got on
it, and I acted as their boatman. We took the circuit of the lake,
while they admired the beautiful scenery I have already described. Our
uncle meantime was hunting about for birds and butterflies. The gap,
when we were on the opposite side, had a curious appearance, being like
a large gateway, fully one hundred feet in height, though broken and
ruinous. The creepers also were seen to great advantage, some of them
falling in the most beautiful luxuriance from the very summits of the
surrounding heights down to the water's edge, many of them covered the
whole length with brilliant flowers.

"What a delightful place for a pic-nic!" exclaimed Emily.

"True, young lady," answered Mr Sedgwick; "and as all our meals are
pic-nics, I propose that we halt here and make our dinner. We have
water in abundance, and our provisions at our backs."

A fire was at once kindled, the kettle which Potto carried at his back
unslung, and our various provisions produced. Not many birds had
hitherto been shot, and our larder was therefore but ill supplied.

"I forgot all about eating!" exclaimed Mr Sedgwick; "but stay; we will
soon have some birds for the pot."

Saying this, he proceeded along to the lower lake. The sound of his
fowling-piece, as he fired several times, reverberated strangely among
the rocks, making the birds fly to and fro in alarm at the unusual
sound. Never before perhaps had fire-arms been discharged in that
romantic region, but instinct told them that it boded them no good. In
a short time he returned with several pigeons and a couple of
parroquets. It seemed almost a sin to deprive such beautiful birds of
their plumage; but Potto Jumbo, influenced by no such notions, quickly
had them plucked and prepared for roasting. They were then stuck on
skewers, and in woodland fashion placed on forked sticks before the
fire. They were pronounced excellent, and quite as tender as if they
had been kept for a long time; indeed, in that hot climate the only way
to have them tender is to pluck and cook them before they have time to
grow cold. We had brought a supply of fruit, which we had plucked on
our way, as well as sago-bread and other articles, which altogether gave
us a luxurious repast. No spot could have been more lovely than that
where we sat. The bank was covered with soft, almost velvety grass,
being shaded constantly from the noonday sun, and the air felt cool,
though soft. I had just opened a du