46 SURVEY OP THE INTERTROPICAL 
1831. above it, and forms a continuity of steps to the 
July 26. summit, which we found some difficulty in 
climbing; but where the distance between the 
ledges was great, we assisted our ascent by tufts 
of grass firmly rooted in the luxuriant moss, 
that grew abundantly about the water-courses. 
On reaching the summit, I found that the fall was 
supplied from a stream winding through rugged 
chasms and thickly-matted clusters of plants and 
trees, among which the pandanus bore a conspi- 
cuous appearance, and gave a picturesque rich- 
ness to the place. While admiring the wildness 
of the scene, Mr. Montgomery joined me ; we 
did not, however, succeed in following the stream 
for more than a hundred yards, for at that dis- 
tance its windings were so confused among rocks 
and spinifex, that we could not trace its source. 
After collecting for Mr. Cunningham, who was 
confined on board by sickness, a few specimens 
of those plants which, to me, appeared the 
most novel, we commenced our descent, and 
reached the bottom in safety ; by which time 
the tide was ebbing so rapidly, that we set off 
immediately on our return, with a view of ar- 
riving on board by low- water, in order that no 
time might be lost in sending the boats up with 
our empty water-casks. 
During our absence, Mr. Roe, who was fast 
