-85- would not have happened but for undue confidence in a superior native, i.e., the Kwagira village constable. For no good reason that I know of, the stores had been in the resthouse for at least 2 weeks. And this is the time of the local taro feast. Saturday July 11, 1953: Max. 22, Min. 14 C. Clear dawn followed by a dull day with considerable mist and some spells of light rain beginning 10 A.M. Clear to-night. Could see Goropu through the trees to the west before sundown. Loud thunder in that direction about 4 P.M. today and yesterday. Sent the boys out to search the slopes for fertile material of a small-leaved Podocarpus, the only conifer on the mountain not yet collected. Both brought in male flowers. Developed black and white pictures. Temperature of July water 59 deg. F. Called the boys up this afternoon to make it known that I am aware of the theft of betel-nut from my tent. Discovered it two days ago. Someone has been purloining about 3 a day for the last week and a half. Have good reason to believe the culprit is Jimmie, long a suspected thief. Told the boys that whoever the thief was he was not taking anything from me, but stealing from his fellow Gosiagos who were to share equally in the nuts. Sunday July 12, 1953: Max. 21, Min. 14 C. Dull morning; light rain beginning at 10 A.M. Very heavy rain 1:50 to [illegible] 2:15 and other times during afternoon. Working late in the day; still drizzling 7:30 P.M. About 10:30 a native (Tuasi) arrived with a letter from Ken. He started from Biniguni early this morning with 35 carriers. Not enough to move us. A relay therefore necessary. Trying to get the carriers to come on from #3 Camp for first carry today. Van had a full day's work ahead of him on yesterday's mammals, besides a major job of packing skins which have been drying over lamps for the last 3 days. Therefore, Geoff and four Gosiagos (to rig camp) were the first contingent to prepare for evacuation. Carriers started to trickle in at 12:30. Had rice ready cooked to feed them (29 men and 4 women). Had loads lined out, a fall-in count of carriers, and loads allotted and partly tied up for carrying when the downpour hit us at 1:50. Carriers reluctant to start when the rain eased but I suggested to Geoff that he start off, and soon the transport was on the move. They had not been 30 minutes when the heavens opened again. All loads were in waterproof covers - I hope. Was pleased to see when the carriers dashed for shelter in the rain, they either carried their loads with them or placed them in the best position to shed rain (swag bags upended, etc.). A cheerful lot, they sang as they followed Geoff down the trail. Collecting at this #2 Maneau Camp has been very satisfactory for species of plants, not so satisfactory for series. Many species such as ferns and orchids are sporadic in the forests. The chief contributing factor in shortness of series is that I have had to leave collecting in the most difficult places to my boys. In general, more of the forest trees are in fruit than in flower; perhaps one-third are sterile at this time of year; a good sprinkling of trees, shrubs and vines in various stages of developing flower buds; herbaceous plants other than ferns and orchids are few in species and usually in individuals. Collections: