This was one of the first books by Mayne Reid I have read, so I did not know what the quality of text would be. Lucky was I to have picked out this book- it was more than I ever expected. First of all the setting is 19th century India, Himalayas. Three men go on a plant quest. Everything seems to go fine until they are trapped in a mountain valley where they have to finds means of survival.

Unlike many adventure books, not only is there action but also I found it very informative. It described a lot of the Indian customs and flora/fauna. Also this book was written in an attractive and amusing style: one that will not bore you much. The suspense will make you want to read more. So, in overall, a great book. One that not-nature lovers but adventure lovers should read.

In my early teens I have read every book by Captain Mayne Reid I could find. I devoured every word. I found Reid's adventure novels far more sofistcated and captivating than the similar writings by Jules Verne and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Well, to be fair, adventure novels are not what earned Conan Doyle his popularity (and knighthood) and Verne had a few novels that were comparable to Reid's.
Captain Reid wrote scientific adventures which were my introduction to biology and geography (this particular novel is full of fascinating botany). His romantic adventures were mesmerizing for a growing girl, although at the era when he was writing his audience was considered to be only boys. I guess girls were not supposed to care about surviving a locust attack or the best way to fight a cayman.
I am puzzled why Hollywood hasn't gotten hold of his complete works for guaranteed blockbusters.