84 dr. beke's garden. 



their parent assemblies has been much better pre- 

 served in the simple ceremonies practised by the 

 Abyssinian Tabeebs, than in the festive orgies of 

 the mysterious brotherhood of Europe. I quit this 

 subject for a time, and return to Ankobar. 



Whilst staying with Dr. Roth, I frequently 

 accompanied him to a small garden attached to 

 the old house, where Dr. Beke resided during his 

 visit to Shoa. On one occasion our attendant dug 

 up a considerable quantity of potatoes, which had 

 been planted by Mr. Krapf. The seedlings had 

 been sent from Tigre, in northern Abyssinia, by 

 Mr. Isenberg, and the return crop seemed very 

 favourable. At present no advantage has resulted 

 to the natives by their introduction, for the hatred 

 which seemed to exist against everything English 

 extended even to the real benefits that were offered 

 to the Shoans. 



Who can help regretting the great mistake of 

 the missionary, in calling political aid to his assist- 

 ance, but he erred solely by his zeal to extend his 

 opportunities of conferring good upon his fellow- 

 creatures. He grieves now for influence, founded 

 upon respect, that is gone for ever; and from my 

 heart I sympathize with him, for the utter pros- 

 tration of hope that Abyssinia should become the 

 centre of enlightenment for the rest of the unhappy 

 continent of Africa. 



