Fadasi.

The suu was setting, and from the summit of a lofty peak we contemplated with rapture this stupendous valley covered with tall trees, and by an eternal verdure intermingled with flashes of blue, Avhich was caused by the glancing of the wings of thousands, of starlings, fluttering over the immense forests ; while from below, the enchanting roar of wild animals reached us, two gigantic elephants jiassed quietlji' at our feet, and traces of leopards and panthers were seen everywhere.

To these marvels of vegetation in the valley of the Tumat must be added the treasures of the mines hidden within its rocks. The savages, who know nothing of mineralogy, and cannot even distinguish quartz earth from that formed of oxide of iron, descend to this valley in the rainy season, and, with the patience peculiar to those who have no settled occupation, trace the bright glitter of the auriferous soil, and by the end of the season collect a quantity of the precious metal. And it must be so, for in these countries the onl} currency for the barter of goods and slaves consists of bars of pure gold of 24-carats. If these diggings were superintended and guided by a master-hand, trade and civilization would certainly benefit by it.

The last stage of our journey to Benishangal was neither long nor disagreeable, but perhaps this was owing to the enthusiasm which prevails when one at length reaches a country long desired and thought of, rather than to the shortness of the way. Not many Europeans have visited this village : Russeger in 1838 ; Tremaux in 1848 ; Beltrame in 1865 ; Marno in 1870, and ourselves.

In past times Benishangal was celebrated as a central market for the commerce of the Galla ' The most important journey in this region was achieved after Gessi by the late hiraented J. M. Schuver, who was killed by the Dinkas on the Gazelle river.

M 2