610 ARTS AND CRAFTS OF GUIANA INDIANS [ETH. ANN. 38 
prevents him slipping (Cr, 298). So, again, tree climbing by means 
of a vine rope in the shape of a ring in which the feet are inserted 
is recorded from the upper Rio Negro (KG, mm, 259) and Amazon 
(HWB, 275). 
791. Streams may be either waded, swum, or crossed by bridges. 
To avoid danger from alligators on the upper Essequibo, the Indians 
cut long sticks and examined closely the side of the creek for half 
a mile above and below the place where it was to be crossed, and as 
soon as the boldest had swum over, he did the same on the other 
side, and then all followed (W, 82). Sometimes a tree of suitable 
height growing on the bank of the stream may be cut down so as to 
fall across the water and afford a passageway. This may be supple- 
mented and strengthened with handrail and props (fig. 334). Occa- 
sionally a bridge may be specially constructed, as that above the 
cataract of the great Raudal de Guaharibos, on the upper Orinoco, 
where the Indians built one of bush rope supported on rocks that 
rise in the middle of the river (AVH, nu, 461). 
| For superstitions regarding Indians traveling alone or losing their 
way, see WER, v1, secs. 109, 130, 286.] Among other imaginary dan- 
gers to which the traveler is exposed are the Akami (Warracaba) 
“ Tiger,” the “Tiger” man, the Hairy man, the Milk-white Jaguar, 
the monster Bat, and troops of hobgoblins armed with short bows 
and arrows (PEN, 1, 124). The source of danger is occasionally 
tricked by the traveler having a special nom de voyage (sec. 881). 
