326 TiMEHRI. 



roony. But I think the point is determined that the 

 Granitic Region is not the region of Orchideous or indeed 

 any other plants, which only grow there in much less 

 vigour, variety and plenty than in the immediate vicinity 

 of the Coast. 



It is evident that colonization can never be attempted 

 in this river — the first day's journey determined that. The 

 only outlet for produce is the Yuruary, Corony and Oro- 

 noque. But, the cottons are of a staple and quality 

 unequalled, though not unknown to me. They would be 

 a most valuable article of commerce, but alas ! Dr. 

 Hancock himself could never get them down these 

 tremendous falls. The Cuyuny river is therefore a trea- 

 sure that never can be opened^ts resources are closed 

 for ever. 



My expedition it will be seen occupied 20 days in 

 ascending and 14 in descending. In the Massaroony 

 one day of descent equalled three of ascent But I had 

 the breeze tight aft in the still waters, and with a very 

 large sail made as much way for several days against the 

 current as I did in returning with it. My longitude of 

 300 miles West will be found rather under than over the 

 mark, and my computed elevation, correfted by observa- 

 tions in the more dire6l course of the descent, will be 

 found not excessive. The altitude of the mountains is a 

 matter of pure conjeflure ; but it is founded on their char- 

 after and appearance, which in all these rivers is so 

 similar, that the debris, the sloping, and the perpendi- 

 cular formation seem to embrace one general law of 

 altitude and are the same in all places after passing the 

 ridges of secondary hills. 



The wind was always either E. or S.E. though the 



