llii 
THE AMAZON AND MADEIUA UTVERS. 
species of cecropite, exhibit otlier oxtmvngauces iu their roots. They 
appear as if staucling on stilts, the ri'iil trunks only beginning at 8 
or 10 feet above gi'omul. But, more than all, it is the profusion 
of orchids and hromclia; tlmt excites oiu- admiration. These bright 
cliildrcn of the tropics envelop with dense foliage as Avell the fallen 
and mouldering trunks as those yet upstanding in f'ldl vigoiu- ami 
GuoTEsavB sif.erK or a svecies or ficc.s. 
bloom, thus forming hanging gardens of astouudiug magnifiecncc, Avhich 
reveal leaves and tloAvers of the most irregular shapes and colours. 
of tlio vitality of a jjlaut I witac'Ssefl in tho proA-inco of Paraufi. In a narrow gorge 
some workmmi had built a small log-honso of the short trunks of tho there ahoumling 
tree-ferns. Tho horizontally jdacod stems, doprivod of their fronds, liuil grown splendid 
fresh leaves on both the upper and the lower ends, I must add, it is true, that the site 
was oxt'oediiigly moist and tln.i rainy season, hesiiics, at its height. 
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