In certain places, less crowded, growing in clumps, these pines exhibited considerable dimensions, and appeared to indicate, by their development, that the country was situated in a higher latitude than the engineer had supposed.

Glades, bristling with stumps worn away by time, were covered with dry wood, which formed an inexhaustible store of fuel.

Then, the glade passed, the underwood thickened again, and became almost impenetrable.
It was difficult enough to find the way among the groups of trees, without any beaten track.

So the sailor from time to time broke off branches which might be easily recognized.

But, perhaps, he was wrong not to follow the watercourse, as he and Herbert had done on their first excursion, for after walking an hour not a creature had shown itself.
Top, running under the branches, only roused birds which could not be approached.