A GOLD MINE IN THE WILDERNESS. 195 



almost thirty feet apart, the intervening space being filled 

 with lesser growth, parasitic lianas and huge ferns eight to 

 twelve feet in height, tree-ferns in size but not in mode of 

 growth. 



The rain now increases and we plod happily along 

 drenched to the skin, giving ourselves up to the delight of a 

 walk in a tropical downpour. Serenely oblivious of pools and 

 dripping branches, we trudge along until finally a tacuba 

 over a creek breaks with our weight and we splash in up to 

 our waists. Indeed we had long ago become accustomed to 

 such drenchings, for during our stay at Hoorie the days were 

 alternate sunshine and shower. In starting out for a long 

 tramp we never thought of taking any protection against the 

 rain. The only thing to be shielded was the precious camera. 

 What matters a wetting when one is perfectly dressed for 

 whatever may happen! 



A word must be said here from the woman's point of 

 view about the costume which was adopted as being absolutely 

 suited to the bush life. In the first place it was light so 

 light that one never felt the burden of a single superfluous 

 ounce of weight, and when thus freed from the drag of heavy 

 clothing one would come in unfatigued from tramps which 

 would have been impossible for a woman in orthodox dress, 

 no matter how short the skirt. But in the light khaki 

 knickerbockers, loose negligee shirts of scotch flannel or 

 fibrous cellular cloth, stockings and tennis shoes and a water- 

 proof felt hat, one was ready for anything. If soaked by a 

 sudden downpour, a few minute's walk in the sun would dry 

 one; if walking difficult tacubas, or clambering over huge 

 fallen trees, of which there were any number throughout the 

 forest, or climbing precipitous and slippery hills one was 

 never hampered by unsuitable dress. 



Of course there are many wildernesses where it is unneces- 

 sary for a woman to wear knickerbockers and where there is no 



