72 ' SWAMPY COUNTRY. 



There were two men with them who professed 

 to know the channel of the river to Eboe. By 

 their account there were from three to eight fa- 

 thoms the whole distance. One of them, named 

 Louis, appeared to be an intelligent fellow ; but I 

 did not exactly like the look of the other. He 

 asked me how much water my vessel drew: to 

 which I replied, two fathoms; but that, having 

 wheels, we could go as well upon land as 

 water ; which piece of information he receiv- 

 ed apparenly with the most praiseworthy cre- 

 dulity. 



The country on both sides of the river appear- 

 ed to be one extensive swamp, covered with 

 mangrove, cabbage, and palm trees, and must no 

 doubt be very unhealthy. The fen-damp rose in 

 the mornings cold and clammy to the feeling, 

 and in appearance more like the smoke of a 

 damp wood fire than anything I could compare 

 it with. It was my practice, immediately the 

 men left their hammocks, to give them a cup of 

 strong coffee. I had awnings stretched fore and 

 aft since we entered the river, to protect them 

 from the ill effects of the dews and exhalations. 

 We had also raised a canvass screen fore and aft 

 as high as the paddle-boxes, that, in case of being 



