182 



JOURNEY ACROSS 



water boiling, but the tube itself has become 

 heated to a most painful degree when the tea is 

 first made. If immoderately used this tea is said 

 to produce diseases similar to those occasioned 

 by indulging in strong liquors ; though it does 

 not affect the head. But I should imagine, from 

 the simplicity of the taste, that the idea must 

 be a prejudice. 



The mosquitoes and fleas were abominable 

 here ; and I got only a very short sleep during 

 the night. It is now just light enough to write, 

 which I am doing whilst our breakfast and 

 horses are getting ready. 



Post-hut, three o'clock. Started before sun- 

 rise — no delays now — fine fresh air — good spirits. 

 Passed a coral with a number of screaming 

 paroquets perched on the stakes which enclosed 

 it. As we galloped over one part of the plain 

 this morning, we put up a number of wild 



