438 
SURVEY OF THE INTERTROPICAL 
183d. several as we proceeded, which detained us so 
Oct. long, that it was dark when we passed the cas- 
U ~~ 12 ' cade, and by the time we reached the island on 
which we had seen the alligator in the morning, 
the tide had commenced to flow. 
Here we determined upon remaining until the 
ebb; and, after satisfying ourselves that there 
were no alligators upon it, landed, and kin- 
dled a fire upon the dry summit of the island, 
under a large log of wood that had been washed 
down the river and deposited there by the 
freshes. Whilst our refreshment was preparing, 
we searched about for alligators, but not finding 
any, and being quite overpowered by the fatigues 
of the day, we composed ourselves to rest; during 
which, although the alligators did not trouble us, 
we were greatly incommoded by sand-flies and 
mosquitoes; but neither our fear of the former, 
nor the annoyance of the latter, prevented our 
sleeping as soundly as we should have done on 
a more safe and luxurious couch. Mr. Hunter 
also, who for some time after the rest had fallen 
asleep walked about in order to keep on the 
alert, very soon followed our example, and we 
happily passed the night without accident. 
At three o’clock the tide began to ebb, and the 
boat-keeper awakened us to re-embark on our 
return. On looking about, we were surprised to 
