306 DR. O. FINSCH ON BIRDS FROM NORTH-EASTERN 
seized upon an opportunity which presented itself, after the close of the campaign, of 
supplying the deficiencies thus occasioned. 
I heard from Mr. W. T. Blanford, Geographer to the Expdition, that he, Capt. 
Mokeler (political officer), and Mr. Munzinger (H.B.M. Consul at Massowah) contem- 
‘plated an excursion into the Bogos country; and I therefore wrote to the Consul 
begging his permission to make one of the party. This permission I subsequently 
received, and under these auspices found means to fulfil my mission more completely 
than I had anticipated. 
On the 27th of January, 1868, I left England, and on the 24th of February we cast 
anchor in Annesley Bay. My arrangements on shore not being completed, I obtained 
a boat and crew from the Captain and started with a party to the head of the bay. I 
spent a couple of days here, examining the surrounding country and shooting. I pro- 
cured specimens of the Naked-necked Francolin of the plains, one species of Hornbill, 
and a variety of other birds, the most important of which were eight specimens of the 
Dromas ardeola. These latter I especially wished to bring home, both as skeletons and 
in spirits. Unfortunately I could not carry out this intention, as, instead of returning 
safely in about two hours’ trip to the ‘Great Victoria,’ we were nearly wrecked on the 
opposite shore; and the energies of our crew and selves were so severely tried by wind 
and rain that we with difficulty, and utterly exhausted, reached the fleet at the end of 
twenty-four hours. My specimens being spoiled, this was rather a discouraging com- 
mencement of my duties. I may here remark that I did not again obtain specimens of 
this bird until on my voyage home, at Suakim. 
On the 27th I landed at Zoulla, and reported myself to General Stuart, there await- 
ing orders from the Commander-in-Chief. In a few days I received an intimation from 
his Excellency that I should find ample scope for my researches in the neighbourhood 
of Zoulla; it was, however, at that time impossible to prosecute them with any result, 
on account of the country being utterly devastated of wood and grass, offering but small 
opportunities for the zoologist. JI obtained a few specimens, when an attack of sickness 
put an end to my endeavours, and compelled me to go on board the hospital ship. 
After some days I returned ashore; but in the course of a few hours I had a relapse, 
which induced me to leave the plain and move up towards the highlands. I was also 
disappointed in not meeting at Zoulla with the taxidermists Lieut. R. C. Beavan had 
given me reason to expect would be there; but before quitting the place I was fortu- 
nate enough to find a man who eventually proved of use to me in this department. 
The country lying between the sea and the foot of the hills at Koomaylee was of the 
most barren description—to the seaward sandy, and nearer the hills broken ground, 
bearing, at the period of which I speak, but few traces of vegetation beyond those of 
low thorny mimosas and a stunted species of cypress. The plain is intersected by dry 
watercourses, running from the hills towards the sea. The presence of salt in the soil 
is to be detected from the sea even up to Koomaylee. Along the seashore are belts of 
