Narrative of a Voyage Round the World, in the Uranie and Physicienne Corvettes, Commanded by Captain Freycinet, During the Years 1817, 1818, 1819, and 1820 - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1150577649 ISBN 13: 9781150577642

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This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1823. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... At length we reached the banks of the Kinkham, which flows in a bed twenty feet deep. A slender streamlet of water found its way with difficulty amid the scattered pieces of rock, which the floods had brought down thus far from the summit of the mountains. I was preparing to cross it, when my guide stopped me, and gave me to understand, that government had prohibited the passage of this natural barrier under severe penalties. He told me also, that the opposite bank was often frequented by savage hordes, led by convicts who had escaped from their fetters; and that they came as far as the neighbouring estates, to levy contributions, and carry off produce and cattle. I would not take upon myself the responsibility of my guide, and consented to his not accompanying me; but I desired him to wait for me, with an assurance that I would be absent only a few hours. He promised me he would; and I set off, after receiving from him instructions for my return. Kinkham is one of those torrents, whose waters when swelled by thunder-storms, spread desolation through the country. Its ravages extend more than two leagues from its bed, and beat down the strong barriers opposed to its impetuous course. Its inundations, which are really terrifying, may be said to be periodical; and few seasons pass without distant dwellings being swept away or damaged. The most substantial buildings, the tallest plants, covered by its red and turbulent waters, with difficulty resist them. When the swelling commences, the experience acquired by disaster teaches how far its ravages may extend, and the settlements in the vicinity are deserted. When it has attained its utmost height, this ravaging torrent re-' sembles an immense lake, containing a considerable number of floating islands. Some lofty roof...

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• ISBN 10: 1150577649
• ISBN 13: 9781150577642
• Einband: Tapa blanda