190 Dr Wilson's Account of' a Visit to t fie Falls of' the 



fliglit of steps rudely laid in some parts of our journey. In 

 other parts we had to pass over the surface of almost perpendi- 

 cular rocks, laying hold, for support, of the roots and branches 

 of large creepers. We began to fear that our strength, much 

 of which had been expended in the early part of the day, would 

 really fail us; but, though ready to expire with fatigue, we 

 reached the bottom. Here we rested for a little, and, after dis- 

 pensing with the greater part of our dress, which was completely 

 soaked with perspiration, we directed our course to the princi- 

 pal basin, scrambling over huge and shapeless masses of rock, 

 which lay scattered in all directions. When we reached our 

 destination, we found the reflected heat almost intolerable, and 

 our thirst excessive. Before our muscles suffered any collapse, 

 however, we entered the water, which proved most refreshing. 

 After bathing, we treated ourselves to a new light dress, and 

 we found ourselves comparatively comfortable, and prepared to 

 enjoy the sublimities which we had descended to witness. Such 

 a scene of wild ruin was never beheld by us. The disrupted 

 rocks piled around us; the dark, frowning, and perpendicular 

 sides of the mountains, which our eye, from our position, could 

 scarcely scale ; the boiling, deep, and roaring torrents at our feet ; 

 the clouds of spray and vapour in which we were enveloped ; 

 the western breeze reverberating in the hollow caverns which 

 obstructed its progress; and the thunder of the falls; all seemed 

 to proclaim that the elements of nature had conspired against 

 us, and filled us with terrific awe ! Their voice was, " Hast thou 

 an arm like God, and canst thou thunder with a voice like him ? 

 Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency, and array thy- 

 self with glory and beauty. Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath, 

 and behold every one that is proud, and abase him. Look on 

 every one that is proud, and bring him low: and tread down 

 the wicked in their place. Hide them in the dust together, and 

 bind their faces in secret. Then will I confess unto thee that 

 thine own right hand can save thee." An undying and beau- 

 tiful rainbow in the perpetual clouds above us, was, neverthe- 

 less the bow of promise, and might have reminded us of cove- 

 nanted fidehty and love. 



Our ascent was most arduous; and I thought I should never 

 have been able to accomplish it. Our guides procured for us spe- 



