110 A WALE IN KIUSIU. 



fine specimens of the fern-leaved tree grew on either 

 side of the entrance.^ They were in their fresh, green 

 foliage, and looked extremely well in contrast with the 

 dark Siigi [Oryptomzrid) , and other pines, which sur- 

 rounded on three sides this very neat and pleasant spot. 



I followed the path up the valley. The young rice 

 was looking very well. The great lotus plant, with its 

 beautiful pink flower, here and there broke up the 

 monotony of the paddy-fields. Snakes kept constantly 

 gliding off the path into the grass or rice cover. They 

 were all the common harmless species, and were 

 evidently bent on enjoying the warm sun. My spaniel 

 every now and then made a dash at one, and succeeded 

 occasionally in nipping it through the back. For some 

 reason, she had lately taken the most inveterate hatred 

 to these creatures, and never lost an opportunity of 

 waging war against them. I think she must have 

 been bitten by one of the venomous species, for, on one 

 occasion, her face had swollen up very much, evidently 

 from the sting or bite of something poisonous. 



Half a mile up the valley I passed a cottage 

 standing near the pathway. The little garden in front 

 was a mass of flowers, among which there was a large 

 plant of the oleander in full bloom, and a perfect 



1 Salisburia adiantifolia. 



