The Monticellonian., 1917-03-01

which boomed like a mufiled drum uii, der the terrific impact. Jabhenns anu gesticulating horribly they would 2iaIe upon the weary plodders, upfeafl"s themselves through the {ahslep growths. or swinging wildly through the trees. Monkeys were nullierouN and, at one point, the company HaFro"I ly escaped destruction before a "iiu stampede of freHzied monkeys anu balloons.
 stamnede of Baboons and Monkeys.
 "Tbe caravan was proceeding quiet ly along on trail banked on one sue by sloping knoll. From atar III 5he distance faint murmur suddenly arose. The noise increased rapidly uh- til if seemed almost like the irehZleu shouting of terr0r-strleken persons. The Americans, not knowing what to expect, dismounted. This move haa scarcely been accomplished when over the crest of the hill appeared q tlln- bling, writhing mass of balloons ana monkeys, charging in wild disorder di- rectly toward the pafty The pfHhgths herd numbered thousands in strength, the creatures all in seemingly insane state of agitation. Nolley after Voiley was fired into the animal army, which, alarmed at the fusillade, suddenly swerved sharply to the right, and passed the caravan at close range.
 "Throughout the route the territory of dozens of tribes were traSersed, but many of these were under the rulerShp of King Menelik and the reception given the travellers was of the most bountiful the country could offer. They were feted and dined on the fat of the land, and in many places were given one of the palaces of the village in which to pass the night. At times, long before a settlement was reached, they would be met by thousands of the natives. In their naked state they danced about them jubilantly, and with weird music and shouting escorted the party into the precincts of the city.
 ''The habits of King Menelk's sub jects are most peculiar, and their va- rious customs IS displayed to us would fill book. Many of them were of tall sturdy physique, their height enhanced by their thick mop of coarse hair, of times half foot in length, which stood perpendicular on their heads. For every person killed by them the men wear feather in their hair, and ex- tremety proud are those who faunt q goodly number of this insignia.
 Tn the journey over the arid wastes many sand storms were encountered. These tempests sweep up with appal- ling suddenness, and the tiny particles make travel impossible. The approach of such blast is always presaged hours, and even days, before the gale bursts, by the action of the camels who become restless, and snort repeatedly. Long before sweeping sand clouds ap- pear on the horizon these intelligent creatures throw themselves upon the ground and bury their noses in the soft soil
 Arriving at the capital, the recep- ti0n of King Menelik's subjects was most vociferous. Throngs of the popu- lace swooped down upon the eavalcade and so intermingled with them as to make any sembanee of order impos- sible As the American detachment entered the city crude band of Afri- can instruments struck up The Star Spangled Banner" King Menelik him. self received the wanderers and every possible hospitality was lavished upon them, and they were given the freedom of the city and lodged in close prox. imity to the palace-a structure much like a barn in this country.
 1.-Two weeks were spent at inc mon. areh's stronghold before the return trin was commenced. Prior to the denar. ture, King Menelik shook hands with all members of the expedition and pr.- sented each with gold medal as a souvenir. On one side of the ornament was his own profile and on the other two lions, under which were ipserihed the words, Lion Among Lions Kjno Among Kings. Besides concluding a successful treaty with the king the av. petition brought out many relies and curlos for the Smithsonian institution i, >>|>-@>'0~o~O>c->~-o~~-~o-