THE STRUGGLE FOR LIFE. 153 



straining upwards to obtain a little more sunlight, 

 but there are no laggards. It is rare indeed for a 

 giant mora or silk-cotton tree to rise above its 

 fellows, so that looked at from above the surface is 

 a uniform level a verdant plain, undulating with 

 the ground on which it stands. Thousands of little 

 streams flow through its arcades without breaking 

 the continuity, but here and there a great river 

 produces the effect of an embankment, as the 

 forest slopes down into the water. 



To the casual observer inside the forest every- 

 thing appears almost lifeless. These gigantic 

 buttressed pillars are emblems of strength and 

 power, but they do not seem to utilise their 

 capabilities. Look a little closer, however, and 

 a flood of light is thrown upon the matter. Every- 

 thing in nature has its purpose, and we may be 

 quite sure that the force and energy stored up in 

 the giants of the forest are there for use. And that 

 they are used is equally evident on patient investi- 

 gation. Every one of these trees is a living 

 creature straining to hold its own in the battle 

 for life, and continually struggling with its fellows 

 for the mastery. Under our feet are interlacing 

 roots filling up every inch of ground, and above 

 our heads expanses of leaves to prevent a single 

 ray of light being wasted. These represent the 



