200 MASSOWA. 
of the plain a number of Abyssinians were seen engaged in 
cutting out the salt, which they accomplish by means of a small 
adze, and the form of the pieces is similar to that of the whetstone 
used by our mowers in England. The salt lies in horizontal 
strata, so that when the edges are once divided, it separates 
without any great difficulty in flakes : that, immediately under 
the surface, is exceedingly hard, white, compact and pure ; 
but as the workmen advance deeper, it becomes of a coarser 
quality, and of a much softer consistence, until it has been 
for some time exposed to the air. In some places it con- 
tinues tolerably pure so deep as three feet, but in general not 
lower than two, below which it becomes mixed with the soil, and 
consequently unfit for use. From this plain the whole of Abys- 
sinia is supplied with salt. 
On the 14th, the party proceeded over some steep and rugged 
passes in the mountain, until they arrived at the village of Dafo, 
situated in an extensive and verdant plain, inhabited by the 
Hurtoo, a tribe of Danakil, which was conquered at an early 
period by the Abyssinians, and has ever since been subject to 
the Governor of Tigre. Here the actual influence of Alii Manda 
ceased, but as friends of the Ras, they continued to be treated 
with hospitality. 
" The country beyond this was exceedingly beautiful, and game 
of various species appeared to be very plentiful. On the 15th, at 
night, they reached the foot of the mountain Senafe. At this sta- 
tion a Shum, or chief, resides, under the orders of the Ras, who 
collects a tribute, payable on all the salt imported into the country. 
A camel carrying two hundred pieces, pays eleven, a mule, whose 
