SOME BOOKS OF THE WEEK.
[Under this heading we notice such Books of the week as have not been reserved for revWic in other forms.] The Assouan Reservoir and Lake Moeris. By Sir William Will- cocks, K.C.M.G. (E. and F. N. Spon. 58. net.)—Sir William Willcocks's contention is not new ; indeed, it may be said to be as old as history. It is, briefly put, that Egypt wants more water, or rather, better regulation of the water that she has. The Assouan Reservoir holds a milliard of gallons ; this is all bespoken. Three milliards more are wanted, and the money necessary for supplying them is at hand. At a cost of about £4,500,000, about £45,000,000 could be added to the wealth of the country, and money that now brings in an income of a quarter of a million would produce about three millions and a half. We need hardly say that the arguments, facts, and figures by which these amazing statements are established are well worth study. Sir William Willcocks gives a curious version of the history of Joseph as Egyptian Vizier. He was in power when the Hyksos dynasty was declining, pressed hard by the native rulers of Upflr Egypt. These were about to possess themselves of Ha-Uar (Hawara), the regulator of Lake Moeris. This meant famine for Lower Egypt. Before it was accomplished the Hyksos Pharaoh was advised to make all the provision that he could.
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