As we approached the ranges again, the supply of water increased; and we passed one large poel, in particular, with many ducks and spoonbills on it.

But the ranges approached the banks of the river on both sides, and formed either precipitous walls, or flats so exceedingly rocky, that it was out of the question to follow it.

We, therefore, ascended the hills and mountains, and with our foot-sore cattle passed over beds of sharp shingles of porphyry.

We crept like snails over these rocky hills, and through their gullies filled with boulders and shingles, until I found it necessary to halt, and allow my poor beasts to recover.
During the afternoon, I examined the country in advance, and found that the mountains extended five miles farther, and were as rocky as those we had already passed.

But, after that, they receded from the river, and the country became comparatively level.