666 NATIVE TRIBES. 



Between that point and the Essequibo, with which the 

 Demerara runs parallel, is a remarkable almost perpendicu- 

 lar rock called Maboora, the uppermost of a succession of 

 natural terraces. The ascent to the summit from the forest 

 below occupies some hours. From hence the broad Essequibo 

 can be seen flowing, partly hidden by the range of hills. Its 

 face is broken up by the rains of ages into huge boulders, but 

 the top is level. In its western base is a large cavern, having 

 an inner chamber with a narrow entrance. Here the beauti- 

 ful cock of the rocks, adorned with golden orange tints and 

 double fan-like crest, makes his abode. The nests of these 

 brilliant birds are at some distance from the sandy floor, and 

 attached to the rocky sides. 



NATIVE TRIBES. 



But we must pass from the scenery of this region of catar- 

 acts and forests, to take another glance at the wild tribes who 

 inhabit it. The most numerous and ferocious at one time, by 

 far, were the cannibal Caribs ; who for ages had inhabited the 

 country, and were joined by their brethren, driven by the 

 Spaniards from the islands they had long occupied. Whether 

 the whole race had originally come from the north, scattering 

 their bands and taking possession of the islands they passed, 

 seems uncertain. 



When Columbus discovered the islands, to which he gave 

 the name of the people, he had full evidence of their courage, 

 ferocity, and cannibal propensities. At the same time, 

 they paid great attention to agriculture, and brought home 

 seeds and plants from the territories they overran. They 

 were in the habit of attacking other islands and the mainland, 

 and carrying off the women as slaves ; making prisoners of the 



