268 LIFE IN JAVA.
trees, which, on inquiry, we fovincl had been placed in their present position in order to ascertain whether they would thrive in the cool mountain districts of Java ; and so far, I believe, the trees have flourished very well.
As we ascended higher, the road appeared to have been cut deeper than usual, so as to leave in some parts two banks covered with a variety of moss, ferns, calladlums, and lilies. Myriads of different coloured creepers and orchids clung to the bark and branches of every tree, in some instances literally covering them. The flowers of many of them, blooming on long spiral stems, seemed to float in the air above our heads. It was like riding through miles of the choicest stocked garden it is possible for human mind to conceive. In fact, it would be difficult for any one who has not travelled in this land of terrestrial orchids and epiphytes, to imagine a scene at once so singular and beautiful as the one I have attempted to describe. Similar scenes.
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