S6 TROPIC DAYS 



tints as the sun toys with the shadows, and curve after 

 curve, reach after reach, slip by. Sometimes the 

 chattering boat heads due east. South she knows 

 too, and then she bows her duty to the west, along 

 reaches which run straight and clean as a canal; and 

 round hairpin bends she sweeps with disdainful air, as 

 if conscious of besoiling banks. 



Gradually the monopolistic mangroves become more 

 tolerant of the rights of other vegetation. Tea- trees 

 with white papery bark and pale yellow flowers dripping 

 with spirity nectar, the sunflower-tree with its masses 

 of gold, an occasional wattle, and slim palms mirror 

 themselves, and here and there compact jungle, with 

 its entanglement of ponderous vines and smothering 

 creepers, shoulders away the salt-loving plants. Scents 

 may vary as the river's fringe; but only a delicate blend 

 is recognised the breathings of honey-secreting flowers 

 and of sapful plants free from all uncleanliness. Many 

 trees endure sadly the decoration of orchids in full 

 flower, some lovely to look on and deliciously scented. 

 The snowy plumes of one species sway gently, as if 

 offering friendly greeting. A worthy similitude to the 

 lily of the valley clings to a decaying limb, and a passing 

 smudge of lustrous brown is but the reflection from a 

 mass of the commonest of the Dendrobiums which 

 encumbers a long-suffering host. Where forest trees 

 and wattles guard the bank the water is of a different 

 hue, as if the face of the river had absorbed less of the 

 actualities of the sun. The screen of vegetation is not 

 only higher, but it is varied and impresses its individu- 

 ality. Only during the pelting rains of the wet season 

 may this delightful stream be monotonous, for at 

 intervals brief and narrow vistas open out on patches 

 of yellowing grass, and beyond lie forest-clad hills. 



All save the boat is wonderfully still. The birds are 



