MOCHA. 491 
eighty miles. A fresh attempt has been made since I visited 
Abyssinia to dispossess the Ras of his influence over tfds province, 
but the attempt, like many others undertaken during his con- 
tinuance in power, completely failed. Between the northern 
part of Samen and Tigre proper, extends the valuable province 
of Temben, subdivided again into several shummuts (or districts) 
under dilFerent chiefs, many of whom I became acquainted with 
during my stoy in the country ; the principal of these is Shum 
Temben Guebra Michael, who, from having distinguished him- 
self particularly in the war with Gojee, is highly respected by the 
R.as, and thought likely to succeed to his power. The houses 
in this province, like those in Avergale, bear a resemblance to 
Egyptian temples, and the inhabitants plait their hair in the same 
manner as the soldiers of Lasta. 
Above Temben, to the westward of Axum, is situated the 
province of 8hire, which forms a pretty sharp angle with the 
Tacazze in latitude 14° ; and on the opposite side of the river 
extend still farther westward the districts of Waldubba and 
Walkayt, both of which continue to pay tribute to the Ras. 
The flowery meadows, shady groves, and rich vallies, with which 
the former abounds, are celebrated for the resort of numerous 
pilgrims, professedly devout, who clothe themselves in a yellow 
dress, with a cord round their waists,* and pass their time there 
in religious and secluded retirement ; but the satirical vein of 
pleasantry which distinguishes the Tigrians ascribes to them 
more unseemly motives, and scandal does not hesitate to say that 
Love, not of the purest kind, presides over their retreat. 
I have now only to notice the remaining portion of Tigre, 
3 R 
