FUEL RUNS SHORT. 
11 
is said, indeed, to have many dialects, hardly intelli- 
gible at a little distance from each other. 
The river had risen so high that the people were 
walking among the huts mid-leg in the water; and 
marks on the mud walls proved it to have been even 
two feet higher this season. 
At the next village we were again tantalized by the 
appearance of abundance of wood ready cut, in very 
large stacks. The natives having expressed their wil- 
lingness to sell it, if we woidd go on shore and arrange 
about the price, — Mr. Strange, the First Lieutenant, 
made the attempt, but he could do nothing with them. 
We therefore left this inhospitable place ; having 
wasted much valuable time, steam, and patience ; and 
above all, — that which may be of most importance 
to these poor short-sighted people — such instances 
cannot but have the effect of diminishing the interest, 
which all have taken in their behalf : if ever the 
inhabitants of the Delta shall become so far civilized 
as to appreciate the motives of philanthropy which 
prompted such exertions, they will look with shame 
on the records of their refusal to assist those who were 
suffering so much to benefit them. 
We Avere obliged to anchor for the night, soon after 
leaving this place, having made but a limited distance 
during the day. 
9 A.M. Th. 81" Avet bulb, Mason's Hygr. 76" 
9 P.M. „ 77" ,, „ „ 75’ 
25^/?. — We proceeded at daylight. Unfortunately 
