TWO NIGHTS IN SOUTHERN MEXICO. 73 



kettle endless mists rising from it, out of which 

 appeared here and there the crown of some mighty 

 tree towering above the banks of vapour. To the 

 left, cliffs and crags were to be seen which had the 

 appearance of being baseless, and of swimming on the 

 top of the mist. The vultures and carrion - birds 

 circled screaming above the huge caldron, or perched 

 on the tops of the tall palms, which looked like 

 enormous umbrellas, or like the roofs of Chinese 

 summer-houses. Out of the swamp itself proceeded 

 the yellings, snarl ings, and growlings of the alligators, 

 bull-frogs, and myriads of unclean beasts that it 

 harboured. 



The air was unusually sultry and oppressive : from 

 time to time the rolling of distant thunder was 

 audible. We could hear the Mexicans consulting 

 amongst themselves as to the propriety of continuing 

 their journey, to which our suffering state seemed to 

 be the chief obstacle. From what we could collect 

 of their discourse, they were unwilling to leave us in 

 this dangerous district, and in our helpless condition, 

 with a guide and attendants who were either untrust- 

 worthy or totally incompetent to lead us aright. Yet 

 there seemed to be some pressing necessity for con- 

 tinuing the march ; and presently some of the older 

 Mexicans, who appeared to have the direction of 

 the caravan, came up to us and inquired how we felt, 

 and if we thought we were able to travel adding, 

 that from the signs on the earth and in the air, they 



