THE CATARACT OF MAYPl'RES. 155 



desire (thirst) of the antelope, in allusion to those 

 tracts destitute of vegetation, which appear like 

 large lakes, with an undulating surface. We ad- 

 mire the frequent allusions in the Indian, Persian, 

 and Arabic poets to the magical effects of terres- 

 trial refraction. It was scarcely known to the 

 Greeks and Romans. Proud of the riches of their 

 soil, and the mild temperature of the air, they 

 would have felt no envy of this poetry of the de- 

 sert. It was born in Asia. The Oriental poets 

 found its source in the nature of the country they 

 inhabited ; they were inspired by the aspect of 

 those vast solitudes, interposed like arms of the 

 sea or gulfs between lands adorned by Nature with 

 her most luxuriant fertility." 



One only additional quotation must suffice us. 

 It depicts the emotions of M. Hurnboldt at sight 

 of the Cataract of Maypures : 



" We were never weary of the view of this 

 astonishing spectacle, concealed in one of the most 

 remote corners of the earth. Arrived at the sum- 

 mit of a granitic ridge that rises from the Savannah, 

 the eye suddenly takes in a sheet of foam extend- 

 ing a whole mile. Enormous masses of stone, blac.v 

 as iron, issue from its bosom. Some are grouped 

 in pairs like basaltic hills, others resemble towers, 

 strong castles, and ruined buildings. Their gloomy 

 tint contrasts with the silvery splendour of the 



