Page:Guatimala or the United Provinces of Central America in 1827-8.pdf/46

Rh to descend; along the beds of the different channels formed by the autumnal rains. A rivulet of clear spring water flowed murmuring along over the numerous pebbles and pieces of rock which impeded its course, a variety of trees in full luxuriance shaded it from the intense heat of the sun, while the melody of birds regaled the ear with harmony; depicting one of those scenes which poets have described, when they have sung of the days of the golden age.

At least so it seemed to us, for here we breakfasted, not on aerial food, but on good cold fowls and wine which we had taken the precaution to store for some such occasion. How far this beverage might operate on the fancies of hungry travellers, so as to lead them to exaggerate the natural beauties of the spot, must be left for the reader to determine.

The remainder of the journey over the mountain is relieved by a constant repetition of similar scenery. In some places the passes are lined by trees rising most majestically to the height of 90 and 100 feet. At other times rows of palms branching on either side form a continued gothic archway, or rather series of archways, far surpassing those of art: while in other situations the abruptness of the transition from hill to dale, and from mountain to ravine relieve the eye and considerably heighten the effect.