520 A SPORTING TRIP THROUGH ABYSSINIA 



White Population. 

 Italians (exclusi\-c of the troops) . . .1 



Greeks ...... 



Other Europeans ..... 



East Indians (Banyans) .... 



Armenians, Egyptians, Syrians, Turics 



Total ...... 



Native population .... 



Grand total ..... 329,516 



There are only two towns of any importance in the colony, Massowah 

 on the coast, and Asmara on the Abyssinian plateau. Massowah, which 

 has the best harbour anywhere between Port Said and Bombay, is built on 

 three small coral-islets joined to each other and the mainland by causeways. 

 Formerly, e.g. in the days of Riippell, travellers had to cross by boat to Arkiko 

 on the mainland. The town has a population of about 6000 and a large 

 number of shops kept by Europeans, where almost every article necessary 

 for travel in the interior can be procured. The population of Asmara, the 

 capital, and residence of the Italian Governor, consists of about 800 whites 

 and 5000 natives. Within the last two years the opening of the gold 

 mines and the construction of the railway have caused an increase of the 

 white population, while the security of the frontier and light ta.xation con- 

 tinue to draw more natives across the border. The pay of unskilled native 

 labour is from i to 3 francs a day ; skilled European workmen command a 

 daily wage of 7 to 8 francs. The taxes used to be paid in kind (corn or 

 cattle) by the indigenous population ; they are now collected in cash, a 

 system which the natives themselves prefer. The latter pay from 2 to 3 

 per cent on the annual value of their crops and cattle. This small tribute 

 has been paid willingly, no coercion being required, for it represents but a 

 fraction of what was exacted under Abyssinian or Egyptian rule. Other 

 taxes are levied in the form of licenses for selling liquor, carrying fire-arms, 

 and pursuing various trades. 



In 1899 the total value of the imports was 9,009,000 francs (equal to 

 about .£360,360) of which nearly a fifth came from Italy. 

 The monthly mail-steamers direct from Italy imported in the 



course of the year ..... 3669 tons. 



The weekly Italian packet-boat from ,-\den imported a total of 



various goods from Europe and India amounting to . 3403 ,, 



