The doctor's prognostications as
to the health of the crew were only partially verified, for the
precautions taken, if they did not secure a perfect immunity against
fever, at least greatly diminished the number of those who suffered
from it. The abundance of fish either caught from the ship or
purchased from the natives formed a wholesome diet, aided by the
fruit, of which the natives brought off a very large quantity. It
was very varied, and much of it delicious; the mangosteens were
specially appreciated, and those who could overcome their repugnance
to the disgusting odor of the durians found them delicious eating.
Besides these were custard apples, bananas, and many other kinds
of fruit; all were very cheap and, upon the doctor's suggestion, a
supply was purchased daily for the use of the ship's company, and
the sailors, who had no other use for their money, laid out no
small portion of their pay on these luxuries.
The captain had taken every opportunity, when boats passed up the
river, to send messages and presents to the chiefs of the tribes
higher up, with assurances that he had not come up as an enemy,
but that he desired to be on good terms with all, and would gladly
see any of them who would come down to pay him a visit, and would
guarantee their safe return without molestation on the part of
Sehi.
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