372 THE TRAP FORMATION. 



the first, we observed the marks and traces of 

 three circular encampments, the inner portions 

 of which were divided into sections, as if for the 

 convenience of different occupants. Near this, 

 the rocks became steeper, if possible more barren, 

 and distinguished from those farther south by 

 their precipitous sides and cliffs facing to the 

 west and north-west. 



In the afternoon, the stream took a wide 

 sweep ; and at a bay to the westward, half 

 screened by huge rocks, it received another large 

 tributary, which I named after Lieutenant- 

 General Sir Thomas Montresor. It was here 

 that the trap formation first exhibited itself, rising 

 ridge over ridge, like a range of long flat steps, 

 with bare and rounded sides, sometimes termi- 

 nating precipitously. Many dipped into the 

 water in a line with a few sandy islands, which 

 sprung, like sugar loaves, from the bosom of the 

 stream, and the yellow surfaces of which had an 

 appearance of forced and unnatural gaiety, 

 amidst the gloom of that dark and desolate 

 scenery. 



The swollen river now rolled on in sullen 

 and deathlike silence, long undisturbed by any 

 thing louder than an occasional bubbling caused 

 by the unevenness of the bottom. But the 

 shores got nearer and nearer, and, for a space, it 

 was quite uncertain in what quarter we should go. 



