f wholesome
food.

There was also a splendid water-lily--with very broad leaves and large
flowers of pink and white colour--the seeds and the stalks of which Karl
knew to be edible; as he had read of their being used for this purpose
by the poorer people in the country of Cashmeer. The lily in question,
viz. the _Nelumbium speciosum_, grows plentifully in the lakes of the
far-famed valley so named.

On first observing this beautiful plant growing luxuriantly, as it was,
in their own little valley lake, Karl took occasion to inform his
brother--Ossaroo at the same time listening attentively to his
statement--of the various uses made of it by the inhabitants of
Cashmeer. How the boys sailing about in their boats when the day
chances to be very hot, are in the habit of plucking one of its large
shining leaves out of the water, and spreading it over their crowns, to
protect them from the fervid rays of the sun; and how the petiole of the
leaf, being hollow inside, serves them as a tube for drinking out of.
Many such interesting particulars, in regard to the economy of this fine
aquatic plant, did the young botanist communicate to his companions; but
none more interesting than the fact that both its seeds and stalks are
edible: since this promised them additional security against the danger
of running short in their supply of vegetable food.

CHAPTER FIFTY FOUR.

THE BEAN OF PYTHAGORAS.

The discovery of the water-lily was not a thing of recent occurrence.
They had known of its existence before; and more than once had visited
the little embayment in the lake, where it chiefly grew. In fact, it
had attracted their attention a few days after their first arrival in
the valley--not by its own conspicuousness, for its broad round leaves,
spread horizontally upon the surface, could scarce be seen from the
shore. Only when its beautiful pink-white flowers were in bloom, could
it be observed at any great distance.

That which had first led them to approach the place where it grew, and
examine the plant, was their having noticed a singular phenomenon
connected with it; and which for awhile had puzzled all three of them to
explain.

The _bed_ of lilies, at that time in full bloom, was visible from the
place where they had originally made their encampment; and every
morning, just after daybreak, and sometimes also during the day, they
were in the habit of seeing some birds disporting themselves near that
place in a si