The great pyramid passages and chambers

PLATE CLVII. of the Horizontal Passage leading to the Queen’s Chamber. One of these (Plate CLVII) shows the floor of the Horizontal Passage, and John standing on it with his left hand resting against the sheer-cut-off above the doorway. 580 Two other photographs, one of which was taken with a long-focus lens, and

The entrance of the Horizontal Passage to the Queen's Chamber; showing the sheer-cut-off of the Grand Gallery floor.

both taken with the camera erected on a higher level than in the one described, give a good impression of the long sloping floor, Ramps and side walls disappearing into the darkness above—Plates CLVI & CLVIII. Judah, who stands on the floor of the Horizontal Passage, is leaning against the sheer-cut-off; while John is seen ascending the very steep and slippery floor of the lofty Gallery, his feet placed in the shallow footholds, and his hands holding firmly to the East Ramp.

581 The Ramps are exceedingly useful. The ancient builders carved out a series of large oblong holes on the upper surface of each of them (a few of which can be seen in the photographs), for what reason we do not know; but they enable one to take hold of the Ramps more firmly. As this passage represents the Gospel Dispensation, the

291