106 DUFILE TO FATIKO. 



Cold and shivering, we set out again at six o'clock on the 

 morning of December 30th (here one feels acutely a tem- 

 perature of 66° Fahr.) After crossing the two Jchors, Asi and 

 Eyiipi, we reached the zeriba Faqueri, where we had to wait 

 some time, because three porters had run away and had to be 

 replaced. Open wood, crops, and grass were then passed 

 through, two small mountains before us serving as landmarks. 

 A short distance in front of them Khor Otsame flowed from 

 S.W. to N.E., and on its banks many Amomums flourished. 



From this place to Fatiko the ground rises in terraces ; 

 plateau succeeds plateau, bordered as a rule by high hills or 

 isolated mountains ; wherever a stream favours their growth 

 stand quantities of fine doleb palms. Khor XJnyama, which 

 we now reached, is the main artery of the water-system of this 

 country, and here presents a lovely aspect, being clothed with 

 rich vegetation. As we approached the plateau of Fatiko, the 

 ascent grew continually steeper ; rock ramparts had to be sur- 

 mounted, and dome-shaped heights often flanked our road on 

 either side. Well-peopled zeribas were visible on four small 

 elevations to the right of the road ; a Vitex laden with ripe 

 fruit, and standing on a bank of stones, provided us with a 

 good halting-place and sweet fruit. Then the journey was 

 continued, and after passing some small Shiili villages, near 

 which were very extensive tobacco plantations, we reached 

 about 4.30 p.m. our station, Fatiko, formerly Baker's head- 

 quarters in the Shiili district. 



As a stay here of several days was necessary to transact 

 official business, leisure was afforded for collecting ; but, in spite 

 of all my pains, I could not get a Manis, though the animal is 

 to be found here. Baker has published so much concerning 

 Fatiko and its neighbourhood, that it would be useless for me 

 to go into details. Very little change has taken place since 

 his time, and Fatiko is still the granary of the whole country 

 from Dufile to Mrfili. 



So early as Baker's time, Rochdma (Rot Yarma) was chief 

 of all the Shiili, and his first visit to Baker is fully described in 

 the latter's " Ismailia." It was chiefly owing to Rochama's 

 influence, that his people allied themselves so willingly and so 

 closely to the Egyptian Government. Nevertheless he was so 



