•214 NARRATIVE. 



against the shore to allow a boat to approach, and I have known 

 people, after reaching the spot, obliged to turn back without 

 landing. 



I went with a party by land, and through the bush, or forest, 

 which presented beautiful groups of picturesque trees, and con- 

 volvuli hanging luxuriantly from one to another. We reached the 

 first creek, which is of considerable width, and separates Banjole 

 from the continent. A canoe went across to swim our horses, two 

 at a time, and was ferried by the discharged soldiers, who reside 

 in huts on the bank; we then proceeded ourselves, and re- 

 mounting rode along a flat country to the second creek, where, 

 sheltering ourselves among the mangroves, we waited for a canoe 

 which had been appointed to meet us. Mounting a huge 

 monkey-bread tree, we fired a gun two or three times, which 

 served the double purpose of frightening the crocodiles, and calling 

 the canoe. The entrance to our hiding place was so deep and 

 narrow, that the grooms were obliged to swim and guide the 

 horses. Having all crossed in safety, we again started for 

 JBakkow, and arrived, after as many interruptions as eight miles 

 could well afford. 



We remained at the above place one night, which allowed of a 

 visit to the town, consisting of miserable-looking huts, crowded 

 together, filled vdth smoke, and some not high enough for a 

 middle-sized person to stand upright in'. The granaries are 

 mingled with the huts, and the doors fastened with a clumsy 

 wooden bolt, fig. 57, not deserving the name of a lock, and raised on 

 poles, to prevent the encroachments of ants, and other insects. 

 The hall of justice, or palaver house, is higher than the others, 

 mth two arched entrances, but would not contain more than ten 

 people sitting close together : it is built of the red earth of the 



* See PL. 1 1, drawn from the Veranda of the Government-House. 



