An Egyptian Calendar. By Roland L. N. Michell, B.A. (Luzac
and Co. 3s. 6d.)—This is a combination of the Coptic and Mahommedan almanacs. According to Coptic reckoning, 1900-1901 (September 10th, 1900—September 5th, 1901, when the five interca.lary days are added) is the year 1617, the era the "Era of Martyrs ") being reckoned from the second year of Diocletian,—i.e., A.D. 284. Two Moslem years, 1318 and 1319 of the Hegira (spelt here " Iligreh"), take in the same period approximately. It is to be noted that the Coptic calendar has been adapted to the real solar year, while the obstinate conserva- tism of Mahommedanism clings to a reckoning which makes the year retrograde through all the seasons in thirty-two and a half years. The actual calendar is curiously different from ours. No important events, no birth or death dates of famous men, are given. Agricultural directions occupy the chief place. Then come religious festivals, weather notices, suggestions for health, ceremonial, &c. If this notice should meet the reader's eye on Siturday, January 19th, he may be interested in knowing that it is the anniversary of the Leylet-et Ghltass (the baptism of Christ) and the Coptic feast which commemoratesit, and that it is the day for "sowing native tobacco." The calendar, which Mr. Michell has illustrated with many interesting notes, gives us some curious glimpses into Egyptian life. The Coptic Easter falls on April 14th.
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