3-086-121 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Barrage of the Nile, 1898. '1. Site of the Projected Dam and Locks below the great Fall of Cataract at Assouan. Viewed from the West Bank. 2. The Dam as it will appear when Completed. 3. Site of the Projected Dam, Viewed from the East Bank. 4. Sir W. Garstin, K.C.M.G., Under-Secretary of State for Public Works, Egypt, Originator of the Project. From Photographs and Sketches supplied by Sir Benjamin Baker, F.B.S., K.C.M.G. The projected system of reservoir and dam for the storage of the waters of the Nile in Upper Egypt, with a view to the regulation of the life-giving water supply for the cultivated districts, is at last within sight of realisation. It will be remembered that the original scheme involved the submerging of the Island of Philae and its interesting monuments for a portion of each year, and the cry of the archaeologist was heard in the land denouncing such vandalism, even though wrought on behalf of modern Egypt's material prosperity. The scheme was therefore submitted to large revision, with the result that it has now been found practicable to make large concessions to the urgent cry of the agricultural districts for more water, without damage to the antiquarian value of Philae and its ruins.' From "Illustrated London News", 1898.