text:  The description of objects of natural history is at all times a favourite topic; and the sojourn of the lovers in Egypt affords the author an opportunity of indulging in details relative to the habits and appearances of the various strange animals found in that country--the crocodile the hippopotamus and the elephant are described with considerable spirit and fidelity; and even the form and colours of the fabulous phoenix are delineated with all the confidence of an eyewitness