ABRIF-AL IN THE ANSEBA FALIEY. 117 



there is a considerable change in the foliation, which is 

 here north-east and south-west. 



After about two hours' gradual ascent, we came to a 

 steeper path leading over a small range of hills between 

 the upper portion of the Lebka valley and the basin of 

 the Anseba. From the top of the little pass, which 

 is called Mashalit, there is a fine view over the broad 

 undulating valley in which the Anseba runs. We de- 

 scended a finely-wooded valley, and found ourselves in 

 an open country, with more signs of inhabitants than 

 the Lebka valley, and cultivated in places. The popu- 

 lation; however, bwiJig to Abyssinian raids and inter- 

 necine disputes and blood-feuds, is said to have much 

 diminished of late years; and the area actually under 

 cultivation is small compared with that which has 

 evidently been cleared. 



The most remarkable feature of the valley is the 

 existence, on almost every conspicuous rise, of large 

 circular piles of white stones; Nothing of the kind had 

 been seen by us in the Abyssinian highlands. These 

 piles of stones cover the graves of chiefs. In some cases 

 the f)iles are not covered with the white fragments of 

 quartz which are usually placed oh the surface, and to 

 which these sepulchral mounds owe their conspicuous 

 appearance. Such graves, we were told, are those of men 

 who have been murdered, and whose deaths have not 

 been avenged. 



The law of blood for blood, universal amongst Semitic 

 peoples, prevails generally throughout Abyssinia. It is 

 of this nature in the Anseba country. If a man is 



