WANDERINGS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 103 



fretting and boiling amongst the huge rocks which obstruct 

 its course. 



Higher up it is seen dividing itself into a short channel 

 or two, and trees grow on the rocks which caused its sepa- 

 ration. The torrent in many places has eaten deep into 

 the rocks, and split them into large fragments by driving 

 others against them. The trees on the rocks are in bloom 

 and vigour, though their roots are half bared, and many of 

 them bruised and broken by the rushing waters. 



This is the general appearance of the fall from the level 

 of the water below to where the river is smooth and quiet 

 above. It must be remembered that this is during the 

 periodical rains. Probably in the dry season it puts on a 

 very different appearance. There is no perpendicular fall 

 of water of any consequence throughout it, but the dread- 

 ful roaring and rushing of the torrent down a long, rocky, 

 and moderately sloping channel, has a fine effect ; and the 

 stranger returns well pleased with what he has seen. No 

 animal, nor craft of any kind, could stem this downward 

 flood. In a few moments the first would be killed, the 

 second dashed in pieces. 



The Indians have a path alongside of it, through the 

 forest, where prodigious Crabwood-trees grow. Up this 

 path they drag their canoes, and launch them into the 

 river above; and on their return bring them down the 

 same way. 



About two hours below this fall is the habitation of an 

 Acoway chief called Sinkerman. At night you hear the 

 roaring of the fall from it. It is pleasantly situated on 

 the top of a sand-hill. At this place you have the finest 

 view the river Demerara affords : three tiers of hills rise 

 in slow gradation, one above the other, before you, and 

 present a grand and magnificent scene, especially to him 

 who has been accustomed to a level country. 



