Orchid Island

Orchid Island is a rocky, mountainous bit of land thrown up from the sea by volcanic action eons ago. It has barely more than ten and a half square miles of area, with little arable or level land. Yet it is home to some 2,600 people.

There really are orchids on Orchid Island, although they are found at higher elevations not usually seen by visitors—also sizeable trees and numerous birds and butterflies. Almost everything is green from the combination of a tropical climate and heavy rainfall.

The people of Orchid Island are Yamis, members of the smallest of the Taiwan aborigine tribes. They are handsome people. with black hair, brown eyes and complexions deeply bronzed from exposure to sun and wind.