ORDER OF DINING. 77 



of saucers of red earthenware, which stand in the 

 middle of oblong tables of wicker work, about one 

 foot and a-half high. A number of these are placed 

 in the form of a horse-shoe in the banquetting- 

 room, and around, on both sides, sitting upon 

 the ground, the gunmen range themselves, some- 

 times in double ranks. The King presides over all, 

 reclining upon a yellow satin-covered couch, in a 

 kind of recess, or alcove in one side of the apart- 

 ment. The greatest order and decorum is pre- 

 served, but no restraint appears to be laid either 

 upon appetite or quiet conversation. 



Upon occasions of festivals, which are exceedingly 

 numerous, an unlimited amount of raw meat is added 

 to their usual fare. Slave boys carry about a large 

 lump of flesh, held fast over one shoulder by a strong 

 grip of both hands, whilst each of the dining party 

 cuts with his knife such portion he may desire, and 

 then dismisses the boy with his blessing to the next 

 who requires a like uncooked steak. In addition 

 to their entertainment by the King when on duty 

 at the palace, the gunmen receive a monthly pay of 

 from three to seven ahmulahs, or salt-pieces, accord- 

 ing to their length of service. Besides the numerous 

 gunmen who are generally slaves born in the service 

 of the Negoos, there is an inferior class who have 

 been purchased from dealers, or have come to 

 the King as the import duty when Kahlahs of these 

 unhappy creatures arrive in his dominions. The 

 usual " assair," or tithe, being taken as of every other 



