258 an old man who did some work for Eichom when he camped on Rattlesnake. He imparted some extremely valuable information, which made me abandon our proposed trip. The weather during this month is unspeakably awful. The height of the NW monsoon, which blows SW here and brings nothing but rain squalls. There used to be a village half-way inland to Eichom's former camp; but that was abandoned years ago and the trail has completely grown over. I would have to take two carriers and additional bush-cutters--pro- vide food and shelter for them at a first stage camp at the old village. If the weather favored we could get on to the old camp the next day, clear the bush, and put up our tfly. In all event the carriers would have to put in another night here in order to have a day to get back to the coast. He could stay only five days and what would we get with daily wind and rain? Former experiences in such a situation make me eschew any idea of success. Eichom spent three weeks at Bowla while the track was being cleared, his camp set up, and supplies carried in. He had twelve boys with him all the time and he paid