204 Land Magnetic Observations, 1914-20 



mendous gorges, and stupendous precipices giving variety and interest to every mile of 

 the journey. We were well treated along the way by the natives, who often brought us 

 presents of food for men and mules. They live for the most part by agriculture and 

 stock-raising. 



Dessie" is a rather important town because it is the residence of King Mikael, father 

 of the present emperor, Lij Yasu, whom Menelik appointed as his successor before he 

 died. Among the letters provided me by the kindness of the officials at Addis Abeba 

 was a letter of introduction to King Mikael, and another to Kentiba Gebrou, a chief 

 at Dessie, who speaks English. I first called on Chief Kentiba, an elderly man, who 

 later brought the King's invitation to take breakfast with him and his chiefs the follow- 

 ing Sunday morning. The invitation was accepted, and the experience was very unique 

 and interesting. 



From Dessie to Makalle, traveling improved; view 6 of Plate 3 is typical of the 

 country traversed. Rains gradually abated, altitudes decreased, and the trails became 

 easier. This part of the journey lasted 18 days. At Makalle I sent my passports with 

 my salutations to Prince Sayum, whose home was there, and received in return a present 

 of sheep, bread, and native beer. The next morning I went to call on the Prince accom- 

 panied by an Italian army officer, who with two Greek shopkeepers constituted the Euro- 

 pean population of the place. I left presents which were apparently acceptable, as that 

 afternoon he sent a yearling heifer with more bread and beer. We left Makalle on Sep- 

 tember 17 with the good wishes of all. 



By this time the rains had entirely ceased, and traveling on that account was much 

 more agreeable. But the scarcity of water now became serious. There had been a 

 stream in every valley and ravine during the rainy season, but now all were dry and we 

 were often compelled to make long marches to reach water and were then glad to camp 

 beside any mud-puddle that contained enough water for ourselves and mules for a night. 

 In 5 days more, we reached Adigrat, where I met the nephew of Prince Sayum, who is 

 also a prince and a very important chief, although only 11 years old. 



In the morning of September 23, our caravan was again on the way, and by after- 

 noon we were camping in a small native village at the boundary line between Abyssinia 

 and the Italian colony of Eritrea. Another day's travel brought us to Senafe, where 



I was cordially greeted by Major Tommasini, the commander of the Italian garrison, 

 and was treated with splendid courtesy and hospitality by him and the other officers. 



Another day's march brought us to Adi Caieh, where the Italians have built quite 

 a town, now governed by civil authorities as well as military. The following morning, 

 September 27, was the greatest festal day of the year, and was celebrated with dances, 

 songs, rifle firing, and blowing of trumpets. Two days later we came to Saganeti, another 

 army post, and reached Asmara on October 1. The caravan was paid and dismissed. 

 The journey of 500 miles had been made in 2 months and 4 days, including stops at 



I I stations for the purpose of making observations, and it had been made without any 

 serious accident, and with the loss of only one mule, which died of exhaustion. I pre- 

 sented my letter of introduction furnished by the Italian Minister at Addis Abeba to 

 the Governor, and on his suggestion I called on Professor Baldrati, who pointed out the 

 location of the magnetic station of Professor Palazzo. From Asmara I went by train 

 to Massaua and occupied a station of Professor Palazzo there also. 



I then embarked for Suez, whence I went by train to Alexandria, and sailed for 

 Tripoli by way of Syracuse. At Tripoli I called on the American Consul, Mr. William 

 Roderick Dorsey, who had succeeded Mr. Wood, and through him obtained an inter- 

 view with the Governor of Tripolitania. Again we discussed the feasibility of an expe- 

 dition southward into the desert. As before, I was advised that such an expedition 

 could not be permitted, for the reason that, owing to the war in Europe, almost all 



