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are compound, but when it exists as a single unlobed blade it is 

 immense, and carries the impression of a size even greater than 

 the actual figures would indicate. 



The trail becomes steeper, and about two thirds of the way 

 up there is a more pronounced change, where the trail enters 

 the mossy forest of the summit. Here the forest becomes one 

 story in height. The species of trees change considerably also, 

 and the whole aspect of the forest is entirely different. The 

 trees are low, widely branched, with numerous crooked spreading 

 branches, and with small or leathery leaves. Their stems and 

 branches are completely hidden within dense enveloping masses 

 of lichens and mosses. These masses frequently increase the 

 apparent diameter of the branch fourfold. On the branches, 

 among the mosses, are great numbers of epiphytes, including 

 many species of orchids. The latter are mostly narrow-leaved, 

 and with rather inconspicuous flowers. The ground vegetation, 

 because of the greater amount of light available, is a dense mass 

 of low shrubbery, in which various species of Eurya and Medi- 

 nilla are especialh" conspicuous. The trail twists its way through 

 these stiff-branched shrubs and under the moss-laden trees up 

 the last steep slopes, and emerges at the shelter house on the 

 summit. 



Makiling enjoys the reputation of being the most carefully 

 studied mountain, from an ecological standpoint, in the world. 

 For some years past Dr. Brown has worked over its vegetation, 

 and has maintained batteries of self-recording instruments at 

 numerous stations, from the hot steamy base to the wind-swept 

 summit. His results, when published, should present the most 

 accurate and detailed account of tropical vegetation extant. 



This description may give some idea of the facilities which 

 the mountain offers to the student of tropical vegetation. To 

 the traveller with little time to spare, it makes easily accessible 

 two great types of tropical forest, and exhibits all of the principal 

 vegetation forms of the tropical forest, except those which are 

 purely littoral in nature. To the student who wishes to make 

 more careful or extended studies, it offers large and inexhaustible 

 supplies of material, even including such unusual forms as the 



