294 
EXCURSIONS AROUND EGA. 
Chap. IV. 
to find quite pure. These pools are, of course^^sometimes 
fouled for a time by the movements of alligators and 
other tenants in the fine mud which settles at the 
bottom, but I never observed a scum of conferva or 
traces of oil revealing animal decomposition on the 
surface of these waters, nor was there ever any foul 
smell perceptible. The whole of this level land, instead 
of being covered with unwholesome swamps emitting 
malaria, forms in the dry season (and in the wet also) 
a most healthy country. How elaborate must be the 
natural processes of self-purification in these teeming 
waters ! 
On our fresh route we were obliged to cut our way 
through a long belt of bamboo underwood, and not being 
so careful of my steps as my companions, I trod re- 
peatedly on the flinty thorns which had fallen from the 
bushes, finishing by becoming completely lame, one 
thorn having entered deeply into the sole of my foot. 
I was obliged to be left behind ; Lino, the Indian, re- 
maining with me. The careful fellow cleaned my wounds 
with his saliva, placed pieces of isca (the felt-like sub- 
stance manufactured by ants) on them to staunch the 
blood, and bound my feet with tough bast to serve as 
shoes, which he cut from the bark of a Monguba tree. 
He went about his work in a very gentle way and 
with much skill, but was so sparing of speech that I 
could scarcely get answers to the questions I put to 
him. When he had done, I was able to limp about 
pretty nimbly. An Indian when he performs a service 
of this kind never thinks of a reward. I did not find so 
much disinterestedness in negro slaves or half-castes. 
