358 MISSADA. 
given by more correct writers that I think little doubt can be 
entertained that he was mistaken. Strabo observes, that Meroe 
was distant fifteen days journey for a messenger from the Red 
Sea, (Vol. II. p. 771,) and that the island of Meroe is formed by 
two rivers coming from the east, which flow into the Nile : the 
most southern of which is the Astapus. If this be correct the 
Island of Meroe must lie, as Mr. De Lisle and Mr. Bruce have 
conjectured, between the Nile and the Tacazze ; a circumstance 
that would be strongly confirmed, could we depend upon the 
account of the ruins described by Mr. Bruce, near the confluence 
of the two streams. 
After our day's excursion in pursuit of the hippopotamus, we re- 
turned towards our encampment under a large tree in the neigh- 
bourhood, where we intended to remain for the night. Upon 
arriving at the spot, I found only one of our attendants, walking 
up and down, watching the arms, saddles and bridles that had been 
left behind ; and as the whole scene appeared to me singularly 
characteristic, I made the accompanying sketch. In the evening, 
as the night was clear, I obtained a meridian altitude of one of the v 
stars, which proved the latitude of this plain to be 13° 12' N., 
by means of which, together with the bearings and distances that 
I had carefully computed as we went along, I was enabled to lay 
down the track of our journey which will be found in the map. 
On the following morning we set out on our return, and pass- 
ing through the jungle before described, a little to the north- 
ward of our former course, in about two hours reached a town 
called Missada, which we entered amidst the wild acclama- 
tions of the inhabitants. Ras Welled Selasse some time before 
