Beads. (These should be chosen by a Somáli and bought in Aden or Berbera.)
Clasp knives.
Red shawls. (These are very much in request, and are picked to pieces and made into tassels for saddlery ornaments. They can be bought in Aden for ¼ rupee each.)
Korans or Mahomedan Bibles, which cost from 1 rupee to 3 rupees in Aden, are good presents for mullahs.
Tusbas, or praying chaplets, of ebony or sandalwood, ½ rupee to 1 rupee, procurable in Aden.
Files for sharpening spears.
Coloured handkerchiefs.
Red blankets or coloured plaids. (These and common brown blankets make good presents for important natives, and are always useful to have about the tent.)
In choosing presents it must be remembered that Somális, being very sensible people, will not be burdened in their nomad life with unnecessary articles, and will not be satisfied with glittering but useless things which might pass among negroes. Each present must be really good and useful. A Somáli will examine a gift blanket very critically.
Presents and trade articles for Gállaland can be got in Aden, and should be chosen by a Somáli or Gálla expert, who knows something of the districts to be visited. Wiláyati (European) cotton cloth, something similar to Merikáni (American), but narrower and half the price, is there the most useful kind.