The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1895-08-01

epiphytie and cling to The trunks or forks
OF trees. While frequent banks are seen
higher than ones head. over riding all
other growth.
Orchids are also found in great pro-
fusion. Some like the Pigeon orchid.
so-ealled growing wild. others cultiyat-
ed and very rare An orchid house near
our home has these beautiful parasites
by the score. These curious plants.
with exquisite perfume, and fantastic
flowers. with leaves Wide or narrow.
spiked or lily-like, and their odd para
site way of elinging to ANYTHING. are
there found in great variety, many spcCi-
mems being very rare. Some are grow
ing in pots filled with broken charcoal
and pebbles; others are found with their
roots attached to old pieces of wood,
while others flourish in coarse dry soil.
The trees are worthy of note. Here i
the striking "Fame of the Forest-a
large spreading tree with "A crown OF the
most vivid scarlet blossoms. The
"fravellers' Palm" is graceful tree
with spreading fan-like top. 1t is said
that if you pierce the stalk Of one of
these great leaves, near its junction with
the trunk plentiful supply of water is
found, TO quench the travellers thirst
Would my readers like to know about
our home life in this far away land :
How different everything is. we live in
a low. rambling, structure, called a
Bungalows Ii is built of brick, with
out indows-that is glass windows
the openings being closed by shutters
with wide VeIanda in front. where we
can sit when the air is hot and close
within. Back of the house are the ser
wants quarters and cook house, while a
little to one side is the stable. The
house is shaded by beautiful trees and
looks out upon the harbor, about a mile
distant. Within we have a long recep-
| ion room through the middle of the
house. one end of which serves as a din
ing room. Out of this, open two bed
rooms one on each side. with bathrooms
attached. The last is very important
consideration in this country. where one
must battle frequently to preserve his
health.
1t is IA little room with tile floor. con
tanning a large tub or jar. \ our water
man" must keep this filled, and when.
You battle, you simply stand by the tub.
and With a small bucket. pour water
over your body, after which you rul
dry with a coarse towel. 1t is most
|
assure YOU. One of the bedrooms have
to use for a study, which is continual
source of care. for my books must all Oe
taken from the ease and wiped and aired
every two or three days else they will
mould and spoil.
We live on hill named Mt. sophia
where our Mission has several valuable
properties. The Boys Orphanage" i,
next above us, then comes our "Euglist
Girls School'-opposite which is the
"Deaconess Home" and orphanage for
girls. A little lower down is our Anglo
Chinese Boarding school and Masters
house Our church and ANGLO Chinese
Boys school, is situated in the city
about IA mile distant, under the brow OF
the hill on which is Fort Canning.
The climate as you may know is very
hot and trying. One does not at first
notice il, but after time, the blood gets
thin aud the system run down, and he
longs for a taste of Maine winter. Ten.
mis- is a favorite amusement and recrea-
ton, the physicians advocating it as a
kind of exercise very beneficial, as the
tendency is to take too little exercise
and the lives becomes affected. The eX
IRENE heat accounts for this as one doe,
not feel much inclination to 90 out t
walk or take exercise With the sum beat
ing down at Ice Fahrenheit. Tennis i,
played in the cool of the evening how,
ever and is very beneficial.
trust | have thus given the reader,
| of the REPORTER some idea of what life
under the Equator is like.
f. II. MORGAN.