4^0 ADOWA. 
« 
two feet deep in rocky ground, some of which I was fortunate 
enough to bring safe to England, where they have since flou- 
rished, though they have not yet produced any flowers. 
On reaching Adowa, we found that Billetana Welled Georgis, 
who had returned home, was waiting our arrival, and after 
changing our dress, we proceeded to pay him a visit. We 
found him in a summer apartment, constructed of canes ; his 
wife, who was present, being seated behind a small curtain on 
his left. A few compliments ensued, and a repast was served up, 
as usuaJ, during which our host spoke but little, and conducted 
himself with considerable reserve. Shortly afterwards a dispute 
took place between him and Mr. Pearce respecting our mules ; 
the chief wishing to give shelter to mine only, which had been 
given me by the Ras, and to send the others out into the fields, 
an intention which Mr. Pearce warmly resisted, declaring himself 
as a servant of the Ras," (for even the Billetana could pretend 
to no higher distinction) equally entitled to the privilege of keep- 
ing his mule in the Ras's house. Not being pleased with this 
kind of altercation, and observing a more than usual coldness in 
the chiefs behaviour, I rose immediately after the meat had been 
removed, and took my leave. I had scarcely, however, reached 
my own apartments, when several messengers were sent after 
me, requesting to know the cause of my displeasure. I men- 
tioned, in answer, that it arose from the affront received two 
days before from one of his servants, and from the coolness with 
which I had this day been treated, circumstances that I was 
not accustomed to put up with." I informed him, that the 
Ras had always conducted himself towards me in a very different 
