STORY OF CYPRIPEDIUM SPICERIANUM 215 



Forstermann remembers a twinge of conscience here. It 

 may be indubitable that orchids 2iV& ferae naturae. But they 

 have a distinct money value for all that, and to remove them 

 from the estate of a man who gives you a reception like 

 this ! Anyhow, he felt uncomfortable. But to find the 

 thing was his first duty. Possibly some arrangement might 

 be made, though he could not imagine how. 



The invitation was accepted, of course, and a week 

 passed very pleasantly. But Forstermann could not bring 

 his host to the point desired. Several times they observed 

 Cypripedium insigne whilst riding or driving about the 

 neighbourhood. Mr, Spicer even remarked, when his atten- 

 tion was called to it, that he had sent a number of plants 

 home ; but nothing followed. Then the manager returned, 

 and the same night an appointment was made to go aft:er 

 duck on the morrow. 



Forstermann turned out at dawn, but his companion was 

 not ready. He gave the explanation as they rode along. 



' We had another chelan last night — you have learnt the 

 meaning of that word, I daresay ! — a faction fight among 

 our people. The coolies on this estate come mostly from 

 Chota Nagpore, and thereabouts. They're good workers, 

 and not so troublesome as regular Hindus when once they've 

 settled down. But there's generally a bother when a new 

 gang arrives. We tell our agents to be very careful in 

 recruiting none but friendly clans. Young Mice and Fig 

 Leaves we find best among the Oraons, Stars and Wild 

 Geese among the Sonthals.' Forstermann was puzzled, but 

 he did not interrupt. ' It's no use, however. They take 

 any fellow that comes along — and between ourselves, you 

 know, considering how many of those scamps bolt with the 

 contract-money and never enlist a soul, we haven't so very 

 much to complain of. It's a bad system, sir ! 



' Well, when they get here, a mixed lot, they find half a 



