Mayne Reid
The Plant Hunters: Adventures Among the Himalaya Mountains
"The Plant Hunters: Adventures Among the Himalaya Mountains" by Captain Mayne Reid is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The book explores the thrilling and challenging lives of botanical collectors, referred to as "plant-hunters," who dedicate their lives to the discovery and collection of rare plants from remote locations. The narrative is introduced through the lens of a young Bavarian botanist named Karl Linden, who embarks on an expedition to the Himalayan mountains accompanied by his brother Caspar and a local guide, Ossaroo. At the start of the story, the reader is introduced to the concept of plant-hunting, which involves significant hardship and adventure as these intrepid collectors traverses through rugged terrains, jungles, and mountains to gather rare specimens for gardens and nurseries. The opening of the book establishes Karl Linden's background as a passionate botanist and details his motivations for joining this unconventional profession. The stage is set for thrilling explorations into the exotic flora and fauna of the Himalayas, as well as potential encounters with wild animals, hinting at the adventures and trials that await in this rich and wild setting.