ROUTE TO AXUM 
79 
finer cloths are valued as high as twelve dollars for a dress, each 
dress being fifty cubits in length : these are worn only by the prin- 
cipal men of the country. The native Christian manufacturer will 
make only three dresses of the fine cloth in a year : the Mussul- 
mauns will make more, but of an inferior quality, and therefore 
bearing a less price. I received from Nebrida Aram a bullock and 
two sheep, and another from his nephew; also two sheep and two 
jars of maize from the head men of the place, and one sheep from 
Bash a Abdallah. 
" September 16. — We did not leave Adowa until ten o'clock, 
having been detained by some difficulty about our baggage, occa- 
sioned by our having bought a few samples of fine and coarse cloths 
manufactured here, which we found it impossible to leave in safety 
at Adowa, as Nebrida Aram and Basha Abdallah were both going 
to Antalow to the muster of the troops before the Ras. 
" On going down into the hall to pay my compliments to Nebrida 
Aram, I was unexpectedly introduced to one of the royal family, 
who was sitting with him on the couch. This was no less a person 
than Fasilydas, son of Yasous, who was placed on the throne by 
Ras Guxo. He gave me an extremely polite reception, and was 
very curious in examining every thing belonging to my dress. He 
asked me whether I intended to go to Gondar ; and on my saying 
that I wished it, but was prevented by the unsettled state of public 
affairs, he asked me to go with him; which I w^as obliged to de- 
cline. I soon took my leave, as it was impossible for me to ask any 
questions, owing to my ignorance of his present situation in Tigre, 
and from knowing that my guide, who was present, was extremely 
suspicious of every thing that I said. After I had mounted my mule, 
