EGYPTIAN ANTIQUITIES.
ANOTHER collection of Egyptian Antiquities is about to be sold at SOTHEBY'S; Monday being the first day. It has been formed by Mr. JAMES BURTON, brother of the architect; and though neither so rich nor so extensive as SALT'S, contains some rare curiosities. The most interesting are two musical instruments,—namely, the Sistrum, ( Lot 245,) of bronze, sixteen inches long, consisting of an oval hoop, the narrow end terminating in a hollow handle, with three strings or wires passed through the hoop crosswise—these, however, are want- ing; and a rude sort of canoe-shaped guitar, covered with parchment, with four strings fastened to pegs in a solid wooden handle, the whole being three feet eight inches long (Lot 246). Among the other articles, are some fine papyri, in rolls, and bound volumes; a few mummies of animals; numerous idols, vases, scarabei, bronzes, rings, Sze. ; a basket of carpenter's tools, of the rudest description ; painters' palettes, and toilette utensils ; bread, fruits, and spices; and a pre- pared feast, set out on the rude stand of cane and papyrus as it was found in a tomb; sandals and a shirt. The more common the object, the more readily it transports the mind back to the time when it was in the hand of a living man. A crust of bread three thousand years old is not without interest—though probably very tasteless.
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