Along the Esseouebo and Potaro. 139 



the softer sandstone below, the conglomerate floor above 

 the roof of the recess is unable to bear the pressure of 

 the superincumbent mass of water, and is thence dis- 

 rupted. After such disruptions the recess behind would 

 be of the least extent possible. 



Standing at the front edge of the pool, nude as we 

 were, and altogether exposed to the cold currents of air 

 and the mist that struck outwards from the falls, we 

 became in a very short time terribly chilled, and were 

 forced to begin our homeward journey — besides it was 

 already late in the afternoon, and we had before us the 

 same difficult journey for the return to Tukuie, and 

 were by no means in a very fresh condition for it. The 

 return swim across the river was most delightful, the 

 water feeling quite warm after the chilling at the pool. 

 It was not till just before sunset that we reached our 

 camp, having encountered on the upland path the Rev. 

 Mr. QUICK'S brother, who, after spending a few days at 

 Ichowrah, was now returning to his distant mission 

 among the Macusi Indians near the Ireng river. 



At Tukuie there was a large benab on the sand, into 

 which, in the hurry of the morning when we landed, all 

 our baggage had been placed ; but, as was discovered 

 later, the place simply swarmed with chigoes (Pulex 

 penetrans) and fleas. Each man after entering this 

 house for his packages, walked at once into the river to 

 get rid of the chigoes which in that short time had 

 clambered on the feet ; and as we had no desire for a 

 sleepless night, we all slung our hammocks to uprights 

 on the open sand or from the trees. 



Early next morning, we started for the top of the falls, 

 along the well-beaten Indian track, the upper part of 



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