Arau 139 the story hard to credit. It would involve at least 150 air miles of foot travel across the grain of the country, largely through country which, so far as I know, is uninhabited. It seems, however, that the expedition has been a failure. It took the field with much fanfare in April or thereabouts. Maa confirms other reports I have had that the Dutch are woefully short of commercial air transport in their New Guinea territory. Saturday, October 17. Max. 27, min. 9 C. Some high thin overcast and cirrus clouds at sunrise (c. 6 o'clock); another fine, bracing day. No rain. The natives are taking advantage of the fine weather to burn off new gardens and the air in the afternoon was thick with smoke. Went south more than a mile, through Arau village, to investigate a report of a white-flowered "rope" (vine) only to find an epiphytic Medinilla high on a big oak and a mass of red bloom. Could have collected the same common shrub within 10 minutes of camp. Made a start at collecting second growth and grassland plants. Was shorthanded. My head boy down with fever. John, accompanied by my Soni and the #2 cookboy, left after lunch for Obura, on the slopes of Mt. Elandora, to stir the local natives into bringing in mammals and to climb the mountain tomorrow to collect plants. Had as carriers four of the gang of Oburas employed by Larner. They do the 4-hour walk home every weekend. Van and I dined with the Larners and two guests (Ken and Noni Low) who flew over from Port Moresby yesterday for a vacation. Champagne in fine crystal. Low came to New Guinea in 1938 to work at Cuthbert's Misima Gold Mine. Captained boats for APC post-war and is still with them. Low reports that the Port Moresby radio has had two briefs lately on the Star Mts. expedition. The party is walking back to the airstrip at the foot of the mountains, guided by aircraft flying over them. En route, they have got into a wrong valley. A naval officer is in charge of the non-scientific part of the show and should be able to steer a proper course after all the air mapping which reportedly has been done by the party. Sunday, October 18. Max. 27, min. 10.5 C. Another rainless day, but about half overcast. Thick smoke haze from local and Markham Valley fires. Strong E wind. Worked on plants in the morning and on accounts in afternoon. Send Edewawa down to the Wanton below the homestead to collect plants. Van in the afternoon drove down to Karanka strip and walked from there to caves in the limestone some half mile distant. Found at least two entrances. Exploration delayed at my request until John is available to take part. Laurie Crowley has had his plantation boys cut a track to the caves. He is interested in getting guano for his coffee. John returned from Mt. Elandora about 6 p.m. Monday, October 19. Max. 24.5, min. 13.5 C. The weather has changed. Some light rain fell during the night. Dull dawn and overcast morning. Sunshine from c. noon to 1.30. Afternoon overcast. Again much smoke; also strong E wind.