134 
LARGE TRIBE OF NATIVES. 
From the frequent occurrence of rapids I should imagine 
that we had fallen considerably, but there was no visible 
decline of country. The river swept along, in broad and 
noble reaches, at the base of the cliffs. Vast accumula- 
tions of sand were in its bed, a satisfactory proof of the 
sandy character of the distant interior, if other proof were 
wanting. 
We did not see so many natives on the 28tli as we had 
been in the habit of seeing ; perhaps in consequence of the 
boisterous weather. A small tribe of about sixty had col- 
lected to receive us, but we passed on without taking any 
notice of them. Nevertheless they deputed two of their 
men to follow us, who overtook us just as we stopped for 
the purpose of pitching our tents before the clouds should 
burst, that just then bore the most threatening appearance. 
The blacks seemed to be perfectly aware what kind of a 
night we should have, and busied themselves preparing a 
hut and making a large fire. 
The evening proved extremely dark, and towards mid- 
night it blew and rained fiercely. Towards morning the 
wind moderated, and the rain ceased. Still, the sky was 
overcast, and the clouds were passing rapidly over us. The 
wind had, however, changed some points, and from the 
N.W. had veered round to the S. S.W. ; and the day even- 
tually turned out cool and pleasant. 
We fell in with a large tribe of natives, amounting in all 
to 270. They were extremely quiet, and kept away from 
the boat ; in consequence of which I distributed a great 
