1 8 The Gardens of the Sun. [ch. n. 



returning from the shipping in the roads, buffalo carts 

 ply between the godowns in town and those at the wharf, 

 the sun pours clown its heat and light from the zenith, 

 and everybody seems intent on making their hay while it 

 shines. 



All the principal stores and shops are either in " the 

 Square " or its vicinit}^ and here you can procure home 

 comforts of nearly every description, together with the 

 latest books and home papers. You will procure the 

 latest news at Little's Store, and will see many things 

 there to interest you. Sale & Co.'s, and Katz's Stores, 

 are also well worth a visit, and few of the Chinese 

 shops will compare well with that of the late Hon. C. 

 "Whampoa, C.M.G., who was a most influential trader in 

 the place. The " Square " is an oblong plot of turf 

 planted with various tropical trees, and one of these, 

 although fast going to decay, is well worthy of notice, 

 being completely enshrouded with rare orchids of various 

 kinds. This stands immediately opposite the Singapore 

 Dispensary, and owes its interesting appearance to Mr. 

 Jamie, who first planted it with orchids some years ago. 

 Amongst other plants Aerides suavissimum is especially 

 luxuriant, completely wreathing some of the principal 

 branches with its glossy green leaves, and many seedlings 

 of this species have germinated and are now promising 

 little plants. Vandas, Phalcenopsis grandiflora, and P. 

 amabilis also grow and flower well here in close proximity 

 to the dusty streets. In Singaporean gardens the rarest of 

 moth orchids are planted in cocoanut- shells and hung 

 from the verandahs, or placed on the mango or orange 

 trees on the lawn, where they soon establish themselves. 

 How many English orchid amateurs would wish for such 

 a genial clime. 



A morning in the " Square " gives one a tolerably clear 



