The path is good, though somewhat rugged with the roots of
trees, and here and there obstructed by fallen ones; it extends more over
level ground than otherwise. There are a few steep ascents and descents in
it, with a little brook running at the bottom of them, but they are easily
passed over, and the fallen trees serve for a bridge.
You may reach the Essequibo with ease in a day and a half; and so matted
and interwoven are the tops of the trees above you that the sun is not felt
once all the way, saving where the space which a newly-fallen tree occupied
lets in his rays upon you. The forest contains an abundance of wild hogs,
lobbas, acouries, powisses, maams, maroudis and waracabas for your
nourishment, and there are plenty of leaves to cover a shed whenever you
are inclined to sleep.
The soil has three-fourths of sand in it till you come within half an
hour's walk of the Essequibo, where you find a red gravel and rocks. In
this retired and solitary tract Nature's garb, to all appearance, has not
been injured by fire nor her productions broken in upon by the
exterminating hand of man.
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