UP IN THE TREES. 195 



yards above our heads. On the upper edge the 

 inevitable line of Tillandsias has taken the first 

 place, pushing every other plant aside to do the 

 best it can. However, there are one or two species 

 not disposed of quite so easily. The Rhipsalis 

 pachytera, that curious ribbon-like cactus, is strong 

 enough to insinuate himself into the midst of the 

 enemy, and make it stand the strain of his long 

 archings and pendulous extensions. It almost 

 seems as if this were done deliberately the 

 Tillandsia tried to push off the cactus, the latter 

 secured himself by holding on to the hustler, 

 with the result that the one has to hold the 

 other up, or both will fall into the creek and 

 be drowned. The beautiful golden fern, Chry- 

 sodium vulgare, has also succeeded in pushing its 

 scaly rhizomes among the roots of the Tillandsia, 

 and hangs its fronds in every direction round the 

 branch. By means of its creeping habit it is able 

 to grow in any direction, and is therefore very 

 common, not only on the branches of trees, but 

 on their stems as well. Among the plants which 

 have been driven to the edge are some of the most 

 beautiful orchids. Doubtless they at one time grew 

 upright, but from the continual pressure of circum- 

 stances they have become perfectly fitted to their 

 environment. We may fancy them in some past 



