THE BEDDEN RAPIDS. 301 force ; the water rushed and foamed between the rocks as the first rapid was entered, and for over an hour the struggle continued, and I dare not think of what would have happened if the rope had snapped, which several times seemed likely enough.

Bounding the numerous rocks which impeded our progress, was a matter of extreme difficulty ; as in bringing the boat broadside against the descending torrent, she heeled over, and, continually dipping her bow, shipped large quantities of water, and made the risk of swamping great. The ascent of the real Bedden rapid is very dangerous. The water roars and foams furiously, enormous rocks jut up on all sides, having only narrow passages between them, through which the boat must pass ; and to add to the difficulty, the natives who were hauling the boat had to climb up and down the rocks near the river's edge, and the trees on the bank were also serious obstructions. We bumped the rocks several times, but although we shipped much water, the boat was not quite upset ; once, just as we rounded one large mass, the current caught us and dashed us against the bank into the branches of a huge overhanging tree, smashing the awning of the boat to shreds. After sunset the scene was most exciting ; the natives lit torches, the ruddy glare of which fell upon their dusky forms, upon the seething water, and the curious fantastically-shaped rocks ; while above the roar of the river could be heard, now and again,