86 
disappointment on finding 
licans and other wild fowl. Our surprise and delight may 
better be imagined than described. Our difficulties seemed 
to be at an end, for here was a river that promised to re- 
ward all our exertions, and which appeared eveiy moment to 
increase in importance to our imagination. Coming from the 
N. E.,and flowing to the S.W ., it had a capacity of channel 
that proved that we were as far from its source as from its 
termination. The paths of the natives on either side of it 
were like well trodden roads ; and the trees that overhung 
it were of beautiful and gigantic growth. 
Its banks were too precipitous to allow of our water- 
ing the cattle, but the men eagerly descended to quench 
their thirst, which a powerful sun had contributed to 
increase ; nor shall I ever forget the cry of amazement that 
followed their doing so, or the looks of terror and dis- 
appointment with which they called out to Inform me that 
the water was so salt as to be unfit to drink ! This was, 
indeed, too true : on tasting it, I found it extremely nau- 
seous, and strongly impregnated with salt, being apparently 
a mixture of sea and fresh water. Whence this arose, whe- 
ther from local causes, or from a communication with some 
inland sea, I knew not, but the discovery was certainly a 
blow for which I was not prepared. Our hopes were anni- 
hilated at the moment of their apparent realization. The 
cup of joy was dashed out of our hands before we had 
time to raise it to our lips. Notwithstanding this disap- 
pointment, we proceeded down the river, and halted at 
about five miles, being influenced by the goodness of tlie 
