We
then had to cross a vast plain, and to wade through the high grass,
which we did with care, lest we should tread on some strange thing that
might turn and bite us.
We came at last to a grove of small trees, and in their midst I saw a
bush, which I knew to be the wax tree, for the wax grew on it like
white beads. I need not say how glad I was to find so great a prize. We
had up to this time gone to bed as soon as the sun went down, for we
had no lamp to use; but as we could now make wax lights, I told Fritz
that we had found what would add two or three hours per day to our
lives. We took as much of the wax as would serve us for some time, and
then made our way out of the grove.
"How came you," said Fritz, "to know so much of the queer beasts,
trees, and plants that we have found here?"
"When young," said I, "I used to read all the books that fell in my
way; and those that told of strange lands and what was to be seen in
them had for me as great a charm as they have for Ernest, who has read
a great deal, and knows more of plants than you do."
"Well," said he, "I will do the same if I but get the chance. Can you
tell what is the name of that huge tree on the right? See, there are
balls on the bark."
We went close to it, and found that these balls were of thick gum,
which the sun had made quite hard.
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