VIEW FROM BRUIN'S STRONGHOLD. 129 



towards the most distant range of hills, which 

 were, at the same time, the highest it appeared as 

 if the whole country was one wide wilderness of 

 jungle ; except where, in various places, rose from 

 amidst it the broken, irregular summits of the 

 hills, or massive boulders, and bare cliffs and rocky 

 gorges presented themselves. The prevailing colour 

 of the underwood was a dusky brown ; but this was 

 enlivened by groups of bright-green korinda bushes ; 

 and the more brilliant foliage of the trees, massed in 

 pleasant relief in the dells and valleys, also afforded 

 a contrast with the arid hue of the jungle, and one 

 on which the eye delighted to dwell. 



The most distant hills were indistinct, and the 

 outline subdued and softened under the glow of 

 the declining sun, which shed a yellow haze upon 

 them. The grey, steamy mists, and occasional 

 volumes of smoke from burnt jungle, too, were 

 rising from the valleys, and lent their influence to 

 obscure the distance. The villages, but few in 

 number, lay hidden among the sinuosities of the 

 hills ; so that nature seemed to reign supreme in 

 one of its wildest and most desolate aspects. 



But as the hour admitted no very lengthened 

 contemplation of the scenery, the hunters were soon 

 en route to the spot where their ponies had been 

 left, 



