Chap.lxxx. rocky nature of river-bed. 273 
foamed along, and from the circumstance of the boat 
having followed another branch, this locality did not 
seem to be passable at present. The low shores, 
which are annually inundated, and even now left 
swampy ground between us and the river, were 
cultivated with rice ; the higher ground, rising 
above the reach of the inundation, bordered by a 
belt of damankadda and thorny bushes, was reserved 
for millet ; and beyond, the whole valley, which is 
here very broad, is bordered by a mountainous chain. 
The rocky nature of the river was further demon- 
strated by a remarkable group of rocks rising from 
an island a little further on, and affording a very 
conspicuous landmark ; but, in general, this part of 
its course seems to be free from cliffs. 
We had long strained our eyes in vain in order to 
obtain a sight of the large town of Sinder, which we 
knew to be situated on an island, till at length, from 
a hilly chain which here borders the river, we obtained 
a fair sight of the whole breadth of the valley, and 
were able to distinguish an extensive range of huts 
spreading over one or two islands in the river. Here, 
therefore, we encamped at the side of a few huts, 
although it would have been more prudent, as we 
afterwards found, to have chosen our encampment a 
little lower down the river, where a channel leads 
straight to the island of Sinder, with which we 
wanted to open communication ; while, from the spot 
where we actually encamped, another considerable 
island-town called Garii lies in front of it. 
VOL. V. T 
