ween which hammocks were slung,
leaving space for a passage from one end to the other, as also for fires
in the centre. At the further end was an elevated stage, which might be
looked upon as a first floor, formed of split palm-stems. Along the
walls were arranged clay jars of various sizes, very neatly made. Some,
indeed, were large enough to hold twenty or more gallons; others were
much smaller; and some were evidently used as cooking-pots. They were
ornamented on the outside with crossed diagonal lines of various
colours. There were also blow-pipes hung up, and quivers and bags made
of the bromelia, very elaborately worked. In addition, there were
baskets formed of the same material of a coarser description, and
dressed skins of animals, with mats, and spare hammocks.

Our hostess, whom we discovered to be Duppo's mother, invited us to sit
down on some mats which she spread in a clear space on the floor, a
little removed from the fire. Duppo went out, and in a short time
returned with a young girl, who looked timidly into the opening, and
then ran off. He scampered after her, and brought her back; but it
required some persuasion to induce her to enter the hut. We rose as she
did so, struck by her interesting countenance and elegant form; for,
although her garments were almost as scanty as those of the older woman,
our impulse was to treat her with the respect we should have paid to one
of her more civilised sisters. Having got over her timidity, she set to
work to assist her mother in cooking some food. We asked Duppo his
sister's name. He gave us to understand that it was Oria--at least, it
sounded like it; and, at all events, that was the name by which we
always called her. It was a pretty name, and well suited to such an
interesting young creature.

Several parrots of gorgeous plumage, which had been sitting on the
rafters, clambered down inquisitively to look at us; while two monkeys--
tame little things--ran in and out of the hut. The most interesting
creature we saw was a charming little water-fowl--a species of grebe.
It seemed to be a great pet of the young girl. It was swimming about in
a tub full of water, similar to the one in which we had seen our hostess
bathing her baby. The girl took it out to show it to us, and it lay
perfectly happy and contented in her hands. It was rather smaller than
a pigeon, and had a pointed beak. The feet, unlike those of
water-fowls, were furnished with sev