36 FIFTEEN DAYS ON THE DANUBE. 



way, the channel took a wide bend and changed its direction. 

 At first it had led us westwards almost at right angles to the 

 main stream, but now it turned to the sou'-sou'-west, and we 

 could see it flowing straight before us like a broad avenue, 

 both its banks being covered with imposing woods of a grander 

 and gloomier character than those which we had at first 

 encountered. 



The ' Vienna 9 loaded with men, and its attendant swarm of 

 low " csikeln " that hardly rose above the surface of the 

 water, formed a striking picture as they glided so quietly 

 through this silent lonely scene. 



In the distance to the right we saw quite a colony of fisher- 

 men, whose curiously built huts had a look of the South Sea 

 Islands, being made of long thick reeds and shaped like in- 

 verted funnels, a very low door serving as an entrance into 

 these peculiar structures. 



After a few more strokes of the oars Hodek ordered his 

 men to land at this fishing colony, whither the Archduke 

 Albrecht's Land-Steward had come from Mohacs on purpose to 

 receive us. 



Herr Eampelt, formerly an officer in the army, is a par- 

 ticularly agreeable, well-informed man, and to his great 

 courtesy we are indebted for much pleasure and many in- 

 teresting experiences. Other members of the admirable 

 Archducal forestry-staff also came to offer their services ; and 

 as for the fishermen, they stood up in their " csikeln " by the 

 bank gazing at us in amazement, while some wolf-dogs 

 sprang yelping towards us. 



Now followed a short consultation, the " csikeln " were 

 distributed, every one chose his special district, a guide, a 

 paddler, and a climber were allotted to each, and we separated 

 with many a hearty wish for good luck, this spot being fixed 

 upon as the rendezvous for the evening, when we had 

 finished shooting. We were all somewhat excited at parting, 



