THE OCKLAWAHA RIVER. 1,9

laka that the valiant little steamer suddenly turned, plunged
boldly into a dense thicket, and we were in the very mouth
of the Ocklawaha. The first query on board was, How
did the pilot find the entrance to the stream ?" for it re-
sembled a little brook pouring out from a jungle of over-
hanging trees. Another problem was, "as to how he man-
aged to keep in the right channel on the route" ; for it


 THa LOOKOUT.

would be difficult to imagine anything short of a bow-knot
more crooked, and there were many places where half a
dozen apparent streams would be found all converging upon
one point, and all exactly .alike. The wonderful ability of
that pilot, his foresight, or eyesight, inspired us all with
profound admiration, not to say awe.
 The steamer began its journey late in the afternoon,