The silver star., 1898-04-07


Of his party by the king, and notes
various characteristics OF the country
and its people, who constitute inc
most formidable native independent
power of North Africa. The route from
Harrar lay in westerly direction. ana
the third march brought us to an ele-
vation of 5000 feet, where we found
ourselves in most lovely country,fuii
of magnificent forest trees, green grass
and ripping streams. Among the
flowers old British friends were met
with in every direction; dogrose, hon
eysuckle, clematis. syringa, tiger lily,
daffodil, crocus and iris being numer-
Gus. Juniper and olive grew to be
hundred and twenty feet high, while
the Abyssinian 'Zigbah." believed by
the natives to be the wood of which
Solomon's temple was built, lowered
above all. At camping ground near
Derru sugar cane was brought to us
10 feet in length and nine inches in
circumference. We at last camped
near the palace of Menelik, and ar
rangements were made for our recep-
ton on the following day, when large
escort conducted us to the palace. We
dismounted at the gate and passed in
to the courtyard, in which were ranged
in line on either side some 60 noun
tain guns and mitrailleurs that had
been taken from the Italians at the
battle of Adowa. Ascending few
stone steps We entered huge circular
hall, at the farther end of which, un
der silken canopy embroidered with
gold, sat the emperor. who received is
in silence. We advanced until within
n few feet of the throne, and then
each member Of the mission bowed in
succession, while Mr.. Rodd read out
our names. After cur introduction
the king signed to us to be seated.
chairs having been placed for us in a
half circle in front of him. The queens
letter was presented. and the king
courteously welcomed us.
Next day we were again received, to
deliver to Menelik the presents sen;
him by the queen. They consisted OF
firearms, ammunition. skins of animals.
viz, polar and black bear, tiger, PAN
ther and jaguar-telescopes, gold and
silver trays and candelabra, cloth
heavily embroidered in gold. silk robes,
and other articles of value. AS they
were placed one by one before the king
he said nothing. and showed scarcely
any interest until the skins were I'M
rolled; these we noticed that he OBJ
served with keen interest, and as soon
as the porters had retired he leant for
ward and. pointing to the polar bear.
asked what kind of animal it was and
where it came from. Herr Ilg, the
court interpreter. gave his majesty all
Information regarding it, and the huge
white. furry skin with mounted head
was brought close for his inspection.
Ejaculations OF wonder and surprise
issued from his lips, and he exclaimed.
Il shall make this my throne hence
forth. with the tiger on my right and
the black bear on my left" At the
close of our interview with the king.
our interpreter again rose and said
that our queen had also sent offerings
to the queen OF Abyss!nia. the bearers
OF which were waiting outside. Men
elk Immediately turned to Herr Ilg
and directed him to conduct us to her
majesty's apartments. Leaving the
audience hall We crossed another court
yard and found ourselves In garden.
where enormous marigolds and sun
flowers stared us In the face. In the
center was big wooden house with n
broad yeranda round it. We were