DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.4651#0034
24 JOURNAL OF A RESIDENCE
dering there is no encouragement for exporting
the surplus produce, I am at a loss at present
to account for the appearance of any opulence
amongst them. That they have some commerce
is however certain, from the number of excellent
boats of burden that arc seen lying at every con-
siderable town, or passing and repassing. Hitherto
I have been prevented from obtaining any infor-
mation on these and many other subjects, from
the inveterate propensity of my informants to
lying, or indulging in the marvellous; but I
hope to learn as I get on; at present, however, I
am obliged to shut my ears, that I may not have
to unlearn.
December 19. About noon, as Ave approached
the mountains on the western shore, a beautiful
view opened to us. To the west was a margin of
bright sand, backed by a green bank and woody
hill ; to the northward high and distant mountains,
covered with forest-trees to their summits; to the
eastward a high bank, with large trees and huts
scattered below them, ending in an abrupt point,
which closes the reach, so as to give the river
here the appearance of a fine lake chequered with
the boats of our fleet. As we advanced the scene
varied; many sandy islands divided the stream,
some of them barren sand, others high and co-
vered with lofty trees, and cultivated grounds.
We advanced by the western channel, where a
precipitous hill, about 150 feet high, covered with
dering there is no encouragement for exporting
the surplus produce, I am at a loss at present
to account for the appearance of any opulence
amongst them. That they have some commerce
is however certain, from the number of excellent
boats of burden that arc seen lying at every con-
siderable town, or passing and repassing. Hitherto
I have been prevented from obtaining any infor-
mation on these and many other subjects, from
the inveterate propensity of my informants to
lying, or indulging in the marvellous; but I
hope to learn as I get on; at present, however, I
am obliged to shut my ears, that I may not have
to unlearn.
December 19. About noon, as Ave approached
the mountains on the western shore, a beautiful
view opened to us. To the west was a margin of
bright sand, backed by a green bank and woody
hill ; to the northward high and distant mountains,
covered with forest-trees to their summits; to the
eastward a high bank, with large trees and huts
scattered below them, ending in an abrupt point,
which closes the reach, so as to give the river
here the appearance of a fine lake chequered with
the boats of our fleet. As we advanced the scene
varied; many sandy islands divided the stream,
some of them barren sand, others high and co-
vered with lofty trees, and cultivated grounds.
We advanced by the western channel, where a
precipitous hill, about 150 feet high, covered with