230 TOLL TAKEN BY 



I observed that everything that is exposed for 

 sale in the market pays a kind of dnty. This is 

 generally either in kind, or an equivalent in salt 

 pieces, the only money in Shoa. Grain is ex- 

 amined by the Governor, to whom it is brought, 

 who determines the amount to be taken as toll, 

 and which is regulated according to certain cus- 

 tomary laws. Such toll is measured by single 

 handsfull, a species of measure very usual in Shoa, 

 and called " tring." Butter is submitted to a 

 similar process, the officer appointed scooping out 

 of the gourd-shell, in which it is generally brought, 

 a quantity with his fingers, which is then put into 

 a recipient jar that stands by his side. The salt 

 merchants, cattle sellers, and, in fact, all dealers, 

 pay for the convenience of bartering their goods, 

 and during the day large heaps of ahmulahs, and of 

 market produce, accumulate around the feet of the 

 Governor, whose perquisites of office they appear 

 to be. A less profitable employment for him is 

 the settlement of disputes, as very long-winded 

 debates sometimes occur, before a settlement can 

 be established between the disputing parties ; and 

 for this business no fees are demanded, although I 

 have no doubt, such a situation of general referee 

 in matters of the kind, is very productive of private 

 gifts. 



People in the habit of attending the market 

 compromise their tolls, by a regular payment of 

 from one to three ahmulahs weekly, and they are 



