Travels in Southern Abyssinia, through the country of Adal to the kingdom of Shoa

Preface

. As a young Author I may be aUowed to make a feAV introductory remarks, for the purpose of pro pitiating that spirit of critical inquiry which avUI probably be directed to the examination of these volumes. To undertake this journey into Africa I resigned a valuable medical appointment in the East, and voluntarily assumed the character of an adventurer. My taste and prudence were questioned much at the time by my friends. AVhether the results of the ambition Avhich prompted me to endeavour to be of service to others are, or are not, sufficient reAvard for the sacrifice I made, iioav depends upon the judgment of my reader. In 1840 I held the appointment of Surgeon on board the iron armed steamer Phlegethon, on secret service, but presumed to be bound for the Eastern coast of Africa or India. I had long VI

PREFACE.

. entertained the idea of travelling in Africa, and determined to carry this into effect by resigning at the end of the voyage out, and returning to England by a road across that continent. Accord ingly, Avhilst in London, I prepared in some measure for the journey, by purchasing such instruments and outfit that I thought would be necessary. I also waited upon Captain Washington,* then Secretary of the Geographical Society, who entered warmly into my views, and introduced me to Captains Trotter and AUen, who Avere about to proceed upon the Niger expedition. In May 1841 the Phlegethon reached Calcutta, and my respected Commander, the late lamented R. F. Cleveland, Esq., R. N., aware of my intention to travel, introduced me to seA'eral members of the Indian Government, Avho afforded me eA'ery facility to enable me to enter Africa from the coast opposite to Aden, and from Avhence a Pohtical Mission, under Captain Harris, AA'as then on the eve of starting for the court of Shoa in Abyssinia.

I beg particularly to acknowledge the interest that the Governor-General, the Right Hon. the Earl of Auckland, took in my proposed expedition, and also the kindness and attention I received from T. Prinsep, Esq., First Member of the Council, and T. H. Maddock, Esq., Secretary to the Government. * Now commanding thc Blazer steam-vessel, R. N.

PREFACE.

. VII I take this opportunity also of expressing to Capt. Haines, the political resident in Aden, my lively feelings of respect and gratitude for kindnesses the most disinterested, ancl for that assistance without Avhich I could never have undertaken my subse quent journey. Of my reception in Abyssinia by Captain Harris, I speak elsewhere, but the spirit with which my arrival Avas haded may be supposed by the fact that during the first evening I managed, according to the notes of our conversation taken by my very courteous entertainer, to assert a falsehood, to which, however, Avhen I became aware of the circumstance I gaA'e an unqualified contradiction, and so ended all friendly intercourse untd some months after, when a peace Avas negotiated through the mediation of Capt. Graham. The circumstances of this quarrel Avere most embarrassing to me, and have, I believe, occasioned considerable indignation on the part of those Avho had assisted me so far on my travels.

Some respect, hoAveA'er, I do owe to myself, and feeling annoyed at being the subject of nnworthy imputations, I have abstained from making any explanation Avhatever. Circumstances already haA'e, in a great measure, exonerated me. The confidence of public men may be abused for a time, but it cannot long be imposed upon. Before laying down my pen, I must remark that I am not learned either in the Arab or thc Amharic

PREFACE.

. tongues, and when I have ventured to insert a few words from either language, it is to add some little to the scene, not to lead any one to suppose that the smattering I picked up among the natives is paraded in affectation of great oriental learning. In the orthography of proper names, I have used English letters, I know no other so weU. Dis trusting my ear and taste, I referred to the published works of three modern Abyssinian travellers, who affect to be directed by a foreign standard of pronunciation. Finding them aU to disagree, I had no other resource but to fall back upon the despised alphabet of my mother tongue. Of my vieAvs upon the geography of Abyssinia, I am glad to observe, that since I advocated them at the Royal Geographical Society's Meetings, cul minating points ancl antichnal axes have given way to the proper idea of a table land surrounded by a rampart-like scarp.

An earnest Avish to be impressive, AA'hen I beheve myself to be right, has occasioned me sometimes to assume a tone of ovenA-eening confidence. For this I ask to be excused ; and in palliation for minor faidts of composition, must advance my long continued ill-health, AA'hich has prevented close application for the purposes of amending or cor recting the manuscript. London, June 1st, 1844. l-i.l.l,sl,nl I.,, .1 M.„l,lr,, ■■■ PAGE 1 CONTENTS TO VOL. I.

Chapter I

Arrival in Aden. — Preparations for my journey into Africa. — Departure for Tajourah. — Stay in that town. — Unsuccessful endeavours to proceed farther. — Return to Aden

CHAPTER IL

Arrival at Berberah. — Description of the town and fair. — Departure for Zeila. — The town of Zeila. — Second visit to Tajourah 18

Chapter IX

Staying at Allulee. — Amusements. — More camels join our Kafilah. — Introduced to Ohmed Medina. — Journey to Gurguddee. — Halt for the night. — Murder of a slave. — March to Khrabtu. — Proceed to Saggadarah , .148 CONTENTS.

Chapter X. Page

Journey from Saggadarah. — Reach Ballad Hy. — Halt. — Journey to Ramudalee. — Halt to receive the visit of Lohitu, Chief of the Debenee tribe 166

Chapter XI

Stay at Ramudalee. — Himyah and his matchlock. — Chase of a hyæna. — Visitors from the Debenee tribe. — Guinea-fowl shooting. — Arrival of Lohitu. — Leave Ramudalee for the valley of Gobard 177

Chapter XII

Conversation with Ohmed Medina respecting the course of the river Hawash. — Description of that river. — Its termination in Lake Abhibhad. — The various watersheds of the basin of the Hawash. — Comparison of present route with that of previous travellers. 195

Chapter XVII

Stay at Herhowlee.— Dankalli sell their female children for slaves. — Pillar of sand and cloud of fire indications of rain. — Engage escort of Hy Soiunaulee. — Comparison between modern Dankalli and ancient Blemmyes. — March to Barradudda. — Description of halting-place. — Religious discussion with Ohmed Medina 258

Chapter XXI

Purchase tobacco, with remarks on its use among the Dankalli. — Make cover for hat. — Conversation with Ohmed Medina. — Journey to Bundurah. — Singular effect of refraction. — Joined by a party of Issah Soumaulee. —Description of thenappearance and arms. — Affectionate inquiries of Kafilah friends. — Description of halting-place and country around Bundurah 313

Chapter XXII

Journey to Kuditee. — Territory of the Wahama. — Description of halting-ground. — Meet with party of friends returning from Shoa. — Strange request. — Custom of incising skin with sharp stone. — Influx of Wahama people into camp. — La Belle Sauvage. — Long discussion with the Wahama. — Differences settled, and allowed to proceed 331

Chapter XXIII

Journey to Hiero Murroo. — False alarm at starting. — Necessity for being prepared for strife in Adal. — Abu Bukeree, Sheik of the second Debenee tribe. — Old friend of Lieut. Barker. — Offered marriage. — Stay at Hiero Murroo. — Find abandoned property of the Mission. — Negotiations for its restoration. — Joined by Wahama Kafilah CONTENTS. PAGE 360

Chapter XXIV

Delay in giving up the recovered stores. — Interview with father of Mahomed Allee. — Accompany him to kraal. — Entertainment there. — Condition of the stores. — Murder in our camp. — Occupation of Kafilah people during long halts. — Game of gubertah. — Muditu visitors. — Expected attack. — Bedouins feasting. — Portion of entrail around the neck of a Bedouin, not for ornament, but use. — Amusements.

Chapter XXV

Journey to Mettah. — Conversation upon different roads through Adal to Shoa. — Commercial jealousy between the Muditu and the Dankalli. — Battle of Hyhilloo. — Surprise sleeping friend. — Frighten my servant, Allee. — Halt near Assa-hemerah kraal 380

Chapter XXVI

Journey to Murroo. — Remarks upon the climate of Adal. Pass some small extinct volcanoes. — A little farrierv. Cautions for practitioners of medicine resident amonothe Dankalli. — Halt for a short time at Kuma. — Second visit of Abu Bukeree. — Proceed to Murroo. — Halt near kraal of Durtee Ohmed, Sheik of the Sidee Ahbreu tribe . . 391

Chapter XXVII

Amusements during stay at Murroo.— Bull fight.— Eating raw meat. — Another offer of marriage. — Strange mode of dressing the hair.— Caution to travellers ; perhaps unnecessary CONTENTS. XV PAGE

Chapter XXVIII

Journey to Sakeitaban. — Visit to Durtee Ohmed. — Halt at Sakeitaban. — Proceed to Mullu. — Bad road. — Threats of assassination. — Shields of the Dankalli, and care of their arms. — Arrrive at Mullu. — Write letter to Ankobar . . .418

Chapter XXIX

Journey to Annee. — Proceed over Plain of Mullu. — Halt in sight of Berdudda. — Muditu kraal and funeral. — Hare hunt. — Arrive at Annee. — Muditu visitors. — Moonlight scene. — Stay at Berdudda. — Visit to camp of Hittoo Galla women. — Attack of formidable caterpillar. — Situation of halting-place at Annee 431

Chapter XXX

Journey to How. — Aleekduggee Sageer. — Immense Kafilah. — Water-cure for determination of blood to the head. — Attack of the Gallas. — Display of forces. — Ras ul Kafilah balances profit and loss so far 445

Chapter XXXI

Journey to Mulkukuyu. — Forest on the right bank of the Hawash. — The ford of Mulkukuyu. — Passage of the river. — Congratulations. — Scorpion hunting. — Visit the Hippopotamus lake. — Journey to Azbotee. — Lee Adu. — Change in character of the country. — View of the table land of Abyssinia. — The so-called Abyssinian Alps. — Reflections. CONTENTS. XVI

Chapter XXXII. Page

Journey from Azbotee to Dinnomalee. — Start with escort in the night. — Pass Shiek's tomb. — Reach Kokki. — Wahama town. — Arrive at Dinnomalee. — Detained by Custom-house officers. — Get to Farree. — Accommodations. — Hospitable reception TRAVELS IN SOUTHERN ABYSSINIA j etc.

Chapter I

Arrival in Aden.' — Preparations for my journey into Africa. — Departure for Tajourah. — Stay in that town. — Unsuccessful endeavours to proceed farther. — Return to Aden. — Time, from 24th of December to the 1st of March. I arrived in Aden on the 24th of December, 1841, very ill indeed; having been suffering for nearly tAvo months from a severe intermittent fever, contracted in Bombay. I Avas advised to proceed at once to England for the benefit of my health, but having letters of introduction from the Indian Government to Capt. Haines, the political agent in Aden, and also to Capt. Harris, our ambassador at that time to the court of Shoa, in Abyssinia, Avhich were calculated to assist me materially in my intention of penetrating into Africa, I persisted in my determination, under all circumstances, to carry out a resolution formed two years before of exploring VOL. I. b ADEN some portion of that interesting, but as yet little known continent.

Circumstances detained me in Aden nearly six weeks before I received the welcome intimation from Capt. Haines, that he was about to forward to Shoa despatches and stores for the use of the Mis sion, and as he kindly offered to put them under my charge, I gladly avaded myself of the opportu nity thus afforded me of commencing my journey most favourably as regarded both comfort and con venience ; every requisite for such an undertaking being provided for me that the friendly care and the long experience of Capt. Haines and the assistant political agent, C. J. Cruttenden, Esq., could suggest. Air. Hatchetoor, an active and intelligent agent, who had been appointed to trans act aU business Avith the chiefs connected with the transit of stores and despatches through the Adal country, Avas also instructed to accompany me to Tajourah, a small seaport, on the opposite African coast, from whence the two proceeding kafilahs connected Avith the Embassy had started into the interior.

A Portuguese servant, named Antonio, who had been engaged to accompany me, hearing of the sad fate of three European soldiers belonging to Capt. Harris's party, and Avho were kiUed during the night, a few days' journey inland, and of the still more recent murder of three of Air. Hatchetoor's native servants, when last he visited Tajourah, DEPARTURE FOR TAJOURAH. 3 became so alarmed that he deserted ; perhaps for tunately for me, as I Avas thus spared the trouble and risk of engaging in any quarrels that might have arisen Avith the natives on his account. As presents and peace-offerings to the numerous petty chieftains of the various tribes of Dankalli, among whom my road lay, I was provided with ten bags of rice, a large box containing several pieces of white and red calico, some figured chintz, and a few cotton handkerchiefs of every gaudy colour, besides an abundant supply of needles and paper, which con stituted the material for minor gifts to be made to a more numerous class of supplicants, the women and inferior people.

Our arrangements being completed, Air. Hatche toor and myself proceeded on board the brig-of-Avar Euphrates, commanded by Lieut. John Young, of the Indian navy, who had received orders to convey us to Tajourah. We were no sooner on board than the anchor was weighed, and we started on our short voyage across the Sea of Babel Mandeb. In consequence of the Aveak state of my health, I remained on deck no longer than to witness our passage out of the beautiful and commodious harbour called Back Bay, which extends to the westward of the low narrow isthmus, and nearly circular base of the extinct volcano raze of Aden. We arrived in sight of Tajourah by sunrise the next morning; but it was not until nearly three o'clock in the afternoon b ARRIVAL AT TAJOURAH. 4 that Ave anchored in front of that town.

The sails being furled, a salute of seven guns was fired by the brig, but some time elapsed before any notice was taken of the honour by the people on shore, a delay which was soon accounted for by Sultaun Ebin Mahomed, the Sheik of the town, sending on board for some gunpowder to enable him to return the compliment. Capt. Young and Mr. Hatchetoor landed almost immediately. I remained for the present on board, as it Avas considered impolitic for me to appear desirous of passing through the Adal country until some positive information could be obtained respecting the second division of stores which had been sent up to Abyssinia some months before under the charge of Mr. Bernatz, the artist, and the assistant surveyor, Mr. Scott, respecting Avhich none but the most disastrous accounts had been received in Aden.

On the return of Capt. Young to the brig, I found, much to my disappointment, that he did not feel himself justified, under present circumstances, in trusting into the hands of the people of Tajourah, several boxes and packages AA'hich were to constitute my charge. He also considered it Avould be highly injudicious in me to make any attempt to pass through the country in the disturbed state it Avas then represented to be. Part of the mail, however, he determined to forward, if possible, and had fixed the next day for another interview with the Sultaun to conclude some arrangements AA'ith him and his BAY OF TAJOURAH. people that should at least secure the transmission of the public despatches to Capt. Harris in Shoa. Tajourah is a small straggling toAvn consisting of a number of Ioav mat houses standing on the northern shore of a narrow bay which extends about twenty miles inward, nearly due east and west.

The opposite coast is at least ten miles distant. From Tajourah, the bay contracts inland to a channel scarcely four hundred yards Avide, AA'hen, suddenly expanding again, it terminates in a large irregularly formed lagoon, called Goobat ul Khhrab (the bad haven). In modern maps no appearance of this deep inlet, a very particular feature of the seacoast in this neighbourhood, can be found, though in the older Portuguese maps it is accurately enough laid down. The ancients seem to have been weU aAvare of the existence of the Bay of Tajourah, for it can be easily identified Avith the Sinus Avalitæ of the Periplus. The sea immediately in front of Tajourah has received, from the generally unruffled state of its stormless waters, the name of Bahr ul Barateen, " The sea of Maidens;" Avhich struck me as a sin gular correspondence Avith the name of the sea sur rounding the ancient city of Carthage, which from the map appended to an old school edition of Virgil, we learn was called by the Romans, Mare Nympharum, the poetical Latin translation of the Arabic, Bahr ul Barateen.

Tajourah, it must be observed, also being the present name of a village SURVEILLANCE OF ISAAK. situated very near to the ruins of that once powerful seat of Phœnician commerce. On the occasion of this visit, much opportunity was not afforded me of observing the character either of the country or of the people, as I landed but tAvice, and then under the closest survedlance of a brother of the Sultaun, named Isaak, who professed to be greatly alarmed for my safety during these visits ; and although at the time I deemed his attendance to proceed from any but generous motives, I have since had reason to believe that his representations of the danger I incurred by rambling about the neighbourhood Avithout the protection of some powerful native were founded upon truth, and from a desire that no cause of iU-feeling between their little town and the English should occur, if by any possibiUty it could be avoided.

As I before observed, three of Mr. Hatchetoor's servants were murdered during the night, on the last occasion of our intercourse Avith the inhabitants ; and Isaak, though I felt his presence to be a restraint upon my actions, AA'as quite right for thus persisting to accompany me on even the most trifling occasions, to prevent the recur rence of Avhat he, half savage as he Avas, felt to be an untoward event. An opportunity offering itself, Capt. Young introduced me to the Sultaun of Tajourah. He was a man at least sixty years of age ; round his closely shaven head Avas Avrapped a dirty SULTAUN EBIN MAHOMED. Avhite muslin turban, beneath Avhich Avas a very light Arab skull cap of open Avicker-Avork, made of the mid rib of the palm leaf. Naked to his waist, over the right shoulder and across his chest, was slung a broad belt of amulets, consisting of numerous packages the size of a small cartouche box, alternately of red cloth and of leather, each of which contained some written charm against every evd that he feared, or for every desirable good.

A common checked cotton fotah, or cloth, reaching to the knees, was fastened around his middle by a leathern belt, in which was secured a very handsome sword of silver, and completed his dress. In his hand he held a light spear, that served to support his long spare figure as he walked, or sometimes to chastise a rebellious urchin, or vituperative female of his household, by dropping the heavily iron tipped end not very gently on their heads and shoulders. But little attention Avas paid to him by his tribe beyond the simple acknowledgment of him as their chief, and the title was only valuable as a legal excuse for demanding from merchants and strangers some paltry present, which alone con stitutes, as far as I could observe, the revenue of the state of Tajourah. Beyond the limits of the town, the authority of the Sultaun was disclaimed ; and, in fact, it was very evident that to hold quiet possession of the town, a species of black mail was extorted from him and the inhabitants by the Bedouins of the surrounding country.

THE PALACE. The palace of the Sultaun Ebin Mahomed, who was familiarly styled by his subjects, " Shabah" (old man), consisted of tAvo rooms, placed at right angles to each other, the Avails of Avhich consisted of mats made of the plaited palm leaf, stretched upon a slight frame of sticks. The roofs also were of similar material. The Avhole was inclosed by a fence about six feet high, consisting of dry sticks, also covered with mats. Screens of these suspended mats dhided the larger of the two rooms into four compartments, Avhich Avere severally used as the harem, store-room, the family sleeping-room, and the audience-chamber, if such imposing designations may AA'ith pro priety be bestowed upon the squalid menage of the chief of Tajourah. In the other room was the oven, or rather kiln, for baking ; a coarse earthern con struction, AA'hich resembled in form a large jar, inside of Avhich Avas placed the fuel ; when it was properly heated, large layers of unleavened dough, made from the meal of jowahree mixed with water, Avas plastered upon the outside, where it remained untd it had dried into a heavy substance, AveU finger-marked, and looked sufficiently like a cake to satisfy the eaters, that they were, really, as they frequently boasted, so far in advance of their Be douin neighbours, as to use baked bread.

There were also in this room a few wooden couches upon AA'hich the slave Avomen Avere accustomed to repose during the heat of the day, when not engaged in grinding the joAA-ahree meal, or THE PALACE COURT. carrying Avater from the well. At a short distance from these apartments, but Avithin the enclosed court, was a singularly constructed wooden building that towered some six feet above the usual height of houses in Tajourah, being the cabin of a large bugaloAV, or native ship, Avrecked in the bay, and which had been elevated upon untrimmed trunks of the date palm-tree.* A Avail of matting carried round these posts formed a convenient lower room, which, Avith the cabin above, Avas usually apportioned to strangers A'isiting the toAvn. To this extraordi nary effort of native architectural genius, was attached a small yard, separated by a mat screen from the larger court ; and here, at a broken jar, that stood in one corner, under the shade ofa miserable looking henna-tree, the faithful of the household Avere ahvays to be found at the stated times of * With respect to this wooden building, a recent traveller asserts that it is made of the hull of a British ship, tho Mary Ann, which was attacked and burned during the night, in the port of Berberah, more than twenty years ago.

To paint the evil one blacker than he really is, is not considered fair ; and I do not see why the treachery and the violence of the inhabitants of a town nearly one hundred and fifty miles distant should be thus attached to the people of Tajourah without any foundation whatever. Another error that demands a positive contradiction is the statement that the fops of Tajourah are Soumaulee, with their hair stained red. One of the principal distinguishing characteristics between the Dankalli, by whom Tajourah is exclusively inhabited, and the Soumaulee of the opposite coast of the bay, is this custom among the latter people to change the natural colour of the hair, by a solution of quick-lime applied to it. Any Dankalli doing this woidd be certainly assassinated by his countrymen. PREPARE TO RETURN TO ADEN. prayer, performing their ablutions.

At small aper tures along the lower edge of the screen, close to the ground, Avere frequently to be seen rows of Avhite teeth of startling extent, as the amused slave girl and female branches of the royal famdy sought to gratify their curiosity by taking sly peeps at the Engreez Avhenever they visited the Sultaun. The law court, if it may be so termed, Avas nothing more than an expansion of the lane in the front of the Sultan's residence, carefully strewed with the smaU pebbly shingle of the neighbouring beach. Inform it Avas oblong, and around it were placed seAeral large stones, an old ship beam, and a trunk of the date tree, to serve for the seats of the principal men of the town on occasions of their public kalahims or councils, which were always held in this place. The Sultaun generally presided over these assemblies, his chief business being to distribute the coffee, which was rather stingily supplied to the parties present.

Capt. Young haA-ing succeeded in his endeavour to forward the despatches, this being undertaken by the son of my friend Isaak, on payment of seventy dollars, made immediate preparations for returning to Aden, in order to report the unsafe character of the road, and the disinclination of the Tajourah people to forward the stores to Shoa. I, of course, felt much disappointed ; but could not object to the reasonableness of the only course that could be taken, and made up my mind to remain in Aden until a better opportunity should be afforded me of OF THE NAME OF ADAL. prosecuting my determination of travelling in Africa. Feb. 26. — After a detention of four days at Ta jourah, we Aveighed anchor, and proceeded on our voyage back to Aden ; the wind, hoAvever, being contrary and very light, Ave did not reach Back Bay until the 1st of March, during Avhich time I amused myself on board comparing the present condition of the coast of that part of Africa we had just visited, with some notes I had collected respecting the ancient geography, as contained in the Periplus of Arrian, and other works of the same character I had read.

The present name among the Arabs of the opposite coast of the country in which Tajourah is situated is Burr Adgem, "the land of fire;" and it must be observed, that this is also the Arab designation of the present kingdom of Persia ; a significant name, acknoAvledged to be, and is evidently derived from the volcanic character of both these districts. The Burr Adgem, on the south of the Eed Sea, is of indefinite extent, but may be considered as applied to the country reaching from Suakin in the north, to Mogadishe in the south, and as far Avest as the high lands of Abyssinia. . Among the ancients, this country Avas knoAvn as that of the Avalites ; in which Avord may perhaps be recognised, Affah, the present native name of the DankaUi tribes, living on the Avestem coast of the Red Sea, but Avhich formerly had a far more DERIVATION OF THE WORD ADAL. extensive application, and included the numerous Soumaulee tribes, Avho inhabited the country to the south of the Sea of Babel Mandeb as far as Cape Guardefoi, and from thence soutliAvard along the eastern coast of Africa as far as Mahnda.

Another name for these Affah tribes is Adal ; given to them by the Abyssinians inland, and which, according to some recent authorities, has arisen from the circumstance of the principal tribe AA'ith AA'hom the Abyssinians have any intercourse being the Adu Alee, hring in the immediate Aicinity of Massoah, Avhich name has graduaUy become to be used as the designation of the AA'hole people. I confess that I do not see the propriety of this derivation, as it appears more natural to derive the Abvsshiian name from that of the chief part of this country at an early period, AA-hen a poAverful Egyptian monarch made the Affah port, Adidis, the capital of an extensive country. The terminal letter of this proper name, I have been informed, may be the usual Grecian affix to adapt it to the genius of their language ; and I think the probability is, that the j has been thus added, and that the word Aduli was the origin of the Greek Adulis, and of the modern name Adal.

Another Aery common name for these people is DankaUi, a word AA'hich appears to be of Persian origin ; but one that is also acknowledged by the Affah themselves, as the proper name of their country, or of their people collectively. In the OF THE DANKALLI AND SOUMAULEE. time of Ludolph, DankaUi Avas known as the name of a large kingdom or province, situated on the seacoast, extending from the port of Aduhs to the confines of the country of the Assobah GaUa, AA'ho then dAvelt in the country immediately to the north of Tajourah. The Assobah are now, however, con sidered to be a DankaUi tribe, a change which I conceive has taken place in consequence of tins tribe having since become Gibbertee, or " strong hi the Islam faith ;" for a religious distinction, I find, has for some centuries separated the original Affah nation into DankaUi and Soumaulee.

The latter, AA'hose name is derived from the Abyssinian word soumahe, or heathens, being supposed by the strict Mahomedan DankaUi, stUl hi a great proportion to adhere to their ancient Sabian faith, and only partially to profess the Islam belief. Soumaulee cor responds Avith the Arabic Avord, kafir, or unbeliever, the name by which alone Edresi, the Arabian geographer, knew and described the inhabitants of the Affah coast, to the east of the straits of Babel Mandeb. It also appears to me that the word DankaUi connects the history of these people with the empire of the true Ethiopia, or Meroe, which was situated betAveen the branches of the Tacazze and the Assareek, or the Red NUe, for it may be that in the Odyssey, where Homer conducts Neptune into Ethiopia, ancl places him betAveen two nations of blacks, perfectly distinct from each other, the poet DERIVATION OF THE WORD GALLA. aUudes to the tAvo very different people, the ShankaUi and the DankaUi, inhabiting the low countries of Africa within the tropics ; the former hving to the west of Abyssinia, the latter towards the east.