INTERIOR OF AFRICA. 23^7 
had come from Kancaba in a canoe. But our landlord seiit us 
some victuals. 
Aug. 22d. One of the landlord's servants went with me a- 
little way from the town, to shew me what road to take ; but, 
whether from ignorance or design I know not, he directed me 
wrong ; and I did not discover my mistake until the day was far 
advanced; when, coming to a deep creek, I had some thoughts 
of turning back ; but as, by that means, I foresaw that I could not 
possibly reach Baramakoo before night, I resolved to cross it : 
and leading my horse close to the brink, I weint behind him^ 
and pushed him headlong into the water ; and then taking the 
bridle in my teeth, swam over to the other side. This was the 
third creek I had crossed in this manner, since I had left Sego; 
but having secured my notes and memorandums in the crown of 
my hat, I received little or no inconvenience from such adven- 
tures. The rain and heavy dew kept my clothes constantly wet ; 
and the roads being very deep, and full of mud, such a washing 
was sometimes pleasant, and oftentimes necessary. I continued 
travelling, through high grass, without any beaten road, and 
about noon came to the river ; the banks of which are here very 
rocky, and the force and roar of the water were very great: 
The King of Bambarra's canoes, however, frequently pass these 
rapids, by keeping close to the bank ; persons being stationed on 
the shore with ropes fastened to the canoe, while others push it 
forward with long poles. At this time, however, it would, I think, 
have been a matter of great difficulty for any European boat 
to have crossed the stream. About four o'clock in the afternoon, 
having altered my course from the river towards the mountains^ 
