April.] 
MASHOW. 
171 
southern Africa, where the greatest part of the 
birds are not musical, though clothed in the most 
splendid attire. The passage across the range of 
hills which bounded the valley to the north was 
very rugged, being strewed with large black 
flint stones and rocks fixed in the ground, with 
young mimosas growing so close together as not 
to leave room for the waggons. However, after 
cutting down a few trees, and removing some 
large stones, we surmounted the difficulty. 
From this pass, we had a view of part of the 
city of Mashow, standing on an eminence which 
was destitute of tree or bush, but covered with 
cornfields. 
Meribohwhey, though not so elevated, is simi- 
larly situated, no doubt to prevent enemies ap- 
proaching unseen. After crossing a small river, 
which only runs after rain, we ascended towards 
Mashow, from whence its inhabitants soon began 
to pour forth in crowds to meet us ; they saluted 
us as they came near. The chief's son, and 
those who accompanied him to conduct us to 
their town, had gone forward before to announce 
our approach. The distance was much farther 
than we were led to expect, for we did not reach 
Mashow till five p.m. They led us to an in- 
closure opposite the king's house, where we 
found King Kossie, his uncle, Matcheelesee, and 
