CHAPTER XVII.

Albania--Ignorance at Corfu concerning that Country--Its reported abundance of Game and Robbers--The Disturbed State of the Country--The Albanians--Richness of their Arms--Their free use of them--Comparative Safety of Foreigners--Tragic Fate of a German Botanist--Arrival at Gominitza--Ride to Paramathia--A Night's Bivouac--Reception at Paramathia--Albanian Ladies--Yanina--Albanian Mode of settling a Quarrel--Expected Attack from Robbers--A Body-Guard mounted--Audience with the Vizir--His Views of Criminal Jurisprudence--Retinue of the Vizir--His Troops--Adoption of the European Exercises--Expedition to Berat--Calmness and Self-possession of the Turks--Active Preparations for Warfare--Scene at the Bazaar--Valiant Promises of the Soldiers 235