Both Mr.Hume and I were desirous of seeing the net drawn, but the old man raised some objection, by pointing to the heavens and towards the sun.

After a little more solicitation, however, he gave a whistle, and, four or five natives having obeyed the summons, he directed them to draw the net, but they were unfortunate, and our wish to ascertain the kind of fish contained in the river was disappointed.

As his tribe gathered round him, the old chief threw a melancholy glance upon them, and endeavoured, as much as he could, to explain the cause of that affliction which, as I had rightly judged, weighed heavily upon him.

It appeared, then, that a violent cutaneous disease raged throughout the tribe, that was sweeping them off in great numbers.

He called several young men to Mr.Hume and myself, who had been attacked by this singular malady.