At a small brook which crossed our path (the first we had reached) Too-wit and his attendants halted to drink.

On account of the singular character of the water, we refused to taste it, supposing it to be polluted; and it was not until some time afterward we came to understand that such was the appearance of the streams throughout the whole group.

I am at a loss to give a distinct idea of the nature of this liquid, and cannot do so without many words.

Although it flowed with rapidity in all declivities where common water would do so, yet never, except when falling in a cascade, had it the customary appearance of limpidity.

It was, nevertheless, in point of fact, as perfectly limpid as any limestone water in existence, the difference being only in appearance.