182 
So-called "Thunderbolts." 
ou towards the western slope of the Ziiaptipu Eange and soon climbed it. 
Here, upon and in the alternate rises and hollows we again came across 
some small sporadic bushes of Bijrsoniina and Mclastoma. The height;? 
were generally covered with sandstone and quartz fragments amongst 
which were to be found isolated pieces of a horn-blende sort of rock that 
later on might perhaps become refined slate, and peculiar gravelly clay- 
concretions [Sect. 428] which in formation corresi)onded with that of 
so-called "thunderbolts" and measured from 6 to 8 inches in length. 
^Yhat struck me most were tlu' iuuiicnsc l»locks of grained sandstone Avith 
a white cementing material wliich 1 had to conclude was chalk. 
425. So far we had never come across such geognostic multiplicity 
lu so small an area. The path led away on the eastern slope i)artly 
along the very crest itself and partly quitei near it (i.e., the ridge) and 
so we continually enjoyed the most charming outlook over the Kukenam 
vallc}^ running from to S. with which that of the Araparu coming 
here from !N. E. was connected. A few settlements which, according to 
the statements of our Indians, had been abandoned by their occupants 
reposed at rest on the thick; belt of vegeta'tion of the Kukenam and 
formed a picturesque break in the lovely Init lonely valley scenery. Not 
a human being, not a mammal, not a bird intcrinpted the profound 
peace, the solemn silence that spread over the vale. Where the river 
ajqiroached the l»ase of the mountain chain, the shady foliage trees 
disappeared and a thick tangle of wild bambu, ti'ee-like grasses and Zingi- 
hrrarrac took their place. "We had now reached the highest point of the 
)'idge, and the ever closer advancing Roraima Range, the redclish somlire 
colouring of which we conld already distinguish, again limited tlie hither- 
to hidden North. At its side rose a similar walMike mass of rock Avhich 
the Indians descril ed as Mt. Kukenam, the source of the river of that 
name. Our old fi-iend Mt. Zabang greeted us from the S.E. over the tops 
of innumerable mountain peaks. The envious clouds again only allowed 
us a moment's grace to enjoy an undistui-lied view of the imposing 
geological wonder, Mt. Roraima, in which, from here^ I fancied myself 
greeting the Königsstein, Mt. Kukenam being the Lilienstein.* Whilst 
following the highest elevation of the Range in a more Avesterly direction 
we came across a lonely house, in which we looked for its occupants in 
vain. Deep beloAv in the valley of the northern slope near the Avestern 
bank of the Kukenam, we also noticed a building in front of which a 
number of Indians had collected AA'ho must have noticed us already, 
judging by the restless activity that suddenly developed itself in their 
midst. So as to allay the fears engendered by our unexpected appear- 
ance, and prevent them taking to flight, Ave sent ahead two of our 
Arekunas to acquaint them of our friendly intentions. In, a deep cleft, 
covered with compact trees to half-Avay up the mountain-height, we 
reached the plain and in front of us stood the house wehere the reassured 
occupants awaited us with — thank goodness ! — a number of fresh cassava 
cakes and pots; full of pepper sauce and Yakus (Penelope) . A repast 
was inviting us such as I had never enjoyed before. As soon as our 
* Two celebrated mountains in 8axon Switzorlarid. (Ed.) 
