128 
THE KEPP. 
species of epiphyte OrcJiidecR were numerous ; we had 
obtained a noble mass of Epidendrum ciliare, from an 
Avocada Pear near Higbgate ; there were forty-two 
of the fine lengthened bulbs in the cluster, but the 
singular fringed blossom was not displayed. On the 
trees in the Kepp, this species occurred again ; Epid, 
fragrans was in blossom, most beautiful and sweet- 
scented ; Brasavola nodosa was also in flower : — 
other species displayed only the leaves and pseudo- 
bulbs. 
A slight depression in the ground, gradually 
deepening, led us into a most romantic little glen. 
One side of it was formed by a very steep slope, 
covered with trees, and difficult to be climbed ; the 
other side was an enormous sheet of limestone, 
greatly overhanging, from the moist surface of which, 
slender lianes were hanging, and many interesting 
ferns threw out their gracefully curling fronds. The 
bottom of the dell was damp and tenacious, and sup- 
ported a rank vegetation ; largely consisting of the dan- 
gerous Dumb-cane (Caladium seguinum)^ a tall kind of 
Arum^ so virulently acrid, that the juice of any part, 
incautiously applied to the mouth, causes the tongue 
to swell so as to take away the power of speech, and 
produces burning torments of long duration. It is 
said to have been one of the modes of torture em- 
ployed by cruel masters in the dark days of slavery. 
Amidst these fine-looking, but deleterious Arums, I 
found a liliaceous plant with ovate-leaves, the bulbs 
of which I took ; these subsequently blossomed in 
my possession, and proved a fine species of Pancra- 
tium^ delightfully fragrant. The smooth overhanging 
