(334) 335 rain squalls. Eyerdam and four natives ashore collecting for about six hours. There are always birds on the table to be prepared; the Polynesian skimmers are missed in this department. A small pigeon was brought in which Mayr insists on calling "Ducula dubia"; I consider it a young rubri-cera or possibly a variant. Continuous rain during night. February 12 Bad weather still holds out. Overcast sky with wind and rain from NW and NWxN. Four natives were given guns for the day. Eyerdam also out collecting; his interest in shells alone would never permit him to remain on board. Results very good considering the weather; but many of the specimens are badly shot or wet. We are kept busy putting them up; the series of common species are filling up. There is not a great number of different species; so far, we have found nothing absolutely unique. About 300 skins from Malaita up to date. Heavy rain all night. February 13 Headman "Whisky" and carriers refused to leave this morning. Mayr and I had expected to get off on a reconnaissance trip inland. Four native collectors out returning some 38 specimens, mostly common. Eyerdam doing carpentry work. Rainy all day in the usual gusty squalls from the NW. February 14 After preparing gear Mayr and I left about 10 A.M. with a dozen carriers. We crossed the first ridge at about 2000 feet and descended to cross a stream. On the opposite side the land rises to over 3000 feet. The carriers refused to go on although we could have easily made it before dark. Mayr and I took a bath while two boys went out to secure a pigeon for supper. One of them shot a fine female Accipiter albogularis. We collected numerous insects some of them apparently most unusual. Busy putting up specimens at night. Our present elevation is 1600 feet. Weather fine and clear. February 15 On the way early and crossed the stream at 1100 feet. We soon reached the highest village on the opposite slope which proved to be 1400 feet only. The locals say there is no water higher up and we must hunt from here. Mayr undertook to make a good camp while I ascended the mountain to see what elevation I could get and what new birds, if any. Two natives left for the coast taking a communication down to the ship. I started about 1 P.M. and climbed to 3400 feet (by aneroid). I found true mountain forest and the ground very rocky. Collected thickheads, white-eyes and flycatchers but neither saw nor heard a single new species. There is only one really high range on Malaita which is in the vicinity of Mt. Kolovrat (Ad. chart or Govt. map); we must make a camp on its slopes to get the mountain birds. I found one man living with his family at 2400 feet but he would not welcome any hunting in this section because all his pigs, running about wild in the bush for some time. Returned to camp by 6 o'clock. Put up birds after supper.: Weather fine and clear. February 15 Mayr and I decided to get out while we have the carriers. There are no tracks that lead farther inland and the hills do not seem