SOUTH AMERICA. 225 



powers, I would here give thee an idea of the THIIU> 



JOUKNEY. 



enchanting scenery of the Essequibo ; but that - 

 not being the case, thou must be contented with 

 a moderate and well-intended attempt. 



Nothing could be more lovely than the appear- Scenery, 

 ance of the forest on each side of this noble river. 

 Hills rose on hills in fine gradation, all covered 

 with trees of gigantic height and size. Here 

 their leaves were of a lively purple, and there of 

 the deepest green. Sometimes the caracara ex- 

 tended its scarlet blossoms from branch to branch, 

 and gave the tree the appearance as though it 

 had been hung with garlands. 



This delightful scenery of the Essequibo made 

 the soul overflow with joy, and caused you to 

 rove in fancy through fairy-land ; till, on turning 

 an angle of the river, you were recalled to more 

 sober reflections on seeing the once grand and 

 towering mora, now dead and ragged in its top- 

 most branches, while its aged trunk, undermined 

 by the rushing torrent, hung as though in sorrow 

 over the river, which, ere long, would receive 

 it, and sweep it away for ever. 



During the day, the trade-wind blew a gentle 

 and refreshing breeze, which died away as the 

 night set in, and then the river was as smooth 

 as glass. 



The moon was within three days of being full, 

 so that we did not regret the loss of the sun, 

 which set in all its splendour. Scarce had he 



Q 



