AMONG THE PALMS 187 



Our first day in the scrub was packed with in- 

 terest. Crossing the river in a ferry boat (fare one 

 penny), we divided forces. I joined the smaller party, 

 which decided to follow a road leading into the hills. 

 A cart laden with sugarcane for the mill was met, and 

 the driver gave us a lift for a mile. Afoot again, we 



CANE - CUTTER'S HOME, TWEED RIVER. 



made slow progress, for the slopes on our right were 

 clothed in luxuriant vegetation that demanded con- 

 stant attention. Palms and ferns of many species, 

 wild Bananas, and other plants were noted. At one 

 spot the crimson flowers of an Hibiscus shone among 

 the ferns. Presently the road narrowed and entered 

 a grove of tall trees, chiefly Cedars and Eucalypts, in- 

 terspersed with Spear Palms. Butterflies flew lazily 

 in the sunshine, the most beautiful being the Bird- 



