64 Dr. Nugent on the Pitch-lake 



were anxious to proceed. We ascended the hill, which was en- 

 tirely composed of this rock, to the plantation, where we procured 

 a negro guide, who conducted us through a wood about three 

 quarters of a mile. We now perceived a strong sulphureous and 

 pitchy smell, like that of burning coal, and soon after had a view 

 of the lake, which at first sight appeared to be an expanse of still 

 water, frequently interrupted by clumps of dwarf trees or islets 

 of rushes and shrubs : but on a nearer approach we found it to be in 

 reality an extensive plain of mineral pitch, with frequent crevices 

 and chasms filled with water. The singularity of the scene was 

 altogether so great, that it was sometime before I could recover 

 from my surprize so as to investigate it minutely. The surface 

 of the lake is of the colour of ashes, and at this season was not 

 polished or smooth so as to be slippery ; the hardness or consistence 

 was such as to bear any weight, and it was not adhesive, though it 

 partially received the impression of the foot ; it bore us without any 

 tremulous motion whatever, and several head of cattle were brows- 

 ing on it in perfect seciirity. In the diy season however the surface 

 is much more yielding, and must be in a state approaching to fluidity, 

 as is shewn by pieces of recent wood and other substances being 

 enveloped in it. Even large branches of trees which were a foot 

 above the level, had in some way become enveloped in the bitumin- 

 ous matter. The interstices or chasms are very numerous, ramify- 

 ing and joining in every direction, and in the wet season being filled 

 with wat€r, present the only obstacle to walking over the surface ; 

 these cavities are generally deep in proportion to their width, some 

 being only a few inches in depth, others several feet, and many 

 almost unfathomable : the water in them is good and uncontami- 

 nated by the pitch ; the people of the neighbourhood derive their 

 sypply from this source, and refresh themselves by bathing in it ;. 



