April.] 
MERIBOHWHEY, 
153 
other extensive plain, without tree or bush, and 
also bounded only by the horizon, but a percepti- 
ble rise in the plain concealed the country to the 
N. and N. E. At noon we entered a wood of long- 
thorned mimosas, in which the Matchappees 
began collecting fire-wood, a sure sign that they 
expected soon to reach Meribohwhey. The ap- 
proach was pleasant from the diversity of plain and 
bush ; and the sight of Tammaha cattle grazing 
here and there. We passed an extensive lake of 
several miles circumference on the right, the water 
of which was much concealed by the reeds and 
rushes which grew in every part of it. A heavy 
fall of rain also made it difficult to get a view of 
the surrounding country. At length we cleared 
the wood and entered what resembled an exten- 
sive English common, when we observed scores of 
women and children running with all possible 
speed from the corn-fields to witness the novel 
sight of travelling houses, or waggons. They all 
kept at a respectful distance, except a few boys 
who had the boldness to approach within twenty 
yards of the waggons ; for boldness it certainly 
was when all things are considered. The motion 
of the wheels appeared the chief attraction, and 
proved highly diverting to them. They no sooner 
saw a spoke pointing upwards, than immediately 
its position was reversed ; this wonder they were 
noticing to each other as the waggons went for- 
ward. 
