212 CONFESSIONS OF A BEACHCOMBER 



twist, and the grasp is for life. Though not of such 

 extravagant character as the lawyer vine, the Flagellaria 

 seems to be endowed with perceptive faculty almost 

 amounting to instinct in selecting the shortest way toward 

 the support necessary for its plan of existence, which is to 

 climb not to grovel. It spurns the ground. New shoots 

 spring from old rhizomes in the clearings, and turn towards 

 the nearest tree as though aware of its presence, as the 

 tendrils of a grape vine instinctively grope for the artificial 

 support provided for it. Progress along the ground is 

 slow, but once within reach, the shoot rears its head, 

 stretches out a delicate finger-tip, and clings with the grasp 

 of desperation. A vigorous impulse thrills the whole plant. 

 It has found its purpose in life. With the concentration of 

 its energies, its development is rapid and merciless. Its 

 host is rapidly enveloped in entangling embraces, smothered 

 with innumerable clinging kisses. 



MAUVE, GREEN AND GREY 



An attempt to do justice by description to the rich and 

 varied vegetation of Dunk Island in these unlearned pages 

 would bespeak an idle, almost profane vanity. Yet the 

 pleasure of revealing one or two of the more conspicuous 

 features cannot be forgone. In the term conspicuous is 

 included plants that attract general attention. Possibly 

 the skilled botanist might disregard obvious and pleasing 

 effects, and find classic joy in species and varieties 

 unobtrusive if not obscure. 



About 600 feet above sea-level, looking across the 

 Family Group to the great bulk of Hinchinbrook, there is 

 an irregular precipice, half concealed by the trees and 

 plants that decorate its seams and crevices and spring up 

 about its cool and ever gloomy base. 



During the greater part of the year water trickles down 

 the grey face of the rock in narrow gleaming bands, and 

 wheresoever are the faintest footholds there is a flower 



