Here were trees of every shape and size and hue which it is
possible to conceive of, many of which we had not seen in the other
valleys; for, the stream in this valley being larger, and the mould
much richer than in the Valley of the Wreck, it was clothed with a
more luxuriant growth of trees and plants. Some trees were dark
glossy green, others of a rich and warm hue, contrasting well with
those of a pale light green, which were everywhere abundant. Among
these we recognised the broad dark heads of the bread-fruit, with
its golden fruit; the pure, silvery foliage of the candle-nut, and
several species which bore a strong resemblance to the pine; while
here and there, in groups and in single trees, rose the tall forms
of the cocoa-nut palms, spreading abroad, and waving their graceful
plumes high above all the rest, as if they were a superior race of
stately giants keeping guard over these luxuriant forests. Oh! it
was a most enchanting scene, and I thanked God for having created
such delightful spots for the use of man.

Now, while we were gazing around us in silent admiration, Jack
uttered an exclamation of surprise, and, pointing to an object a
little to one side of us, said, -

"That's a banian-tree."

"And what's a banian-tree?" inquired Peterkin, as we walked towards
it.

"A very curious one, as you shall see presently," replied Jack.
"It is called the AOA here, if I recollect rightly, and has a
wonderful peculiarity about it. What an enormous one it is, to be
sure."