104 
SCENES IN INDIA. 
striking upon them from our ignorance of their vicinity. 
Here,, however, though not gratuitously, the alligators 
did us some service, for they frequently gave us 
notice of our proximity to these impediments, of 
which, but for their timely presence, we should have 
been altogether ignorant. 
Whilst our crew was struggling with those diffi- 
culties which interrupted our progress, we had the 
opportunity of witnessing an accident not uncom- 
mon on the Ganges. A large boat, heavily laden and 
her sails set, coming down the stream with the full 
impetus of the current, which, as I have before said, 
was here more than usually rapid, and increased by 
the momentum imparted by fourteen sturdy rowers, 
struck suddenly against a projecting cape, and was 
immediately swamped. The crew had no difficulty 
in saving themselves, as the watermen on the Ganges 
swim like swans ; but the cargo, consisting chiefly of 
perishable materials, was so much damaged as to be 
almost entirely worthless. The boat did not sink, 
though a good deal injured by the shock. The outcries 
of the boatmen were tremendous when, upon regain- 
ing the boat and baling her, they discovered that 
almost every thing which she had contained was spoiled 
past recovery. As we could afford them no relief, we 
did not attempt to offer any consolation, but left 
them to their lesson of practical philosophy, and pro- 
ceeded on our ^voyage. Soon after this adventure, 
striking again upon a shallow, we were obliged to 
cross to the further bank where the water was deeper 
and the channel consequently safer. On this side of 
the river we found the bank high, and frequently 
