90 INTRODUCTION. 



in a schooner, as far as the confluence of the Maza- 

 runi with the Essequibo, where we made the neces- 

 sary preparation for our further journey. The 

 canoes which were selected for that purpose are 

 manufactured by the Indians, and consist of the 

 trunk of a huge tree, which has been hollowed 

 out, partly by the axe, partly by the fire. They 

 are sometimes from thirty to forty feet long, and 

 are peculiarly qualified for these rivers, as they 

 draw but little water and are less subjected to 

 leaking when drawn over cataracts or coming in 

 contact with rocks, than if they were constructed of 

 timbers. A covering of palm leaves is substituted 

 for an awning. As the largest of these canoes is 

 seldom more than four feet wide, its load must be 

 restricted, and the baggage is generally placed in 

 such a manner that, arrived where a cataract opposes 

 obstacles to further progress, it may be unloaded 

 and carried over land. The Indian propels his ca 

 noe by paddles ; these are generally about five feet 

 long, of which the blade occupies about two feet. 

 The Caribs and Macusis prepare their paddles gene- 

 rally of the yaruri or massara^ a very curious tree, 

 which has the appearance of being fluted, or as if it 

 consisted of numerous slender trees all grown toge- 

 ther at the centre; the flat or tabular projections 

 of the lower part of the trunk qualify them pecu- 

 liarly for their construction, besides which, the 

 wood is light, elastic, and very strong. I have 

 frequently seen the Indians split one of the flutes 

 ofl^, and finish a paddle in the course of a few hours, 



