23i< DISCOVERIES OF THE ENGLISH. 
he carried off his ore in triumph ; but was much 
mortified, on reaching the boat, to find that it con- 
sisted merely of spar. February 6th, more golden 
sand. 15th, a river-horse beat through the boat 
with one of his teeth, which suggested the con- 
trivance of hanging a lantern at the stern ; as 
these animals kept always at some distance from 
light shining in the water. February 24th, he 
made trial of his virga divina, or divining rod, 
but without the smallest effect. On this occasion 
he was much ridiculed by his companions, and 
seems half ashamed of his trust in that potent rod ; 
yet alleges, in its favour, that it might have been 
dried up during its long voyage from England, 
and thereby have lost its virtue. March 31st, 
the ascent began to be very laborious, and they 
were often forced to strip themselves and drag the 
boats over the flats. April 7th, perceived the in- 
flux of a small river from the south, and came near 
a fall, which appeared so formidable, as to deter 
them from all farther progress by water. They 
landed, however, and after travelling some time, 
came to a spot, which is described in pompous, 
though vague terms : " The exceed of gold (says 
" he) was such, that I was surprised with joy and 
*f. admiration." Whether this was the mine de- 
scribed at the beginning of the narrative, does not 
very precisely appear. Here, however, the author 
is struck with the deepest admiration at the mag- 
