of the Old World. 241 





 little disturbed. Having taken a cursory survey of 



the mountain, in order to endeavour to form some 

 judgment as to the best side to commence the ascent 

 on the morrow, we adjourned to the tent, where we 

 found a dinner waiting to which we did ample justice ; 

 and, after making a few preparations, turned in soon 

 after sunset, so as to have a good night's rest previous 

 to the morrow's fag, which we well knew would prove 

 a trying one. 



Rising at dawn we found the cold severe and 

 piercing ; and, on looking out of the tent door, we 

 saw that the whole range of hills was enveloped in 

 mist, a dense white cloud entirely obscuring the 

 summit of the peak we intended to explore. This 

 was not encouraging, to say the least of it ; but towards 

 sunrise the vapours began to open and disunite, and 

 in the course of an hour portions of clouds separated 

 themselves from the main body and moved slowly 

 and majestically down the mountain, some remaining 

 stationary on its side, whilst others hung suspended 

 over the neighbouring densely-wooded ravines and 

 valleys. Seeing that there was every prospect of a 

 fine day we set out, having each selected our favourite 

 rifles, Chineah only being entrusted with a spare gun, 

 whilst Googooloo, Naga, and Hassan, carried long 

 ropes and short spears, which were to serve us in the 

 ascent as " Alpen-stocks." For some short distance 

 the route was not very difficult, but it soon changed 



B 



