CHAPTER III 



THE FOREST 



The Teesta Valley in its lowest part is only 700 feet 

 above sea-level. It is deep and confined and satu- 

 rated with perpetual moisture. Hardly a breath 

 of wind stirs, and all plant life is forced as in a hot- 

 house. The trees do not, indeed, grow as high as 

 the Big Trees of California or the eucalyptus in 

 Australia, but some of these in the Teesta Valley 

 are 200 feet in height with buttressed trunks be- 

 tween 40 and 50 feet in girth, and give the same 

 impression of stateliness and calm composure. 

 With incredible effort and incessant struggle they 

 have attained their present proud position, and the 

 traveller most willingly accords them the tribute 

 that is their due. 



Grand tropical oaks nearly 50 feet in girth also 

 occur, screw-pines 50 feet in height with immense 

 crowns of grassy leaves 4 feet long, palms of many 

 kinds, rattan-canes, bamboos, plantains, and tall 

 grasses such as only grow in dense, hot jungles. 

 Gigantic climbers tackle the loftiest trees. One 

 allied to the gourd bears immense yellowish-white 

 pendulous blossoms ; another bears curious pitcher- 

 shaped flowers. Vines, peppers, and pothos inter- 

 lace with the palms and plantains in impenetrable 

 jungle. Orchids clothe the trees. Everywhere 



20 



