PROFESSOR SMITH'S JOURNAL. 29T 



Impenctralile thickets obstructed our farther progress. We 

 made some attempts from the boat to ascend the steep hill. 

 The climbers and creepers hanging down its sides resembled 

 worked tapestry. The ground was covered with Ipomcea, 

 one with white and another with violet flowers. The 

 rock consists of blocks of quartz. I Avas called back on 

 board just when I was taking a view of the surrounding 

 scener}'. In the evening we arrived at the banza, and 

 dropped anchor near the shore, which was level, and 

 covered with grass. The residence of the king is on the 

 other side of the hill. The river is already narrow, and 



is perhaps not larger than the bay of St The 



land to the left rises gently, and forms a long ridge, better 

 covered with wood than the lower parts, and behind it is 

 seen a range of undulating mountains. A salute was fired 

 and soon after a palanquin made its appearance, having 

 been sent by the king to the Captain, who however de- 

 clined going on shore till the following morning. 



July 28. This day was fixed upon for the ceremonious 

 procession to the royal residence. Early in the morning we 

 were already teazed with visits from Mafooks and Princes 

 by dozens. The Captain preferred to walk the greatest 

 part of the way. Some marines followed us as a guard 

 and we ourselves, dressed in borrowed coats, formed the 

 van. Our w^y led over a grassy plain, varied by culti- 

 vated patches of maize, different kinds of pulse, and cas- 

 sava, resembling asparagus as to Single trees 



were scattered around. The grass was almost dry. A 

 path leads over the rising ground (which consists of clay) 



Qq 



