IN BORNEAN FORESTS 



[chap. 



The mountain is entirely formed of sandstone. As we pro- 

 gressed upwards we found the trees growing smaller. On the sum- 

 mit they were reduced to mere bushes by the action of the winds, 

 and on account of the thin layer of soil for their roots. But mosses 

 and Jungermannias flourished, and covered the ground, stones, 

 and tree-trunks alike with a soft damp carpet. I did not, however, 

 find any sphagnum, which I had seen on the other mountains I had 

 climbed. Many beautiful butterflies passed over my head, flutter- 

 ing above the abyss, which looked more awe-inspiring from the mist 



Fig. 31. HEAD OF SUPPOSED FEMALE OF MAYAS TJ APING. 



which hid its depths. There were only a few plants in blossom, 

 but I succeeded in finding three species of rhododendron, and one 

 little orchid, a Corysanthes, a true mountain gem, was abundant 

 amongst the mosses. It is only a few inches high, but its relatively 

 large solitary flowers, of a lovely violet, were like amethysts strewn 

 on a bed of emeralds. 



The flora of Tiang Laj u appeared to me to be less rich than that 

 of other mountains nearer the sea. I recognised by the foliage 

 several species which, it is true, I had not met elsewhere, but I had 

 decided never to collect any specimens that were not in a condition 



156 



