32 



UALAN. 



this island is eminently rich, is ornamenting the outskirts of the forest (7 | 8 d). 

 This form becomes more abundant on the slopes of the mountains ; especially 

 on the steep edges of them may be seen, even from a distance, their palm-like 

 crowns rising above low brushwood. Still more abundant, and especially rich in 

 species, is a form of colossal ferns, which, though making regular crowns, does not 

 have a genuine trunk. These are also more numerous in the forests of the higher 

 mountains, and more isolated on the outskirts of the lower. The largest of the 

 two kinds here illustrated is distinguished by its highly elegant fan-shaped leaves, 



and termed "Payoa" by the natives ^3 | 4 The turf seen in the foreground 



is formed principally by a few creepers, amongst which a species of Cucumis 

 is the most common, the round fruits of which, pickled in vinegar, we took a 

 great way to sea with us. Its small yellow flowers are about this season seen 

 everywhere on the ground. Together with it is commonly found a small species 

 of Piper with pointed leaves, which also climbs up the trees and contributes to- 

 wards the formation of the above-mentioned festoons. A variety of smaller ferns 

 are decorating this turf. 



