Page:Life in Java Volume 2.djvu/295

 BEAUTIFUL ORCHID. 279

Retracing our steps, we made our way down to Sindanglaya, stopping at the miserable hut where we had suffered so much discomfort from the wind blowing and whistling through the night. Here we made our midday repast and rested our horses, after which we collected some rare and beautiful jdants which had struck our eye the day previous. One orchid in particular, with a small mauve Hower on a Acry delicate stem, I had never seen before ; and I have been since informed by ama- teurs of these beautiful plants that it is a very rare specimen.

On our return, a very heavy shower fell, drench- ing us to the skin, and making us rejoice in the cheerful fire which awaited our arrival at the PassanL'rahan. .Vfter discarding our wet clothes, we walked to the; doctor's house to dine.

We found him surrounded by his ])atients, in whom lie scciucd much interesttMl. He was very affaltlo. and dui'lnir mv sta\- I heard two anecdoti's

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