ABSTRACT
ITS noble river is the distinguishing feature of the Calabar . country. Abont twelve miles ,vide at its Inouth, from Tonl Shott's point on the west to East Head, it preserves nearly the same breadth unobstructed up to Parrot Island, about thirty nliles. For ten miles farther it is wider by the union of several 3treanls, but tIle number of islands thereabouts forrr!ing quite a labyrinth, divide it into channels, and prevent its full breadth being seen. Some of these islands are nlany miles long. On the eastern, or smaller river, Duke Town stands. On a small stream, connecting that and the western, or greater river, Creek Town stands. The western, sometinles called Cross river, is divided into three channels by long narrow islands for forty miles above !)arrot Island. Two of these had been traced by Captain Beecroft before we went to the country; the third or most westerly was explored by Inyself, as shall be related in its place. That channel, commencing at Isong Iyang eighty miles from the sea, receives various tributaries from the Egbo Shary country, and is thenceforward almost quite separated fronl the others, by a continuous line of islands and sand-banks, which terminate in the" Spit," a dangerous shoal with breakers off the river mouth.
