Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1898 edition. Excerpt: ... AMONG THE ARAWAACK INDIANS IT was very early in the morning when we got into our canoe and paddled our way to the river-boat which was lying at anchor in mid-stream. Everything was fresh and green. The heavy dew was still lying upon grass and shrub. Indeed, everything was saturated with its moisture. We found a large number, chiefly negroes from the town, on their way up to the wood-cutting grants in the interior. From these we received a cheery "Good-morning, parson," and I went round to them all, giving them a little tract to read, and after a little service and many kindly words, we took our place on the upper deck. We now came to the sand-hills, which takes its name from the hills of sand which skirt the banks of the river. Here there is a neat little Anglican church, which calls the scattered worshippers from the surround ing district, and ministers to the spiritual needs of these dwellers in the wilderness. Our next place of note is "Maria Henrietta," where the London Missionary Society have had a mission for many years. And soon after we come to Coomacka. This is as far as the river-boat goes. Coomacka takes its name from the large silk cotton (coomacka) trees that there abound. The river here is wide and deep. There is a feeling of solitude about the place, and a look of wildness. We have reached the ultimate point of civilisation. From under the trees a number of canoes begin to emerge. These canoes are from six to twelve or fifteen feet in length, and from a foot and a half to two or three feet in width. They are cut out of the trunk of a tree, and " kittle cattle" they are to get into. The least step on one side and over you go. I saw one man overbalance himself, and in a moment the canoe went down, and the only thing to be...
