SEPT.] eONTINENT OF AFlRICA. 
399 
small fall of the river, but that which we were in 
Siearch of was reported to be far greater. We 
observed many parts of the river in these chasms, 
which in the rainy season, when the river is swelled, 
must have a most terrific appearance, from the quick 
^descent among huge rocks ; and being so far beneath 
$he surface from whence it is viewed, it must be one 
pf the grandest scenes imaginable. But at such a 
season, it is probable, no human eye has yet seen it, 
country being without inhabitants. 
Having descended about two hundred feet down the 
cliff, in order to take a sketch of one part of the river 
which was curious, our guards above went away, not 
knowing where I was. On returning to the top, they 
^\\ were gone. While wondering what was become of 
them, I was joined by Mr. Read, who was equally 
surprised at their departure. Our danger lay in 
m.eeting with lions or tigers, while we had no means of 
clefence. The hill composed of one rock was our 
Qompa3s by which we were guided towards our wag- 
gops. It was about noon, and intensely hot — we both 
considered it imprudent thus to have exposed ourselves 
to the sun's scorching rays. After scrambling over 
rocks about an hour, we reached the river which we 
greatly longed to regain, that by means of its cooling 
waters we might allay our heat and thirst. We had 
the precaution not to drink a drop of water till we had 
held our hands and feet for some time in it, which soon 
circulated a coolness over us — then we washed our 
heads, after which we ventured to drink, which was 
