Explorations in Bible lands during the 19th century - H. V. Hilprecht

DURING 19 CENTURY: ASSYRIA AND BABYLONIA 137
such archaeological undertakings, the managers of the new
corporation proceeded independently. The expedition which
they sent out appeared as a competitor rather than as a
helpmate of the other, and was about to risk serious collisions
between the rival workmen of the two parties by
occupying the same mound of Ooyunjuk after Rassam's departure,
when upon the energetic representation of Rawlinson,
who naturally did not look very favorably on the proceedings
of this new society, an arrangement was concluded
in London which placed matters on an entirely satisfactory
basis. The Assyrian Excavation Fund transferred its remaining
property to
Loftus and Boutcher should henceforth
the British Museum, and decided that
receive their directions
from Rawlinson.
The examination of the north palace of Ashurbanapal at
Nineveh was resumed with new vigor under these two men,
who had gathered considerable experience in the trenches of
Warka and Senkere. While Boutcher drew the numerous
sculptures and copied the monumental inscriptions,
Loftus
continued the excavations where Rassam had left them, trying
first of all to determine the precise extent of the new
building. But he also cleared a portion of its interior, and
laid bare the whole ascending passage and a portal with
three adjoining rooms at the western corner.
interested in the edifice as a whole, and in
Being deeply
the determination
of its architectural features, somewhat neglected by his predecessor,
he did not confine himself to digging for new
sculptures, though appreciating them whenever they were
found. The bas-relief representing the king in comfortable
repose upon a couch under the frees of his garden, and the
queen sitting on a chair beside him, both drinking from
cups while attendants with towels and fans stand behind
them, was with man} other interesting monuments discovered
by Loftus. Unfortunately, however, the British Museum
had not the means or did not care to continue the