264 DESCENT TO CHAGRES. 



the high branches of a tree near the margin of 

 the river^ forming a Hne^ by holding each the 

 one above him by the tail. When their 

 number is sufficient to extend across the 

 river to the trees on the opposite bank^ they 

 begin to swings and continue till the monkey at 

 the end of the line lays hold of the branch of 

 a tree on the other side with his tail and hind 

 feet ; then the monkey^ who was grasping the 

 first bought instantly lets go his hold, and the 

 whole file is swung over to the bank they desire 

 to reach. 



The only impediment at the time of my voy- 

 age, to the navigation, arose from the decayed 

 trees, which having fallen into the river, had 

 sunk, one end in the mud, whilst the other 

 projected, a circumstance which likewise inter- 

 rupts the safe navigation of the Mississippi. 

 The ragged stump just above or beneath the 

 surface in a rapid stream, is exceedingly dan- 

 gerous to boats unskilfully managed; but the 

 men who rowed me seemed perfectly conver- 

 sant with the art of avoiding them, and we 

 steered in and out, and cleared this danger 



