8o SPORT IN ABYSSINIA. 



well-boiled, makes an excellent substitute for peas. 

 Before going up to the village of Adgousmou we 

 crossed a stream, where I shot a spurwing and a pigeon 

 very like our common wood-pigeon, only not quite 

 so large. I killed these birds in case H. should not 

 turn up after my arrival with the tents, provisions, 

 etc. I then rode into the village and asked for the 

 chicken He soon came, and was a fine-looking old 

 man. I asked him for some bread for my servants ; 

 he said he had none — a reply that was plainly un- 

 true. He then sent for a bowl of sour milk, which 

 was very nasty. I gave it to Goubasee, who soon 

 polished it off and seemed to enjoy it immensely. 

 The old chicker and I sat in silence for some little time 

 enjoying the view, at least I did, and at length I arose 

 and went away, as I saw no prospect of getting any- 

 thing out of the old niggard. I settled the camp 

 should be near some trees outside the village; a ruined 

 village also, probably the old village of Adgousmou, 

 was close by. I made the servants light a fire, and I 

 sat down to consider ; but I soon began to feel very 

 hungry. What was to be done ? I had nothing 

 to eat, when I suddenly bethought myself of my two 

 birds. But how to cook them ? I adopted the old 

 poacher's plan of spitting them on the ramrod of my 

 rifle, and made Mahomed, the Massowah boy, roast 

 me some corn I had taken with me for my mule- 



