I50 VOYAGE IN SEARCH 



falient and longitudinal. This tree bears femi- 

 circular pods, and its height is commonly from 

 eight to ten meters. 



Night obliged us to feek a fhelter. We could 

 not take advantage of the retreats which were 

 afforded by the large trunks of trees excavated 

 by the natives : we were at too great a diflance 

 from them, and it was neceffary to haverecourfc 

 to a pole-axe, with which one of us had had the 

 precaution to provide himfelf. Some branches 

 cut on the fpot ferved to erect a hut on a piece 

 of ground, the hardnefs of which was diminifhed 

 by a bed of fern, of a fpecies which differed little 

 from the poly podium dichotomum. 



Standing on the fkirts of the fhore, our view 

 extended afar, and we perceived nothing that in- 

 dicated the prefence of natives. We kindled a 

 fire, the cold being very intenfe. 



The (rate of ourprovifions did not difpel all 

 apprchenfion reflecting our means of fubfifl- 

 ence ; for before we had quitted the fhip we had 

 taken only one day's provifions ; but the failors 

 who accompanied us, being accuftomed never 

 to travel without bifcuit, had ftill fome left. 

 With this fupply we had the greateft need of 

 water, which it was neceffary to fetch at two 

 kilometers diflance. It required a good appetite 

 to be fatisfif (1 with fuch a fupper. 



There being feven of us, we had not much to 



fear 



