14 
HADJAIAN. 
ruins, and, as the Baharnegash told me, the people have no inclina- 
tion to rebuild them. 
" In quitting Recaito we went first to the eastward, and after- 
wards proceeding due south, ascended a lofty and extremely steep 
pass, on the top of which ran a stream of water that oozed through 
its porous channel, and dripped on the rocks below. The whole 
side of the mountain was covered with Acacia-trees, among which 
grew the Serge, the Tabbib, and other sweet-scented plants and 
shrubs, besides many beautiful flowers, of which I collected speci- 
mens. About half way up we turned again in an eastern direction, 
and on reaching the summit, found a level and extensive flat, which, 
though moist and swampy from numerous springs, appeared to be 
very capable of cultivation, and, if it were properly drained, well 
fitted for corn. 
" I collected here three species of bulbous plants, and a few 
specimens of iron ore, which lay scattered in great plenty on several 
of the hills that we passed. After resting an hour by the side of 
one of the springs, we proceeded, with all our baggage, along the 
edge of the flat to the village of Hadjaian; thence, after winding 
round to the southward, and crossing a small stream, the banks of 
which were shaded by the Laham, a tree much resembling the 
Mango in its growth, we ascended a hill, on the west of which stands 
the village of Shihah. 
" The Baharnegash behaved with much politeness during the 
whole of this day's journey ; he even dismounted, and offered me 
his own mule, which was far superior to that on which I rode ; but 
he afterwards hinted to Captain Rudland, that a little more money 
would be acceptable. A tolerably good house was prepared for us ; 
