SETTLEMENTS ON THE DEMERARY, &C. 35 



was a stranger, and unused to hammock sleeping, I was shewn 

 into a separate room, where a good bed, hung with gauze 

 nettings or curtains, to keep out the musquitoes, was prepared 

 for me. 



In the morning, after taking a good cup of coffee imme- 

 diately upon leaving my bed, and next a breakfast, which 

 consisted of animal food, friccasced fowls, and fruit, I was 

 informed that a farther jaunt up the river, as far as the 

 sand-hills, was agreed on. The boats were accordingly pre- 

 pared and refreshments put on board each. 



The distance is about twenty miles, and the flood tide was 

 then running up. After passing the first or Fort Island, the 

 width of the river visibly began to decrease. The estates and 

 cultivation did not wear that drest and pleasant appearance 

 which that part of the river did below Point Diamond. In 

 particular places the banks, to the water's edge, were covered 

 with thick and almost impenetrable underwood, and heavy 

 trees. Only the centre of the estates seemed cleared, so as to 

 leave a circulation of air, or a view of the river from the 

 dwelling-house. 



We passed three islands before we arrived at these sand- 

 hills, or rather mountains. They are situated on the west side 

 of the river, and appeared to be from one hundred to a hun- 



F 2 



