Visit to Kondul. — An Eeivee ExorciBer. 69 



of tlie gigantic roots of trees, or of the climbing plants that 

 hung suspended like natui^al ropes, by means of which we 

 swung oui-selves among the huge blocks of rock, till we 

 could gain a secure footing. Instead, however, of finding, as 

 we had hoped, a small plateau at the summit, or at all events 

 discovering some less difficult path by which to descend, we 

 were sorely disconcerted, on arriving thoroughly exhausted on 

 the top, at finding the rock descended so sheer and precipit- 

 ous on the other side that it was impossible to make one step 

 fm^ther. However, we found here a delicious refreshing breeze. 

 With pleasm-e indescribable, om- gaze wandered to the 

 island of Great Nicobar and the islet ofCabra, lying immedi- 

 ately opposite us, tlieir green luxm'iant shores bathed on all 

 sides by the azure ripple of the ocean. Although no rain 

 had fallen for more than six months, the vegetation was on 

 the whole wonderfully fresh and abundant, the forest lovely 

 and majestic as on " the first day of Creation ! " 



We found ourselves compelled to retrace our steps by the 

 same break-neck path by which we had ascended the peak. 

 On the shore we encountered some of the natives, whose 

 curiosity had got the better of their apprehensions, and who 

 now slunk out of the forest, to discover what was our peculiar 

 object in landing on the island. Among their number was 

 a native doctor, and Eewee exerciser; he was however in 

 no way distinguishable from the rest of his brethren, unless 

 by the inordinate length of his hair, which flowed down far be- 

 low his shoulders. One of the members of the Commission, 



