SPORT IN ABYSSINIA. 27 



hobbled when let out to graze, but should always have 

 a man to look after them in case of attacks by wild 

 beasts. 



In travelling with these beasts the great thing, of 

 course, is to avoid sore backs in this country, where 

 the temperature varies so much in different parts ; 

 as, for instance, I was out duck-shooting one morning 

 at 5 . 30 in a white frost, and at the next camping 

 ground, at a less altitude, at the same hour of the 

 morning, I could not bear a thick coat on at all when 

 walking out shooting. 



This change of temperature occurring very often, 

 day by day, while travelling with these animals 

 through Abyssinia, must have, I think, some effect 

 on the backs of mules and donkeys. The origin of 

 the swelling under the skin, I am persuaded, must 

 depend on the sudden check to the perspiration. 

 Of course, if the saddle or packing had at all bruised 

 the back of the animal, this would accelerate the 

 complaint. 



The back having become sore or swollen up, matter 

 is formed underneath.* To cure this the natives of 

 Abyssinia cast the donkey or mule, and with a hot 



* It is not a necessary coincidence that if the back becomes sore the 

 swelling should come on, as I have seen several cases where there 

 were no outward signs of .soreness, but still where large swellings 

 were forming. 



