On either side of us was open land, or rather land that would have been open had it not been for the great trees, larger than the largest oak, which grew upon it, some of them of surpassing beauty.

Up these trees climbed creepers that hung like ropes even from the topmost boughs, and among them were many strange and gorgeous flowering plants that seemed to cling to the bark as moss clings to a wall.

In their branches also sat harsh-voiced birds of brilliant colours, and apes that barked and chattered at us as we went.
Just as the sun set over all this strange new scene the canoes came to a landing place built of timber, and we disembarked.

Now it grew dark suddenly, and all I could discover was that I was being led along a good road.

Presently we reached a gate, which, from the barking of dogs and the numbers of people who thronged about it, I judged to be the entrance to a town, and passing it, we advanced down a long street with houses on either side.