Journal of Edwin H. Bryan, Jr. while with the Whitney Expedition of the American Museum of Natural History on the schooner France, February to October 1924
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Transcription
1. Lorimer Fison, Tales From Old Fiji, London 1907. Several legends concerning Lau: "How the Mosquito Came to Oneata," "Why the Kings of Lakemba are called the Lords of Naiau," etc. 2. Thomas Williams, Fiji and the Fijians and James Cabent, Missionary Labors Among the Cannibals. 2 vol. 1870. London Fairly good history, and account of people, agriculture, customs, etc. Missionary activities at Lakemba, Ono, etc. Sunday, October 5, 1924. Suva. Spent part of morning packing up specimens in hold. Rest in reading the two books. Secured some interesting information concerning the times of Governor Thurston from an old sea captain. Afternoon called on Bachs. Church and band concert. Several ant lions larvae and stone chisel presented to Museum. Monday, October 6, 1924. Suva. Carried box of skulls for Mr. A. M. Lea up to Berns Philp Office and turned it over to Mr. Newton. Called at Department of Agriculture and made an informal verbal report to Mr. A. Despeissis, the Acting Superintendent of Agriculture concerning insect pests of coconuts in Lau, with specimens of leaves attacked by Agonoxera argaula myr. and a fungus. Reported the Levunana absent. The leaf mining moth, Agonoxera argaula myr. present on many of the islands and the effects of the Phasnid (Lepophus cocophagus) "walking stick" called by the natives "mimimata" apparent everywhere. No serious banana pests noted. Weeds prevelent; the worst of them - guava, verbena, lantana not abundant. Limestone rooks containing a low percent of phosphates on Ongea and Ththia. Returned botany book to Mr. J.G.C. Campbell, the Mycologist. He introduced me to Mr. Robert Boyd, Chairman of Native Lands Commission. Made an