RECEPTION BY MR. PRATT. 31 



to fathom the designs of Omnipotence. The 

 wild cotton and oak trees grow to an immense 

 size, and are so intermixed with parasite plants 

 as to form an impervious shade. The stillness 

 which reigns throughout the scene is another of 

 its characteristic features, — one which chills the 

 heart, and imparts a feeling of loneliness which 

 can be shaken off only by a strong effort. 



After a long walk we returned to the village, 

 and were welcomed with much kindness and cor- 

 diality by Mr. Pratt, who had arrived during our 

 absence. He informed us that he had no Kroo- 

 men, and would have to send to Free Town for 

 them, to which place, it being only thirty miles 

 distant. Captain Harries determined at once to 

 take the Quorra and select the men himself. We 

 were also in want of provisions for such an addi- 

 tion to our number, as it seemed probable that 

 the voyage might be much more protracted than 

 we had at first anticipated, and we were uncer- 

 tain where we might fall in with the brig, which 

 had the bulk of our stores on board. 



Mr. Pratt's return having restored the confi- 

 dence of the people, we passed a pleasant even- 

 ing on shore, Lieut. Allen, Mr. Lander, and 

 myself remaining all night. The two former 



