-106- unaffected by the material, soon began nipping the tails from the very small fishes which were not taken by the poisoners. The root did not appear to be Derris. Asked the man to collect me a sample with leaves and if possible, flowers or fruits. After lunch Geoff took the minnow seine to the running stream to the east. Some of the catch contributed to a seven-course dinner: Boiled crayfish with the evening spot; fried fish, soup, curry and rice, baked taro with butter, stewed dried apricots with sliced bananas, coffee. All we lacked was the wine. Tuesday, August 25, 1953: Max. [illegible], Min. 20 C. Mostly dull day with sprinkles of rain late A.M. and a smart shower or two P.M. Had a very poor collecting on a long trip up the Biniguni trail, then east to a dry creek which I followed down to where the trail crossed it. Most striking plant a Gulubia about 35 m. tall. Perhaps the tallest palm I have seen. The tender heart very good eating. Ken returned from his trip to the caves at Tapio with a Rhino- lophus, small Dobsonia, and report of the abundance of big Dobsonia. Saw 4 entrances, only one of them enterable without ropes. High cellinged cave (about 30 ft.); no side passages or other branches seen. Boys seineing in the creek to the east in P.M. Number of small fish and one of about 2 lbs. and one 2 1/2 lbs. The big fish bream- like and dark colored. Have never eaten better. Wednesday, August 26, 1953: Max. 27, Min. 20 C. Some showers during last night; steady rain all day, slackening toward sundown. Field work at a standstill apart from the running of trap lines and collection of a few plants near camp. Writing letters and reading old periodicals. Geoff and Ken started to work out food supplies needed for Goodenough Island. Thursday, August 27, 1953: Max. 27, Min. 21 C. Rain ended some time last night. High, wild-looking overcast at dawn, drifting from SE. Little sun today. Good morning in the field up the right-hand branch. My second Calamus from the area, a big pink Begonia not seen before, a Planchonia common as a canopy tree, etc., etc. Ken to Opaigwari to arrange for a few carriers for Monday, ask the people for more fresh food, etc. Reports the councillor very ill. Another case of evil wrought by sorcery. There is veritably a devil under every bush in the mind of the New Guinea native.