No indications of glacial action were observed in this region, or in the Amsmiz valley which we were about to visit. On the way to Amsmiz we crossed a ravine fully 200 feet in depth, cut by a streamlet through the clay beds, without reaching the underlying rock. The country was in great part under tillage, and, although we passed no villages, must maintain a considerable population. A few interesting plants were seen; but time was pressing, and we could not afford to halt. The sun set, casting a brilliant red glow over the heaving plain that lingered for a short space longer on the flanks of the mountains which here rise more abruptly than in the district near Marocco. Our course was directed towards the narrow opening of a valley, cleft through the outer range of the Atlas, which we had already descried from a distance; and, after a gradual descent, we arrived, about 8.15 P.M., some time after dark, at Amsmiz.[1] This is the most considerable place on the northern declivity of the Great Atlas, and, from the number of inhabitants, may deserve to rank as a town. It stands on a shelf of flat rocky ground, somewhat above the level of the adjoining plain, and nearly 200 feet above the stream issuing from the mountains close at hand, which, for want of any other name, we have called the Amsmiz torrent. The Governor of this district was, as we learned, a man of some consequence, being a nephew of El Graoui, and brother-in-law of the Governor of Mogador. We considered it a favourable omen that, as we approached our camping ground close to the town, this functionary, with a motley train of torchbearers, came out to meet us, and, with much show of cordiality, welcomed us to his district. He was almost quite black, and of nearly pure Negro type, with the sensual, but apparently good-humoured expression that is common among that race. It was too late to discuss business on this evening; and the less necessary to do so, as we knew that our large and precious collections made in the Aït Mesan valley, and put up in indifferent condition, would require a full day’s work, before we could undertake a new excursion of any importance. An abundant _mona_ was provided; and general satisfaction appeared to prevail in the camp at having reached this Capua of the Great Atlas.