6'2 TRAVELS IN ABYSSINIA. 
grows in the forests. These, being fastened to a 
string tied about their waists, hang down " like 
" pendants," so as barely to answer the call of de- 
cency. He remarks, however, that they thus re- 
semble European nobility, in having every day a 
change of apparel. On coming to the frontier of 
the Barnagasso, they found a race of people, who, 
though calling themselves Christians, scarcely dif- 
fered from the heathens, unless in name. Their 
houses were fitter for wild beasts than men, the 
walls being chiefly of mud, the roof of cane and 
reeds, and the whole fabric supported by a wooden 
pillar, standing in the centre of the hut. In passing 
through Tigre, they found the country dreadfully 
laid waste by a Turkish invasion. They came then 
to the residence of the emperor, where the Abuna 
was received with great pomp, and our traveller ad- 
mitted to the honour of kissing the sovereign's gar- 
ment. 
Baratti's intimacy with the Abyssinian clergy, 
consequent upon his connection with the Abuna, 
procured to him a view of the place where the 
princes are confined. It was shewn to him by the 
bishop of Amhara. It is a strong castle, about two 
miles in circumference, containing gardens and 
walks, beautifully watered by artificial fountains, 
which maintain a perpetual verdure. The place 
appeared to him as delicious as any he had ever 
beheld. The princes cannot quit it unless in com- 
