232 The Abyssinian Expedition. 



fifty miles south-east from Debra Tabor, on a difficult road. 

 It is on a plateau consisting of a small tongue of high land, 

 about a mile long, and half a mile wide, level at the top, and 

 only approachable from one extremity. A number of similar 

 plateaux surround it, and they are described by Mr. Rassarn as 

 being formed (probably capped) with columnar basalt. They 

 are separated from the country to the north by deep ravines 

 and an intervening ridge, involving a double descent and rise 

 within a comparatively short distance. There is reason to 

 suppose that the way to Magdala from Sokota through the 

 Lasta country, without approaching Debra Tabor, may be 

 much easier and more accessible by an armed force than that 

 described by Mr. Rassam as having been followed by him when 

 obliged to go from Debra Tabor to the place of his present 

 imprisonment in company with the king. 



South of Magdala we are already in the country of the 

 Gallas, well-known for their ferocity, and of Shoa, one of the 

 most interesting countries of the Abyssinian highlands. It is 

 not likely that the expedition could do more than reach and 

 destroy a few of the hill forts, of which Debra Tabor and 

 Magdala are examples. Nor does it seem that this task will 

 be very difficult. 



There is much natural wealth in Abyssinia. Dr. Beke 

 describes good coal worked fifty miles from Grondar, to the 

 west ; and iron ' ore of extraordinary richness and excellent 

 quality would seem to be so abundant in certain districts, that 

 the whole country for long distances shows marks of it that 

 cannot be overlooked. Copper also is talked of, although 

 hitherto the localities where any available quantities may exist 

 are not described. Gold is certainly abundant. Besides these 

 and other metals, sulphur is plentifully distributed, and various 

 salts are alluded to, some of which are present in vast quan- 

 tities. The plains, enjoying different temperatures, according 

 to their height above the sea, are capable of yielding crops to 

 almost any extent, and the soil is almost universally good. 

 Thus all the products of temperate, warm temperate, sub- 

 tropical, and tropical climates appear united, and it is only 

 for man to say what he desires to ensure possession. 



The following extract from an able report by the late 

 Consul, Walter Plowden, Esq., made to the Foreign Office in 

 1855, will show how rich is the country, and how melancholy 

 the state in which it remains : — 



" The flat lands round Lake Tana (Isana or Dembea) arc 

 kept as pasture for cattle, or partially sown with grain, but are 

 adapted for the cultivation of rice, sugar-canes, and indigo. 



"The cold plains and mountains are fitted for the produc- 

 tions of northern latitudes. The more temperate provinces 



