xlSCENT OF TARANTA. • 237 
seemed to rise from what might be termed Si sea of clonds, ex- 
tending far into the horizon, where we fancied we could discern 
the line of the ocean bounding the distant prospect. 
From this point we had a considerable descent to make before 
we again mounted ; when, in about half an hour, we reached one 
of the summits of the mountain, near a station bordering on a 
small pool of water, described in my former journey, called 
Turabo. By this time it was twenty minutes past eight o'clock ; so 
that no more than two hours and a half had been occupied in the 
ascent since we left our station in the morning at Tak-kum-ta. To 
refresh ourselves after this exertion we encamped in the plain, 
enjoying one of the finest mornings that can be imagined, the 
thermometer standing at 61°. 
Soon afterwards we had the pleasure of seeing the greater part 
of our baggage safely arrive. The heavy packages had been 
slung on poles by means of ropes, fortunately provided at Mocha, 
and from ten to sixteen bearers had been allotted to each load, 
so that they had managed, by relieving each other at intervals, 
to get up the ascent with tolerable facility. As our situation was 
now considered perfectly secure, from having reached the terri- 
tory subject to the Baharnegash, the guns and some of the more 
cumbrous articles were placed under the care of Guebra Michael, 
(his son,) with orders to follow us as expeditiously as possible, 
whilst we ourselves proceeded forward with a detachment carry- 
ing the lighter portion of our baggage to Dixan. The view that 
bursts upon the traveller, as he begins to descend the southern 
side of Taranta, is one of the most magnificent that human 
imagination can conceive, extending over the abrupt mountains 
