258 The Gardens of the Sun. [ch. xm. 



in bloom, as also was a white-blossomed ixora, bearing 

 pendulous compound clusters of fragrant blossoms. A 

 curious strong-growing vanilla draped trees in most 

 places, and on some wet mossy rocks beside a rushing 

 torrent, a glossy-leaved phalasnopsis (P. luteola) dis- 

 played its golden blossoms, each sepal and petal mottled 

 with cinnabar. Ccelogynes were everywhere abundant 

 on trees and rocks alike, and on the latter overhanging 

 the streams hung masses of a waxy-leaved seschynan- 

 thus, bearing axillary clusters of crimson, black-striped 

 flowers, each standing erect from a gracefully modelled 

 purple chalice. Ferns and mosses hung on the dripping 

 river rocks in glorious profusion. Numerous, indeed, were 

 fair Flora's temptations to lingering dalliance on our 

 way, but we had an ulterior object in this journey which 

 nothing must interfere with. Our mission was to push 

 onward, letting nothing hinder our march difficulties 

 and inclinations must alike be conquered if we would 

 that our journey be crowned with success ! 



Kambatuan reached, wet and fagged, we were glad of 

 a change of clothing, preceded by a brisk rub with a dry 

 towel, ere we thought of food. Our guides had selected 

 a roomy house, and we soon had a cheerful wood fire 

 ablaze on the hearth, which, as is usual here, was in the 

 centre of the large public apartment occupied by our- 

 selves and our retainers. A fowl and some eggs were 

 soon purchased, and our whilom host was very hospit- 

 able, having spread some nicely-worked mats near the 

 fire, and instructed his daughters to make cigarettes for 

 us, which, with the kindness which clings to their sex all 

 the world over, they, seeing that we were strangers, 

 wet and tired, were nothing loth to do. These cigar- 

 ettes, under the native name of " rokos," were always 

 forthcoming, and are made of tobacco (segope), both 



