Page:Narrative of a Voyage around the World - 1843.djvu/61

 1837.] eggs of the iguana are much esteemed; every house displays strings of them hung up to dry; the children eat them; after which, having filled them with air, they explode them by a blow of the hand, in mock contention, causing a very sharp report. They are similar to those of the tortoise or turtle, but in size not exceeding that of the pigeon.

A second night we passed in our canoe. The work of the following day became more tedious, owing to the dryness of the river, which frequently compelled us to land. On one occasion, our passage was for some time obstructed by a large tree, which had fallen across the stream at its most rapid point. Fortunately, in its fall it had broken away so much of the bank, which the stream, impeded in its former course, had forced a channel through, that we effected our passage by this new cut, after some little dexterity on the part of the boatmen, aided by our exertions.

It may readily be imagined, that with eight chronometers in the canoe, and depending on their performance, it was not the difficulties or other disagreeables of the voyage, which kept me continually in torment. In fact, every time the canoe touched anything more solid than water my senses were excited.

About sunset we got sight of Gorgona, and were shortly after housed for the night (excepting, however, for astronomical observations) in a habitation provided by the alcaldé.

Our baggage was landed by eight the following