R. H. SCHOMBURGK. 45 



one in the boat was of opinion that they were men ; 

 and, being dressed in white, it was concluded they 

 were coloured people from the Essequibo on a fish- 

 ing excursion. Information had been received that 

 an epidemic had broken out in the colony, and they 

 were therefore doubly anxious. The crew seemed 

 to understand this feeling, making the stroke of the 

 paddle resound with double swiftness. The beach 

 was approached, when, lo ! instead of human crea- 

 tures, three jab Ir us {Mycteria Americana) were seen 

 pacing leisurely up and down ! These large birds, 

 however, took to their wings before a gun could be 

 brought to bear upon them, and thus another dis- 

 appointment was added. Their measured step and 

 upright bearing had frequently amused a military 

 companion, who could not help being reminded of 

 the parade, and even, while passing the beach, gave 

 these feathered recruits the word of command ; so 

 that, among the party, they ever after went by the 

 name of his recruits. 



Mr. Schomburgk, in passing a dangerous fall 

 called Apou-coyahan, met with a very narrow 

 escape ; and he was so unfortunate as to lose one of 

 the corials, with a numerous collection of geolo- 

 gical and other specimens, — a contingency which 

 too frequently falls to the lot of the traveller. 

 At length, on the 28th March, 1836, he arrived 

 with his companions at Georgetown ; and being re- 

 ceived in the most obliging manner by the governor, 

 and finding the most lively interest displayed in his 

 exertions throughout the colony, was soon induced 



