246 



hear founds in the woods, which are impercep- 

 tible to others, but judge, with furprifing accu- 

 racy, of the diftance and direction from 

 whence they proceed. The pofition of a fal- 

 len leaf, or the bending of a bramble, too flight 

 to be noticed by an European eye, conveys 

 to them certain intelligence refpecling the 

 route taken by thofe whom they purfue. From 

 conftant practice and obfervation, their organs 

 of fenfe become highly improved, and they 

 hear with an acutenefs, and fee with a preci- 

 fion truly furprifing to thofe who are unac- 

 quainted with their habits, and their vigilance. 

 With fuch guides, the expedition moved in 

 confidence, and was conducted in fafety. Se- 

 ven encampments of the brigands were difco- 

 vered and completely routed ; fome of which 

 had exifted during fifteen years, concealed in 

 the profoundeft gloom of the foreft. 



The following was the mode ufually ob- 

 ferved in eftablifhing thefe places of refidence 

 and refort. Having fixed upon the fpot moll 

 convenient for their purpofe, a circular piece 

 of ground was cleared of its wood, and, in the 

 centre of this, they built huts, and formed the 

 encampment^ planting round about the buiid~ 



