To this proposition we gave no encouragement.

The descent was abrupt.

At the bottom was a fine brook, with a hanging bridge of vines swinging from tree to tree across it.
Here we stopped to drink the fresh cool water, cut some sugar-canes, catch butterflies, and take views.

One of the trees from which the vines hung was a perfect mass of ferns, orchids and bromelias of many kinds.
On the great slope back of us, toward the gap through which the brook had broken, were great cliffs of massive rock; otherwise the whole mountain slope was a sheet of richest green.

The ascent was long and difficult, and the party went slowly, with many rests.