PASSAGE ON A RAFT. 331 



on which I sat, and viewed the great dex- 

 terity with which the peon guided our frail 

 raft through a dangerous rapid, formed by 

 the junction of two streams, within a quar- 

 ter of a mile from where I embarked. 

 There were many perilous rocks and whirl- 

 pools, the latter of which frequently turned 

 our balsa completely round ; but, by the ex- 

 cellent guidance of the pilot, we preserved 

 our balance, and the raft went safely on in 

 her intended course. At another spot we 

 grounded among the shallows of a great 

 rapid, and went bumping over the gravelly 

 bottom, in a most disagreeable manner. As 

 the river became deeper and narrower, 

 and the descent not so rapid, I extended 

 myself on the platform, with my hammock 

 for my pillow, admiring the beautifully 

 wooded banks, and the fine outline of the 

 distant mountains, as we calmly glided 

 down the river; taking the precaution of 

 holding my umbrella over my head, to 



