TO THE CAMEROON MOUNTAINS. 9 
two steps backwards for one forwards. When we reached the 
summit (alt. by Consul Burton's thermometer 13,553 ft.), we found 
the wind so strong that it nearly blew us down, and at the same 
time it was so cold (453°) that it made our tropical hands almost 
useless. After half-an-hour’s stay, we hung up the self-registering 
thermometer and left the top, too much benumbed by cold for any 
further observations. We reached the rendezvous about 3 ».w. ; 
but my collection this day was not very rich. Besides the Gra- 
minex, I found Helichrysum Manni, the above-named Crassulacea, 
Swertia Clarenciana, and Veronica Manni, which all grew on the 
enormous lava-fields which surround the highest mountain. 
l felt very weak and unwell, and soon found that I had a re- 
lapse of my previous illness. This induced us, on the following 
day, to set out on our return. When we reached Mount Isabel, 
we perceived, on the opposite side of the crater, a native, destitute 
of clothing, save a piece about the loins, accompanied by two dogs 
with wooden bells fastened to their necks. I made signs to him 
to approach us; but this he declined, and soon made off. With 
the exception of one, our Kroomen were so frightened at his 
appearance that they took to their heels. 
We reached our encampment at 5.30 r.m., and on the following 
day were joined by Mr. Saker and Mr. Smith, also a missionary. 
My condition daily became worse, and it was impossible for me to 
collect. I lay nearly the whole day in my hammock, using every 
means at hand, but without success. While Consul Burton was 
prevented walking by his wounded foot, Messrs. Saker and Smith 
fell ill of fever; so that we were a pitiful company for mountain 
research. 
On the 9th I concluded to turn back to Vietoria,and on the 
following day was carried down by my men, as I was too weak to 
go on foot. Mr. Smith returned on the 15th, suffering much 
from fever; and on the following day, Mr. Saker, having been to 
the summit two days previously. On the morning of the 22nd 
we had a tornado; and when it had passed over, we observed snow 
on the north-east side of the mountain. Having re-established my 
health, I again left Victoria on the 24th, and reached the forest 
beyond Mapanya in the evening. Next day I climbed, for the 
third time, the lava-stream, and reached, early in the afternoon, 
Consul Burton's encampment, where I learned that on the pre- 
vious day he had set out on an excursion. The following day he 
visited the hollows before mentioned ; and on the 27th we climbed 
to the summit for the last time. After we had reached Mount 
