TSAI. 
to me on the day before, and grilled a part of it for our breakfasts 
From this place our road turned more to the westward, over lofty 
and rugged hills, all of which, however, were for the most part 
cultivated. We passed the villages ofTsai; which, with their 
territory, form a free district under one of the Ras's nephews. It 
is however but a wretched domain, the soil being very sandy, and 
entirely occupied in many parts by kol quail ; the surface is farther 
incumbered by rocks of slate in nearly vertical strata. After hav- 
ing journeyed about six miles north north-west from our last sta- 
tion, we made another halt at about two o'clock by the side of a 
stream, where we saw several birds, one of which I have no doubt 
was the black eagle of Bruce. H is drawing of it appears to be 
very correct ; but in its habits, this bird more resembles an hawk 
than an eagle, for it perches on the tops of trees, and on being 
driven from one, flies to another. We again resumed our march, 
passing over wild hills covered with brushwood, part of which was 
clearing for cultivation, till we gained the top of a hill about four 
miles and a half from our last halting place, where we were to be 
accommodated for the night. Fit Aurari Yasous, the master of the 
mansion, was absent ; we were however ushered into the hall, and 
on his return were presented with a goat and other eatables. There 
being no maize for drink, we were obliged to put up with booza, 
which is made from the crumbs of all sorts of bread, and greatly 
resembles bad, sour, small beer with a toast in it. Our present 
host was advanced in years, very tall, fierce and ugly; he is said 
to behave very tyranically towards his people, and we ourselves 
could bear testimony to the rough nes of his manners. 
" September 14. — We found our host much more civil and 
