A WATERFALL. 129 



began therefore to repent that we had come so 

 far out of our road : but on advancing a little far- 

 ther, we perceived the fall in the very track we 

 were then pursuing. It is occasioned by the water 

 flowing from the distant mountains over an extensive 

 plain, augmenting in its descent, until it forms a 

 vast body, which, in this sequestered spot, pours the 

 mighty volume of its accumulated stream over a 

 high and abrupt precipice, rushing with amazing 

 force into the abyss below. The sides of the ravine 

 are studded with lofty trees, and thickly interspersed 

 with herbaceous shrubs, water-plants, lilies, reeds, 

 accacias, forming a various and luxuriant growth, 

 which is nourished by the spray that, as it dashes 

 over the precipice, feeds with its fertilizing moisture 

 this beautiful garden of nature. The fall is of con- 

 siderable depth, and though not to be compared 

 with similar stupendous objects in many other 

 countries, yet it presents a scene of magnificence 

 that forcibly reminded me of Byron's poetical de- 

 scription : — 



" It mounts in spray the skies, and thence again 



Returns in an unceasing shower, which round, 

 With its unemptied cloud of gentle rain, 



Is an eternal April to the ground, 

 Making it all one emerald;— how profound 



The gulf! and how the giant element 

 From rock to rock leaps with delirious hound, 



Crushing the cliffs, which, downward worn and rent 

 With his fierce footsteps, yield in chasms a fearful vent 

 VOL. I. K 



