the land, which thus formed two ridges about a mile apart on each
side of the valley. These ridges, - which, as well as the low
grounds between them, were covered with trees and shrubs of the
most luxuriant kind - continued to recede inland for about two
miles, when they joined the foot of a small mountain. This hill
rose rather abruptly from the head of the valley, and was likewise
entirely covered even to the top with trees, except on one
particular spot near the left shoulder, where was a bare and rocky
place of a broken and savage character. Beyond this hill we could
not see, and we therefore directed our course up the banks of the
rivulet towards the foot of it, intending to climb to the top,
should that be possible, as, indeed, we had no doubt it was.

Jack, being the wisest and boldest among us, took the lead,
carrying the axe on his shoulder. Peterkin, with his enormous
club, came second, as he said he should like to be in a position to
defend me if any danger should threaten. I brought up the rear,
but, having been more taken up with the wonderful and curious
things I saw at starting than with thoughts of possible danger, I
had very foolishly left my club behind me. Although, as I have
said the trees and bushes were very luxuriant, they were not so
thickly crowded together as to hinder our progress among them. We
were able to wind in and out, and to follow the banks of the stream
quite easily, although, it is true, the height and thickness of the
foliage prevented us from seeing far ahead. But sometimes a
jutting-out rock on the hill sides afforded us a position whence we
could enjoy the romantic view and mark our progress towards the
foot of the hill. I wag particularly struck, during the walk, with
the richness of the undergrowth in most places, and recognised many
berries and plants that resembled those of my native land,