MOCHA. 
495 
Yasoiis mentioned by Mr. Bruce ; the country which he com- 
mands is acknowledged, even by the Tigrians, to form one of the 
finest portions of Abyssinia, and his power is said to equal that 
of Ras Welled Selasse ; the force which he can bring into the field 
chieily consisting of horsemen, much celebrated for their courage 
in battle. This chief keeps up a pretty regular intercourse both 
with Gondar and Antalo, his friendship being cultivated by the 
rulers of these respective towns, on account of the valuable pre- 
sents of horses which he occasionally sends them, though the 
communication between the several states is extremely difficult, 
owing to the tribes of Galla intervening, a circumstance which 
often occasions the messengers, sent on these errands, a delay 
of many months before they can reach their destinations. 
The province of Shoa lies, throughout, on a lower level than 
Efat, and is much celebrated for its fine pasturage and fertile 
vallies, containing many large towns, and an immense number of 
monasteries. The dependant districts most worthy of notice are 
Walaka and Gidm ; the former was little known to my inform- 
ants, and the latter, which lies northward of Efat, had lately 
rebelled at the instigation of a younger brother of Wussen Segued, 
who was reported to have gone over to the Musselmaun faith; in 
consequence of which a strong force had been sent out against 
him, and no doubt seemed to be entertained of the insurrection 
being speedily quelled. From the various accounts which I 
received of the above provinces, there is just reason to sup- 
pose that Ethiopic literature might be found in a more flourish- 
ing condition there than in any other part of Abyssinia, and 
that the inhabitants retain more of the ancient customs and 
