NORTH AMERICA. 
*33 
the for my viftuals ; for conftant watching at night 
againft the attacks of alligators, flinging of muf- 
quitoes and fultry heats of the day, together witli 
the fatigues of working my bark, had almoft de - 
prived me of every defire but that of ending my 
troubles as fpeedily as pofiibie. 1 had the good for- 
tune to collect together a fufficiency of dry flicks 
to keep up a light and fmoke, which I laid by me, 
and then fpread my flcins and blankets upon the 
ground, kindled up a little fire, and fupped before 
it was quite dark. The evening was however ex- 
tremely pleafant ; a brifk cool breeze fprang up, and 
the fkies were perfectly ferene, the flars twinkling 
with uncommon brilliancy. I flretched myfelf a - 
long before my fire ; having the river, my little 
harbour, and the ftern of my vefTel in view ; and now 
through fatigue and wearinefs I fell afleep. But 
this happy temporary releafe from cares and trou- 
bles I enjoyed but a few moments, when I was 
awakened ana greatly furprifed, by the terrifying 
fereams of Owls in the deep fwamps around me ; 
and what increafed my extreme mifery was the dif- 
ficulty of getting quite awake, and yet hearing at 
the fame time fuch fereaming and fhouting, which 
increafed and fpread every way for miles around, in 
dreadful peals vibrating through the dark extenfive 
forefls, meadows, and lakes. I could not after this fur- 
-prife recover my former peaceable flate and tranquil- 
lity of mind and repofe, during the long night ; and I 
believe it was happy for me diat 1 was awakened, 
for at that moment the crocodile was dafhing my 
canoe againft the roots of the tree, endeavouring 
to get into her for the fifh, which I however pre- 
vented. Another time in the night I believe I nar- 
rowly efcaped being dragged into the river by him ; 
for when again through exceflive fatigue I had fallen 
