SOUTH AMERICA. 215 

 height and size. Here their leaves were of a hvely Third 



Journey. 



purple, and there of the deepest green. Sometimes the 



Caracara extended its scarlet blossoms from branch to 

 branch, and gave the tree the appearance as though it 

 had been hung with garlands. 



This delightful scenery of the Essequibo made the 

 soul overflow with joy, and caused you to rove in fancy 

 through fairy-land ; till, on turning an angle of the 

 river, you were recalled to more sober reflections on 

 seeing the once grand and towering Mora, now dead and 

 ragged in its topmost branches, while its aged trunk, 

 undermined by the rushing torrent, hung as though in 

 sorrow over the river, which, ere long, would receive it, 

 and sweep it away for ever. 



During the day, the trade -wind blew a gentle and 

 refreshing breeze, Avhich died away as the night set in, 

 and then the river was as smooth as glass. 



The moon was within three days of being full, so that 

 we did not regret the loss of the sun, which set in all its 

 splendour. Scarce had he sunk behind the western 

 hills, when the goatsuckers sent forth their soft and 

 plaintive cries ; some often repeating, ' ' Who are you — 

 who, who, who are you.''" and others, " Willy, Willy, 

 Willy come go." 



The Indian and Daddy Quashi often shook their head 

 at this, and said they were bringing talk from Yabahou, 

 who is the evil spirit of the Essequibo. It was delightful 



