620 BOTANICAL INFORMATION. 
quarter, though I should not choose to settle in it. It is 
highly probable that I shall proceed, in the beginning of next 
year, to the Indian settlements of Marowina, and being unen- 
cumbered with baggage, and only fitted out for botanizing, I 
anticipate more favourable results than have followed my di- 
plomatie mission. The most interesting of our rivers is, per- 
haps, the Saramacca, which an artificial channel connects 
with the Surinam, and the communication which it affords 
with the interior is less difficult and hazardous than by way 
of the Marowina which runs parallel with it. A peculiarity of 
the Saramacca is that it enlarges in proportion as you ascend 
it, at the distance of thirty days' journey, expanding into large 
lakes. The sources are farther inland than our other rivers, 
and the banks are inhabited by Bush Negroes of a less aspir- 
ing temper, and consequently more easy to manage than the 
natives of the Marowina. If I should not return to the latter 
district, I mean to visit the river I have now mentioned, and 
spend part of next year in exploring it. At all events, my 
recent failure has made no alteration in my plans, and I may 
inform you, that I belong to the class of men who are not 
readily baffled. The difficulties I have encountered, and the 
objects I have seen in this expedition, but confirm my resolu- 
tion to devote myself wholly to Natural History. 
It might be supposed that having accepted for myself an of- 
fice which, sixteen years ago, I had procured for a person who 
was my clerk, would give me some claim on the Government for 
such aid as I might require, though I ceased myself to be the 
Resident there ; but I confess that I hardly ventured to make 
the trial, for it is evident that the attention of our highly re- 
spected Governor is generally engrossed by more important 
affairs than the exploring of the Bush, while our Colonial 
Government at home has so much more to think of in India, 
that Surinam, if it ever comes at all to mind, is viewed as a 
possession of very subordinate importance. I must, therefore, 
look to private individuals for support, and upon your patron- 
age I mainly rely. 
The collecting of plants will always be my priacipal occu- 
