106 DUFILE TO FATIKO.

Cold and shivering, we set out again at six o'clock on the morning of December 30th (here one feels acutely a temperature of 66° Fahr.) After crossing the two khors, Asi and Kyupi, we reached the zertba Faquéri, where we had to wait some time, because three porters had run away and had to be replaced. Open wood, crops, and grass were then passed through, two small mountains before us serving as landmarks. A short distance in front of them Khor Otsamé flowed from S.W. to N.E., and on its banks many Amomums flourished.

From this place to Fatiko the ground rises in terraces ; plateau succeeds plateau, bordered as a rule by high hills or isolated mountains; wherever a stream favours their growth stand quantities of fine doléb palms. Khor Unyama, which we now reached, is the main artery of the water-system of this country, and here presents a lovely aspect, being clothed with rich vegetation. As we approached the plateau of Fatiko, the ascent grew continually steeper; rock ramparts had to be surmounted, and dome-shaped heights often flanked our road on either side. Well-peopled zeribas were visible on four small elevations to the right of the road; a Vitex laden with ripe fruit, and standing on a bank of stones, provided us with a good halting-place and sweet fruit. Then the journey was continued, and after passing some small Shuli villages, near which were very extensive tobacco plantations, we reached about 4.30 P.M. our station, Fatiko, formerly Baker’s headquarters in the Shuli district.

As a stay here of several days was necessary to transact official business, leisure was afforded for collecting ; but, in spite of all my pains, I could not get a Manis, though the animal is to be found here. Baker has published so much concerning Fatiko and its neighbourhood, that it would be useless for me to go into details. Very little change has taken place since his time, and Fatiko is still the granary of the whole country from Dufilé to Mrali.

So early as Baker’s time, Rochdma (Rot Yarma) was chief of all the Shuh, and his first visit to Baker is fully described in the latter’s “Ismailia.” It was chiefly owing to Rochdma’s influence, that his people allied themselves so willingly and so closely to the Egyptian Government. Nevertheless he was so