1 7*2 Seven Years in the Soudan.

daily for tlic space of seven montlis longer, and our food and provisions do not permit us to remain so long a time in this village, not having foreseen this untoward event. If we really had the certainty, or at least the hope, of being able b}' a longer stay to realize our projects, we should be ready at any sacrifice to submit to this necessity ; but we are certain not to obtain any advantage, while the behaviour of Sheikh Hassan becomes every day more harsh and rude.

Eventually we were obliged therefore to retreat, conquered by the difficulties and the serious obstacles which accumulated da}" by day, and which rendered the march across the country of the Aman im-])ossible. Sheik Hassan having absolutely refused to furnish us with the escort for which we had stipulated.

At the beginning of June we found ourselves back again at Khartoum, and now Matteucci sets out on his return to Italy. No one can imagine how grieved I am to see him go home without having been able to satisfy the general expectations of our friends and our country. But my mind begins to groAv calmer, because I am conscious of our having done all that was humanly possible to attain our end.

I am also of the opinion, that even if we had been able to elude the cruel Aman in crossing the Yabus, other obstacles no less serious would have rendered our journe}' very difficult.

Though between Affilo and Kaffa there are only eight days' march, yet, according to the information we received, there live in that space of country various Galla tribes, divided and hostile among themselves, who, Avithout a king or any chief whatsoever, only elect a leader when they go to Avar with their neighbours, or Avhen they go to make their provision of salt.

The road betAveen Gojam and Fadasi, on the other