370 
ANTALO. 
being laid upon liim. Perhaps it may be worthy of remark, that 
these Galla, on observing the red hair of one of our party, were 
so much delighted with it, that they called him, Moti," a name 
equivalent to that of Ras'^ in the Abyssinian language. The 
Abyssinians, on the contrary, made the light colour of our 
hair and the pale complexion of our features an occasional sub- 
ject of ridicule. 
On one of these festive days a circumstance happened, which, 
though extremely ludicrous in its consequences^ might have pro- 
duced very unpleasant effects; I am, therefore, induced to 
mention it by way of caution to other travellers, though I cannot 
altogether excuse myself from somewhat of imprudence in having 
inadvertently given occasion to the occurrence. Among other 
presents which I had taken up into the country, a quantity of 
artificial fire-works had been selected, chiefly consisting of ser- 
pents, small wheels, and crackers, which at different times had * 
afforded the lias and his chiefs much amusement ; the former 
taking great delight in lighting them himself, and in throwing 
them among his attendants. Several Galla chiefs, whom I have 
before mentioned, and other strangers being present at the 
time, the Ras expressed a desire that I would let Mr. Pearce 
exhibit some of the best of these compositions ; which were ac- 
cordingly produced. On this occasion, I have to observe, that 
the room in which we sat was about sixty feet long by thirty 
broad, filled with guests who were all habited after the fashion of 
their respective countries, in loose flowing cotton garments, 
■* One being from « Mata," " head," in Galia, and the other from Eaz," " head/' 
in the Geez, as our own word captain/ from " caput." 
