking and disembarking troops, in addition to ordinary routine; through the district, inspections of military establishments and places with which I was already familiar.
In visiting establishments on the Isle of Wight some pleasant excursions were taken in company with a kindred spirit[270] in regard to natural things. With geological map in hand,[271] we walked from point to point comparing the strata as we proceeded with the several illustrative sketches there presented. So also official visits to the Isle of Portland gave opportunity of studying the history presented by its rocks and strata, with regard to its alternating elevations and submergences in geological periods. The operations in progress at Spithead in connection with forts intended to be built there supplied with ample material in different shapes those among us whose tastes led us to take interest in them.