402 bulletin: museum of comparative zoology. 



from Ba to Nadarivatu, then to Koro Vatu by way of Navai and 

 Nasoqo and down the Rewa by launch to Suva. Part of this trip 

 was made possible by Mr. T. Spence, Commissioner at Nadarivatu, 

 who arranged with the chiefs for native porters to carry my equip- 

 ment. 



A month was spent on Kada\'u, where I hved at Vunisea with Mr. 

 W. D. E. Alcock, the young magistrate of the island, and made many 

 trips with him and with Mr. T. E. Wilson of Vanua Ava, both of 

 whom took an active interest in my work. 



I am indebted to the Colonial Secretary for letters explaining my 

 purpose in the islands to the District Commissioners and to the vari- 

 ous native chiefs. Mr. C. W. Knowles, Superintendent of Agriculture, 

 provided laboratory facilities in his office at Suva. Mr. F. P. Jepson, 

 Entomologist of Fiji and Mr. Foy, Manager of the Bank of New 

 Zealand at Suva aided me personally in many ways. Mr. and Mrs. E. 

 Travis Rimmer at ^Yaiyanitu, Mr. C. S. Hunt at Bega on the Rewa 

 River, and the MacKenzies at Nagasau, entertained me in their 

 homes while I was collecting in the vicinity. To all of these and to 

 Mr. Charles Caldwell of Suva, my companion on a number of trips, 

 and to Dr. St. Johnston of Loma Loma, I am grateful for much assist- 

 ance. 



I shall remember the native Fijians, especially those of Lau, Kadavu, 

 and the interior of Viti Le\'u and Vanua Le^'u, as the kindliest; most 

 hospitable folk I have known. The best of their houses, food, and 

 boats were always at my disposal. At each village the reception was 

 the same. The chief moved out of his house. I moved in. Shortly 

 afterward the entire female population would appear, each with a 

 basket of food containing quantities of vegetables, boiled bananas, 

 prawns, fish, and usually a recently killed and hurriedly cooked 

 chicken. In the evenings after yangona (cava) had been served, with 

 appropriate ceremonies, the younger set, decorated for the occasion 

 with garlands and coco-nut oil, would enter the house, and sing native 

 songs till I was sleepy; sometimes longer. With a desire to be cour- 

 teous, a desire that has been educated out of many who live in contact 

 w^th the whites, they acted as guides and porters and brought to me 

 many specimens of the "little beasts" that I was searching for. I 

 have lived among many less pleasant and considerate people. 



