INLAND LA KB. 



83 



looked as if it Imd been forced out into the sea by some 

 internal presssure. The break which I meiitioiied on the 

 north-east aide did aot come lower than within seventy 

 or ciglitj feet of the TOter^s edge^ and was partially 

 conooaled by the thick foliage of the jungle and forest- 

 trees. In sounding, we found the depth of water to vary 

 irom fifty to sixty fiathoms, and it appeared to be it^ deep 

 at tlio sides as in the centre. Notlung could be more 

 beautifully luxuriant than the growth of the jungle-treea 

 of every description, their tmnk^ and branches covered 

 with an endless variety of beautiful creepers in brilliant 

 blossom, hanging in festoons to the very water's edge. 

 Over our heads, disturbed by such unusual visitors, 

 numbers of pigoona fiew to and fro ; while many 

 varieties of the parrot screamed their remonstrances at 

 our intrusion. Forming ourselves into small parties^ we 

 dispersed — some to haul the seine, some to search for shells, 

 while a tliird party explored the gap on the north-east 

 side, clambering up without any anticipation of a further 

 treat wliich was in reserve for them. At a height of 

 about ninety feet, another beautifid lake burst on their 

 astonished sight, circular in form^ and as nearly as possible 

 similar to that wliich they had just left The two lakes 

 were separated by a sort of natm-al wall ; and the spec- 

 tator standing on its narrow eilge could, by a mere turn 

 of the hcsadjook down either on the inner lake at a depth 

 of thirty feet, or on the outer eighty feet beneath him, 

 almost perpendicularly. The water of the higher or inner 



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