The First Ascent of Roraima. 17 
ing started on his journey via the Mazerooni on the 
same day as we started by the Essequibo, had reached 
the point at which we were both aiming, one day in 
advance of us. 
Our prospects were certainly gloomy ; and we nearly 
determined to send back without delay, not only the 
Arekoonas, but also all but three or four of the Fome- 
roon men, and with these to push on to Roraima as best 
we might, rinding our way by compass and leaving 
almost all our baggage behind us. Luckily, however, 
just before sunset two men were seen coming down the 
mountain from the direction of Roraima; and these, on 
their arrival, proved to have been most kindly sent by 
SlEDEL, who had heard of our arrival, to guide us fur- 
ther. After this new arrival a second night was spent 
at Tooroiking far more pleasantly. 
Next morning, the Arekoonas who had come with us 
so far, suddenly announcing their wish to come further, 
we advanced with all our party and baggage, and, after 
fording the Arapoo and passing the ridge which here 
separates the water-system of that river from that of the 
Kookenaam, we came soon after midday to the village of 
Teroota, which stands on a small eminence only sep- 
arated from the southern slope of Roraima by the nar- 
row bed of the Kookenaam. Our arrival at this point 
was on the fourth of December. 
The village where we now were was very full of 
people ; and from the hill on which it stood various 
other houses were to be seen. There seemed therefore 
good prospect of obtaining sufficient Indians to help in 
our work. Food too, in the shape of cassava, yams and 
pumpkins, was evidently abundant, despite the assertions 
C 
