268 
OKOH. 
west. We could form no conjecture as to the left bank, 
owing to the distance across, as well as the many inter- 
vening islands. At 7 a.m. it appeared like a large lake. 
Soon afterwards, having been tempted by the appearance 
of a fine channel away from the right bank, we got on 
the wrong side of a sand-bank, and ran into a complete 
cul-de-sac, where the river became gradually narrower 
and more shallow, till at last we had only four feet under 
the bows, and no room to turn. This delayed us con- 
siderably, and the schooner which we were towing, having 
run into the hush, hooked in the trees with her anchor, 
and had some difficulty in getting clear. We were 
obliged to drop some distance down the stream, and then 
go across to the opposite shore, which we ought to have 
kept close aboard. Passed Okoh, situated on the 
right bank, which is the dwelling of a chief, who is 
brother to the King of Aboh. The land rose about four 
feet above the water, and consisted of clay, covered with 
mould. The huts were a little way back, with extensive 
plantations round them. A large island, about two 
miles in length, lies opposite a channel, in which we 
lost sight of the ‘ Albert’ and ‘ Soudan.’ The river here 
is about eighteen hundred yards wide. 
Gentle hills were seen over both sides, rising probably 
to the height of two hundred and fifty feet. Those to 
the eastward, over the left bank, were very beautiful, 
clothed with grass, much cultivation, fine clumps of wood 
and tall trees, scattered here and there. They have many 
towns ; one especially, called Onechhh, lies between four 
hills, and though claimed by Obi, is said to be always in 
