SPORT IN ABYSSINIA. 2 2 1 



March 19. — This morning Goubasec was laid up with 

 a bad leg, which I thought proceeded from rheumatism 

 combined with hard work. I hoped he would not 

 break down altogether, as he was an excellent servant, 

 and he had been of the greatest use to me. I sent 

 Guyndem, my other gun-bearer, up to the neighbour- 

 ing village, and some villagers very kindly brought 

 brown bread and milk, for myself and my followers. 

 This was very hospitable of them, as, on most occa- 

 sions, villagers took no notice of messages brought by 

 one's Abyssinian servants, and it was very often with 

 great difficulty we got provisions even by applying in 

 person. To-day several caravans passed the camp on 

 their way down to the coast. These caravans are just 

 beginning to travel ; but it is during the rains that 

 most of them go through the country, so as to arrive 

 at Massowah in June or July, at the time it is 

 hottest on the coast, and when most of the business 

 is transacted. 



I started after breakfast for Koudoofellassie, and 

 arrived at nightfall at the door of Borum Bras.'s 

 house ; I found himself and household all at dinner. 

 This was a time of fasting with the Abyssinians, when 

 they do not eat during the day, but only after sunset. 

 I had sent on word by a native, who said he was going 

 to Koudoofellassie, to tell Borum Bras, that I was 

 coming, but evidently the man had not delivered the 



