13 unbroken forest covers the island. A few valleys are inhabited and near these valleys one seeds grass patches on the mountain slopes. But the rainfall seems steadily to increase as we go east and here the regular second growths, recognized by their paler green, are perhaps able to maintain moist conditions. Far up in the in- terior mountains, between alas, Rale and Tahwang, numerous large bright green grass areas denote the presence of an isolated mountain population. Lunched at Rambang and flew over the very densely peopled and fertile S slopes of Rinjani, the 12350 massive peak which dominates the island of Lombok. The paddy fields, coconut groves, straight narrow roads shaded with trees and thousands of villages, each in a more or less round enclosure (perhaps raised knolls) present a wonderful picture. Could see only the lower and mid-slopes of Rinjani, the rest being hidden under fleecy white clouds. Saw no signs population other than on the lowlands. Crossing the 20 mile wide Lombok Passage we skirted the east and north coasts of the lofty volcanic island of Bali. The whole island is dominated by a perfect cone, sloping gently to the sea on the S and E coast, the sides scarred by grey lava flows, cut by ravines and largely grass-covered. An attempt is made to cultivate the thirsty slopes of this cone but the many garden patches seen seemed to belong to few people, for I saw few villages of any consequence. Farther North a branch range mostly cloud covered and perhaps older geologically, supports a much greater population on its slopes. Some fair sized towns seen, mostly roofed with galvanized iron. Terraced fields with- reach high up some of the spurs. Reached Sourabaia 3 PM. March 26th. Arrived at Batavia about 9.30 AM, in time for a very tasty breakfast at the aerodrome The flight over Java is a revelation of the fertility of the place. For scores of mil miles one flies over seemingly endless rice fields, relieved by sprawling villages set in plantations of trees amongst which are the vegetable gardens of this teeming population. The streams, flowing brown after last night's rains, are controlled by