noon
The atmosphere was completely saturated with electricity , and its influence was felt by men and beasts . They just dragged themselves along , and cared for nothing else . The silence was only interrupted by the cries of Ayrton urging on his burdened team . From noon to two o'clock they went through a curious forest of ferns , which would have excited the admiration of less weary travelers . These plants in full flower measured thirty feet in height . Horses and riders passed easily beneath their drooping leaves , and sometimes the spurs would clash against the woody stems . Beneath these immovable parasols there was a refreshing coolness which every one appreciated .