may conclude that the light was admitted from above; and it is by
no means improbable that a space was left uncovered in the centre
for that purpose, this mode of building being common in hot
climates, and it would at all times have been easy to guard against
the inconvenience of rain, as the surface exposed would have been
inconsiderable.
No appearance of doors, or of apertures of any kind, is observable
in the sides of these structures; and they must either have been
entered from the tap, or by some subterranean communication.
There are instances still remaining, in the eastern parts of the Syrtis,
of fortresses more difficult of access than these, where they who
entered have evidently been drawn up with ropes by the persons
already stationed above; and we may conclude, as no traces of
any subterranean entrance were discernible. in the forts, which we
have just described, that they were entered in a similar manner.
In the walled forts we found entrances to the outer works by means
of gates, but could in no instance discover any door in the habitable
part.
We often wished for an opportunity of excavating some of these
buildings, that we might be enabled to give their plans more correctly
; but, as it was important to secure the coast-line before the
rainy season set in, we did not think ourselves justified in delaying
the advance of the party any longer than was necessary for the attainment
of that object.
As a general remark, we may here observe, that, in passing from
west to east of the Greater Syrtis, the fortresses were found to be
\ T T N M W r ' ~ (*æ ï x .j;Æ:
more perfect as we advanced towards the Cyrenaica; their interest
may be said to begin at Zaffran, to increase at Medînét Sultan, and
to continue, from thence, in almost a regular progression, to become
stronger at every step that is made towards Bengazi.