"Nature's Classroom"

Wearied by his citibound life, modern man seeks a calm, quiet place away from the clamour and crowds. When people feel this way, Hui Sun forest is one of the best places to go in Taiwan. Located in the middle of Taiwan, it is totally inland. 7,434 kilometers in width, it is the biggest, most beautiful of four experimental forests belonging to Chung Shing University. Situated in Nan Tou County, it has been an extension of the university since 1916.

Surrounded by mountains, the original beauty of its well-planted trees, butterflies, singing birds, wildlife, and lush vegetation, has been preserved by its remote location and its relatively unknown state. Recently, however, the roads to this area have been developed and its fame has spread. Therefore, people have begun to worry about the natural beauty being spoiled by tourists. Due to its experimental nature, the university hopes to use it to educate the general public about plants and wildlife. By the use of placards identifying the many different and unusual types of vegetation found there, it is hoped that this function will make it more like "nature's classroom."

Hui Sun forest is named after a university official who died of palsy after having spent a few nights in the forest.

Competition is more prevalent in nature than in human society. Here, vines cover trees and at times can cut off the oxygen of their host tree. Thus the struggle for survival is greater, and survival of the fittest is the rule.

Belonging to a university helps preserve this forest that is "nature's classroom."

[Picture Caption]

1. The golden bamboo tree trunk has a green stripe within the golden bark, it is one of the trees in the bamboo section of the forest which catches the eye. 2.3. Thick tree trunk covered with vines living a cooperative life. 4. Small wooden cottages that can be rented by 2-3 people are half way up the mountain. From here you can see for miles around. 5.6. Two longtime residents of Hui Sun forest: the flying moth and the beetle. 7. This old tree trunk has been weathered down to form this unusual shape. 8. This banyan tree killed the maple tree whose trunk it has now occupied. 9. Well-planted fir trees.

1. Arabian coffee beans that have turned red. 2. Tung oil nuts. 3. Nursery where the forest's newest generation awaits replanting. 4. Cutting wood for lumber. 5. Because nature is so competitive, this tree's branches must grow outward so that its leaves will be able to get enough sunlight.

2.3. Thick tree trunk covered with vines living a cooperative life.

2.3. Thick tree trunk covered with vines living a cooperative life.

4. Small wooden cottages that can be rented by 2-3 people are half way up the mountain. From here you can see for miles around.

5.6. Two longtime residents of Hui Sun forest: the flying moth and the beetle.

5.6. Two longtime residents of Hui Sun forest: the flying moth and the beetle.

7. This old tree trunk has been weathered down to form this unusual shape.

8. This banyan tree killed the maple tree whose trunk it has now occupied.

9. Well-planted fir trees.

1. Arabian coffee beans that have turned red.

2. Tung oil nuts.

3. Nursery where the forest's newest generation awaits replanting.

4. Cutting wood for lumber.

5. Because nature is so competitive, this tree's branches must grow outward so that its leaves will be able to get enough sunlight.