R. H. SCHOMBURGK. 37 



alighted on the face and hands of every one of the 

 party, drawing blood, and leaving a spot which re- 

 mained for weeks. The poor Indians, uncovered as 

 they were, presented a pitiful appearance, from the 

 stings and swellings which followed. 



Next morning they wandered over the savannahs, 

 and visited a small settlement of Wapisianas, in 

 order to the due procuring of provender. It con- 

 sisted only of a dome-shaped hut and two smaller 

 open ones. A number of Wapisianas had assem- 

 bled to have a paiwori feast. They were finely 

 formed people, and taller than any Indians before 

 observed. The men all came forward and greeted 

 their visitors in the manner of the Macusis, by 

 waving their hands before their faces ; afterwards 

 they retired, and. a lively conversation and loud 

 laughter ensued among them. On looking for a 

 moment into one of the open houses, women and 

 cliildren were seen busily employed in baking fresh 

 cassada bread for the feast. What an uproar when 

 Mr. Schomburgk made his appearance ! The chil- 

 dren ran away screeching, fowls and parrots fol- 

 lowed, and the dogs set up a hideous yell, exhibiting 

 every intention to attack him. 



When their excitement at this unlooked-for visit 

 had in some measure subsided, the guests began to 

 assemble for the feast. Hammocks were slung 

 around the circular house, and the implements of 

 the kitchen and the chase ranged against-the walls ; 

 the middle being occupied by a wooden trough, 

 capable of holding sixty gallons, filled with the 



