(108b) [illegible] but has been visited by Mr. Faulkner and a Missionary. I suspect the goat is not interested because they are too high to grow coconut, from which to make copra to turn into tax money. The whole train waited on the hillside until the tul-tul went into the place to make sure of our invitation. The elevation is about 2400 feet. The chief made us welcome, presenting a stick of fire for our comfort. The night was clear as a bell. We made a cup of cocoa before turning in - 11 P.M. May - 3 Reached the "lake" which proved to be a marshy pond lying in an enclosed ravine into which several small brooks drain. Those are dry usually so that the water is half stagnant, all except about 20 sq. yards in the center covered with green scum (algae). The entire expanse of the place measures about 150 yds. by 50 yds. Mountainous ridge rise on three upland sides and are densely wooded to where the marsh begins. Clear water can be seen in the center covering 25 sq. yards. And studded with tiny islets of reeds and grass. The greater portion is mud and big patches of sward grass that gives way under foot. Hicks and I climbed in and swam around. We found no spot over 3 feet deep, but deep only to an unsteady bottom overgrown with water-logged vegetation. There were seven of the birds paddling around on the lake. We got four. The other died. They were grebes - red iris, black bill with creamy-white lore, black lobate feet with actual toe-nails, shading yellowish and greenish. No trace of any nest, although we stirred up a lot of the foul ground. The wings are rudimentary and no tail in evidence at all. Found tracks of lepor in the mud around the edge of the pond. We had another shot at one that came up and hastily dived again. Took a few photographs and hung around watching until noon. All four were males. I put one body into pickle to be sent for dissection. In the morning the tul-tul told me the yarn about the birds. They belong to a Tanuban who is a great and powerful spirit - he made, the thunder, lightning and rain. The name of this, one of his sanctuaries is Namatui (in Teop dialect) and he keeps the water for the birds. All the water comes from another place that is similar to this farther north called Tomori. Whenever the god is angry with any part of his water he puts it in Tomori and thence into Namatui. So all