WANDERINGS IN 



poison, and as repeated inquiries, in lieu of dissipating 

 the surrounding shade, did but tend more and more to 

 darken the httle hght that existed; I determined to pene- 

 trate into the country Avhere the poisonous ingredients 

 grow, where this pernicious composition is prepared, and 

 where it is constantly used. Success attended the adven- 

 ture ; and the information acquired, made amends for one 

 hundred and twenty days passed in the solitudes of 

 Guiana, and afforded a balm to the Avounds and bruises 

 which every traveller must expect to receive, who wanders 

 through a thorny and obstructed path. 



ThoQ must not, courteous reader, expect a dissertation 

 on the manner in which the wourali poison operates on 

 the system ; a treatise has been already written on the 

 subject, and after all, there is probably still reason to 

 doubt. It is supposed to affect the nervous system, and 

 thus destroy the vital functions ; it is also said to be 

 perfectly harmless, provided it does not touch the blood. 

 However, this is certain, when a sufficient quantity of 

 it enters the blood, death is the inevitable consequence ; 

 but there is no alteration in the colour of the blood, and 

 both the blood and flesh may be eaten with safety. 



All that thou wilt find here is a concise, unadorned 

 account of the wourali poison. It may be of service to 

 thee some time or other, shouldst thou ever travel 

 through the wilds where it is used. Neither attribute to 

 cruelty, nor to a want of feeling for the sufferings of the 



