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Transcription
108
2 native shelters in the rather steeply falling valley, we reached a third house
in a shrubby natural opening at 12.15. Here, in pleasantly open surroundings at
2630 m., we rested a while and ate some canned nasi-goreng which Toxopeus had
carried in his haversack. While resting, several Papuans arrived from down the v
valley with string bags of sweet potatoes and very good quality bananas packed
in grass. Some of the bananas were purchased on the spot, for a small shell,
and served to complete our lunch.
The 2860 m. sitebeing considered most suitable for a collecting camp, we sent
the soldiers back to tell the sergeant to establish camp and ourselves
commenced the journey return journey at 1.15, escorted by the Papuans carrying fo
food. Travelling rather slowly, we were back at the Pandanus grove at 2.45.
Wildenbow had camp preparations well in hand and by 5 oclock we were all comfort-
ably settled for the night. Space being limited, we were obliged to place our
own tent within 12 feet of the house of the owner of the grove, and were somewhat
troubled by the proximity of about a dozen natives who stayed the night.
The grove being wet and cluttered with large logs, and besides too small to
afford any privacy, I chose a site for a permanent camp on a ridge running
parallel to a small stream about 100 yards further down the track.
A perfect sunny day; the first since Sept. 27th.
The Guba returned to Hollandia with specimens and part of the group material.
Archbold, having in mind a trip to the Idenburg, took with him to Hollandia a
Dyak of mine named U-Sang to act as collector and personal boy. Meyr- Drees
from Klabbea
departed on his return to Java.
October 9th.
Another fine clear day, at least at this altitude. Temperature in the tent at
6 AM 46 degrees F.Sky fairly clear all day and no rain, day or night.
The heavy work of preparing the camp was commenced and good progress made.
Big trees which endangered the camp had to be cut and the whole forest levelled
over an area of 1/4 acre. The fact that the original big trees of part of the area-