384 Obserrafiofis on the Flora of Conrtallum. [Oct. 



recent forinntion, are only covered ^ ith rnnk £3;rass and Ti 

 small date palin of a light lively green colour. This 

 mixture of black nal'cd rock, dark forest and delicate 

 verdure form together a condiinnlion of beauty and 

 grandeur laiely to be met -with ev(ni in mounlain scf;- 

 nery. 



The glens between tlie dillerent mountain masses 

 composing this part of the range, are usually very nar- 

 row, with steep sides, having a stream in the bottom? 

 the banks of which as well as the sides of the glens, are 

 clothed with an exceedingly luxuriant and varied vegeta- 

 tion, con^sisting of large forest trees, abundance of un- 

 derwood, bound together with numerous creepers, af- 

 fording shelter to a great variety of herbaceous plants 

 and ferns which seek the shade in preference to the full 

 light of day. At some places, these glens widen, form- 

 ing as it were small amphitheatres. These spots are 

 nov/ nearly all occupied by what are called the spice 

 gardens. 



The principal of these are found on the banks of the 

 stream forming the falls of Courtallum, on account of 

 the greater length and comparative gentleness of the 

 slope of its glen, as well as the greater number of its 

 openings fitted for sites of gardens. In these gardens 

 the most esteemed vegetable products of the east are 

 produced, such as nutmegs, cloves, cinnamon, mango- 

 steens and coffee, v/hile cocoa and all spice from the west, 

 are found to thrive in them. Nutmegs and coffee, how- 

 ever occupy the most prominent station, from the quan- 

 tity and value of their produce. The sides of the glen 

 are covered with forests of the largest trees I ever re- 

 collect to have seen, and Vvhich might without much 

 difficulty be turned to the best account. Among these 

 are found tv/o, perhaps more, species of wild nutmeg ; 

 some kinds of the cinnarrion tribe (laurwa;)^ one of 

 which, closely resembling the true plant, possesses strong 



