It must be remembered
that this is during the periodical rains. Probably, in the dry season, it
puts on a very different appearance. There is no perpendicular fall of
water of any consequence throughout it, but the dreadful roaring and
rushing of the torrent, down a long rocky and moderately sloping channel,
has a fine effect; and the stranger returns well pleased with what he has
seen. No animal, nor craft of any kind, could stem this downward flood. In
a few moments the first would be killed, the second dashed in pieces.
The Indians have a path alongside of it, through the forest, where
prodigious crabwood trees grow. Up this path they drag their canoes and
launch them into the river above; and on their return bring them down the
same way.
About two hours below this fall is the habitation of an Acoway chief called
Sinkerman. At night you hear the roaring of the fall from it. It is
pleasantly situated on the top of a sand-hill. At this place you have the
finest view the River Demerara affords: three tiers of hills rise in slow
gradation, one above the other, before you, and present a grand and
magnificent scene, especially to him who has been accustomed to a level
country.
Pages:
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41