32 SINTRAM'S FOREST. ch. ii. 



near a spring, where the green turf was decked with 

 many small orchids — all of them possibly forms of Ophrys 

 lutea. We were not then acquainted with the careful 

 observations of the late Mr. Treherne Moggridge, who 

 completely proved that the differences in the form and 

 colouring of the corolla which have been supposed to 

 separate several species of the genus Ophrys are variable, 

 even on the same plant ; but our passing remarks entirely 

 tally with his conclusions. As we lingered, the sun sank 

 below the horizon ; we unwillingly hearkened to the exhort- 

 ations of our followers, who seemed to grow uneasy at 

 the chance of being benighted, and pushed on towards 

 our resting place. 



The weird figures of the stunted and maimed monsters 

 of the forest drew closer together as we neared the crest 

 of the hill, and, in the fast growing gloom, assumed at 

 each moment a more wild and threatening aspect. Bare 

 branches standing against the sky, and eye-like holes in 

 the black hollow trunks, were transfigured by the fancy ; 

 and to at least one of us the tale of Sintram, and Albert 

 Diirer's quaint old woodcut, supplied additional elements 

 to the mental picture ; until, as we emerged from the 

 wood, the note of the cuckoo, bringing a whole train of 

 home associations, suddenly broke the spell. We rode 

 onward, and soon stood before El Fondak, the most stately 

 place of shelter for travellers in the Marocco Empire. 



From without this shows a rather imposing aspect, 

 resembling that of a hill fort. A strong wall, some 

 eighteen or twenty feet in height, witliout window or 

 opening of any kind, except a central gate, surrounds a 

 large coiurt-yard. We had been warned that the accom- 

 modation within was not good, and we were not long in 

 coming to the same conclusion. 



The large quadrangle formed a sort of stable-yard, 

 wherein were littered camels, horses, mules, and donkeys. 

 The surrounding enclosure, covered with a flat stone roof, 

 was walled in on two sides, and on the others formed a 



