ly SUMATRA. 209 



feet I suddenly emerged on the edge of one of the many- 

 gorges which deeply grooved the side of the mountain, and 

 stood clear of the tall forest. 



During my progress through the lower zones few insects, 

 but some very interesting forms of birds, had been noticed. 

 Besides the species I have mentioned above, I shot a rare 

 grass warbler {Suya alhigularis), previously known only from 

 Siunatra, by one example from Acheen, in the north of the 

 island ; and twittering in low bushes a little fly-catcher, not 

 before taken in this island — Culicieapa ceylonensis. At 

 5000 feet, hopping about on fallen logs, dodging in the low 

 bush tangle, a black chat-thrush (Brachypteri/x atratus) with 

 a bright white line over the eye, fell to my gun, which was 

 not my luck in regard to the beautiful Paradise fly-catcher 

 (Terpstiphone affinis) which I saw— a pure white bird with 

 long black-shatted tail-feathers, named by the natives Tjahit 

 Kapan which signifies the white cloth in which the dead are 

 wrapped, as they believe that he by whom it is seen has not 

 long to live. 



At 8600 feet the tall forest suddenly ceased, and among my 

 feet I found some splended ericas of various species, the most 

 conspicuous being that which the natives have named " Tree 

 of the long age " {Kayu panjang umoor), a new species ( Vae- 

 cinimm forbesii), and one of the most handsome of its genus. 

 It was first met with as a shrub, low and compact, but 500 feet 

 higher it became a tree with a circumference of four feet. 

 This, with the scarlet rhododendron already mentioned, and 

 many species of ferns, monopolised the mountain up to 9000 

 feet, where I gathered, with perhaps more satisfaction still, a 

 wee species of Gentian that expanded its blue flowers on the 

 bare earthy banks. 



To obtain the full pleasure of the climb, the day must be 

 perfectly clear, such as the first day of May on which I made 

 my most memorable ascent. It was one of the few absolutely 

 rainless days of my stay. When that height was attained 

 where the forest dwindled to a shrubbery, every foot of ascent 

 added to the grandeur of our outlook and to the number of 

 the peaks on peaks that came in view, along whose flanks the 

 clouds rolled upwards in white humps and scuds, in striking 

 contrast with the intense cobalt blue of their crests towering 



