BOILING LAKE OF DOMINICA. 



59 



Nearly half an hour's careful work was necessary 

 to descend that steep wall, clinging to roots and stems 

 of small trees, at the end of which we reached a 

 gentle slope facing south, covered with trees of goodly 

 size. Here were the remains of an old encamp- 

 ment, empty bottles and sulphur specimens. A stream 

 trickled near by, which we followed to the sulphur 

 basin, whence sulphuretted fumes ascended that would 

 have choked out the stench of a thousand rotten eggs. 

 This was but the beginning of the valley of wonders, 

 the portal to the enchanted land of mysteries. The 



