28 



MEMOIR OP 



the Mazaruni and the Cuyuni disembogue them- 

 selves into the Essequibo, by a mouth fully a mile 

 in breadth. On the south point of their confluence 

 is the missionary station of Barteka. 



Mr. Schomburgk here left the main stream, and 

 sailed up the Cuyuni five miles to the Post, or 

 station of the Post-holder, — a most commanding 

 situation, whence may be seen the accumulated 

 volume of the Essequibo, the Cuyuni, and Maza- 

 runi, as it rolls onw^ard into the Atlantic. The 

 Post is built on a mass of granite, fifty feet above 

 the water. The object of these establishments is to 

 protect and maintain peace amongst the native 

 tribes, as well as to watch strangers passing up 

 and down. 



Our traveller remained at this station some days, 

 engaging Indian rowers and other attendants to 

 accompany him as he advanced through the un- 

 known regions of the interior. He availed himself 

 of this interval to ascend the Cuyuni. This, he 

 was told, continues uninterrupted almost to its 

 source, where, being separated by only a short 

 portage from the Carony, the Indians are in the 

 habit of crossing to that river, and descending it 

 and ascending the Orinoco, they maintain an inland 

 communication even with Angostura. Along its 

 banks reside many Africans, who, having inter- 

 married with the Indians, have adopted their man- 

 ners and customs. There are also one or two Carib 

 settlements here; these Indians differ in some re- 

 spects from the Arowaaks of the coast, they do not 



