262 A WELL GUARDED TOWN, Massawa has the reputation of being about the hottest place on earth. I have been there several times, and, on each occasion, was singularly fortunate in not experiencing anything phenomenal. There was generally a strong sea-breeze and a good deal of cloudy weather ; still, I have no doubt that at times, and for long together, the heat becomes all but unbearable.

At sunset the gate leading into the town is closed, and guarded by soldiers ; and no one is admitted without a permit. The causeway to the mainland is also guarded at the other end.

These precautions, we were told, are taken for fear of the Abyssinians, who, having no port of their own, are naturally very anxious to possess Massawa. It is a great pity that it does not belong to them, as it ought to do ; for, if they had a port, it would be a great help towards opening up and developing the resources of their country. The anchorage is fairly good, and the country about very mountainous and picturesque. A few Europeans live there, engaged in trade ; and a number of Banians from India, who make their living out of the pearlfisheries off the coast and the adjacent islands, Dhalak especially being famed for them.

We have had no consul at Massawa since the time of the Abyssinian war ; and it is much to be regretted that we have had no pepresentatives in the Soudan, as they could have done more towards suppressing the slave-trade than any one else. I believe consuls are to be established, and it is to be hoped there will be no more delay in appointing them ; there should be one at Khartoum, Souakim, and Massawa.

As M. Raffray, the French consul, was absent in Europe, we called on the Frenchman who was acting for him, and con-Since writing the above, I hear that consuls have been appointed both to Souakim and Khartoum.