Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-03-09

uislcIluh lclfOfi anu cdBcIiJ pitcocu iOi
ward to the grateful shade of grove OF
amacala trees that crowned the slight ac.
clivity beyond. This was the true coast
line. 1t was about thirty feet higher
than the sea, and the rich black soil
showing none of the barren sand that
abounded so near, in the path of the
tide, was underlain with horizontal strata
of basalt, which cropped out here and
there on the shore
After enjoying the cool shade short
time, we rambled away in the deep
woods that stretched over vast area
toward the west A small river, the
name of which we did not learn, coursed
rapidly through the deep jungles above,
and hurled its yellow waters into the sea
below the bar. We followed pretty nearly
the course Of this stream, in order that
we might not wander astray, and very
soon came to the end of lengthy pal
isade, which extended thence in a south
western direction, separating wide strip
of the river bottom from the lower plain
to the left. nsas .s
This work was obviously well and per-
manently constructed Of sections of the
amacala tree, species of black ash,
split in halves and planted deeply in the
earth, forming very close and substan-
tial wall, ten or twelve feet in hight.
Light poles extending continuously on
either side, near the top, as binders, were
secured by stout withes Of bark, passing
through openings cut at the uniting edges
of the timbers. efe d,l 9i
A great deal of hard labor had been
expended in its construction, and the
design of the work was evidently to con-
fine within safe limits the enormous and
destructive floods of water that some
times poured down the valley Of the
rapid stream. The great coffee and
sugar plantations over yonder were thus
protected against frequent inundations.
We took the left side of the palisade,
hoping to discover more of interest along
the river than in the tangled forest, and
having no doubt of our arrival at the
other end of the wall presently, or at
some point at which it could be crossed,
in case we desired to return on the other
side But, lal / have never yet seen
the farther extremity Of that paGsade,
and hardly expect to, as it is. We fol-
lowed it perhaps two miles, when, find
ing an eddying pool in the river side,
where clear stream gathered its crys-
tai waters, in reluctant dalliance, before
mingling them with the yellow tide of
the river, a rod and line were improvised
by one of the party, and bait thrown
enticingly to the fnny disporters in the
depths below, while the rest of us strag-
gled away in search Of curiosities.
As the sun sank behind the great
forest, and warned US of approaching
night, we recalled to mind Viebon' in
iuction to be on hand at nn early hour of
the evening, if we wished to return in his
boat, and retraced our steps towards the
beach, We brought a nice collection Of
fish, which our angler had drawn to land,
containing two fine specimens of new
and interesting species; quantity OF
fruit, and many rare floral gem, but
nothing in the line of game-neither
bird nor animal. In fact, we discovered
very few birds here, and none that were
remarkable for beauty of plumage or
sweetness Of song.
The sun was setting when we reached
the bar, The steward was not there
His boat was drawn up at the mouth of
the river, out Of the influence of the
tide, and left in charge Of Concho, the
black cook. We bivouacked here, and
broiled our fish for supper. Before we
had eaten, however, Viebon and his crew
Joined us, followed by q dozen or more
halfnaked natives, bearing his purchases
of fruits and fowls in large baskets on
their heads. 0nr table-a gum poncho-
was now spread with everything that was
necessary to furnish bountiful repast-
a very acceptable change from the usual
ship fare.
Better than all, we we're to have an
opportunity of spending the night on
shore. Yiebon had his orders concern
ing the purchase Of supplies And they
were imperative The provisions must
come, though be had to 60 twenty miles
into the interior for them. And they
must be brought aboard by sunrise on
the following morning.
There was no difficulty in securing these
supplies. They were usually purchased
of native traders from the mountains,
and we're almost invariably delivered by
them az q late hour of the night. IL is
A significant fact, ! have an idea on
the subject, and ons thet tenaciously
adhere to. 1t originated partly lp hint
silly let fall by Viebon touching the
manner in which those supplies were in
an probability obtained by the said ma
tive traders, At all1events. they could
afford 10 sell theH 20 rs for little more
than would pay for the sasFisge 70 the
coast.
After supper Concho was let of on |
leave Of absence. The fellow had faith- |
fully performed the duties Of his impor-
tasi Office. and certainly deserved little
recreatioa. Hf was of at once to some
bnneais, or bagnio, or
rancho, or other such place, viii Ais.
tribe of half clad cousins The steward
had ordered him TO watch for the native /
traders. and upon their arrival at the /
ranchero steys referred TO, to conduct
them 10 our TiFer-side camp j
We were now once mole Tea IN que
tude Comfortably disposed sround :
brightly blazing 6re-for the rising sea !
breeze vas rather fresh and moist m 7
contrast viii the bsl;sy air of the day.-. I
- nassed the early hours IN cheerful I