30 



upon the trucks, which is done by means of a temporary 

 platform laid from the edge of the truck to a sufficient di- 

 stance upon the ground, so as to make an inclined plane, 

 upon which the log is gradually pushed up from each end 

 alternately. Having completed their work of loading all the 

 trucks, which may be done in three hours, they again retire to 

 rest till about 9 o'clock next morning. The drivers now set 

 out on their return, but their progress is considerably retard- 

 ed by the lading ; and although well provided with torch 

 light, they are frequently impeded by small stumps that re- 

 main in the road, and which would be easily avoided in day- 

 light ; they, however, are in general all out at the river side 

 by 11 o'clock next morning ; when, after throwing the logs 

 into the river, having previously marked them on each end 

 with the owner's initials, the cattle are fed, the drivers break- 

 fast, and retire to rest until about sunset, when they feed the 

 cattle a second time, and yoke in again. 



Thus goes on the routine of trucking during the season, 

 the loaders being employed in the interim preparing the logs 

 for the return of the trucks. 



Nothing can present a more extraordinary spectacle than 

 this process of trucking or drawing down the mahogany to 

 the river. The six trucks will occupy an extent of road of 

 a quarter of a mile, — the great number of oxen, the drivers 

 half naked, (clothes being inconvenient from the heat of the 

 weather and clouds of dust,) and each bearing a lighted torch ; 

 the wildness of the forest scenery, the rattling of chains, the 

 sound of the whip echoing through the woods : then all this 

 activity and exertion, so ill corresponding with the still hour 

 of midnight, makes it wear more the appearance of some 

 theatrical exhibition than what it really is, — the pursuit of 

 industry which has fallen to the lot of the Honduras wood- 

 cutter. 



About the end of May the periodical rains again com- 



