CONGO EXPEDITION. 
floods, to remain uncovered. It struck them, that 
the water which rushed through this passage, was 
not equal to the volume of the river farther down, 
and Dr Smith even suggested the hypothesis, that 
part of it must be conveyed by subterraneous 
channels. But, though this cannot be held im- 
possible, it seems more likely, that they did not 
duly estimate the rapidity of the current, and per- 
haps the depth of some parts of it ; and that dis- 
appointed as to the general grandeur of the scene, 
they were led to depreciate, beyond the truth, 
that which they actually beheld. 
Although Yellala did not present that aspect of 
grandeur and terror which had been anticipated, 
the obstructions were yet such as no vessel could 
penetrate. At the same time, the steep and rug- 
ged precipices, separated by deep ravines, of w^hich 
the country entirely consisted, precluded any 
hope of dragging the boats by land to a place 
where the river would again be navigable. There 
remained no alternative, therefore, but to proceed 
by a land journey along the banks of the Congo. 
The difficulties and hardships were here immense. 
The party were obliged to make their way over 
steep hills, and through dreadful ravines, without 
path, or any guide in whom they could rely. Of- 
ten unable, at night, to reach the nearest village, 
they were obliged to sleep in the open air. The 
negroes, who were necessary to carry their bag- 
