It has been published by Mariette, KurnaL, pi

STELE OF KING SMENDES 863

ployed in carrying the earth in baskets come witli their childrcn at the breast, and since the suckling of infants is prolongea to a hite pcriod in Kgypt, infants {nekidnu) may be seen phiying, running and babbling in groups by the side of the hibourers.

The stelc, intended to commemorate the opening of the quarry, is silent on the works which were undertaken at Tliobes. But the restoration took effect and must hâve left traces behind it. It would pcrliaps be useful to make excavations in the neiglibourhood of the hike of Thothmes III, We shoLild hâve a chance of discovering there, it may be, an inscription w hich will complète the text of Dababieh, it may be a cartouche which will allow us to détermine indubitably what parts of the building were attacked by the water and subsequently Consolidated by king Nsbindidi or Smendes.