l62 Seven Years in the Soitdan.

CHAPTER XX.

FAPASI.

Kasan — Millions of starlings — "Wild animals — The natives and their gold — Benishanl — The Galla countrj' — Our flag — Marno — I'adasi — A Galla market — Salt — The Aman Negroes — Brigandage—Massacres— The Gurguros.

Pursuing our way along the banks of the Tumat, we shortly arrivefl at the village of Kasan, where Ave took a brief rest. It is a poor and mean-looking place, built on the top of the little hill, and is governed by the Sheikh, who descends to demand toll when traders pass that way.

The Sheikh was quite polite, and did not demand a farthing from us ; on the contrary, he offered us friendly hospitality at the foot of a colossal tamarind tree. From Kasan Ave ]mshed on to the foot of ]\[ount Abkulki, where, in a Avide sandy bed, flows cool and limpid Avater.

If, in general, the road from Fazoglu is unattractive because too mountainous and very stee]), the AneAV presented by the great A'alley of the Tuuiat, one of the principal affluents of the Abyssinian Xile, compensates for all the hardships undergone. It alone is Avorth the journey. What art could not do for tlie beautiful Anlla gardens of Lake Maggiore, Avhat prodigal and generous nature has not accomplished in SAvitzerland, has been achieAed in this part of Africa, Avhere is shown, in striking contrast, the power of tropical A'-egetation and the rugged desolation of the mountains.