Maguire ♦ Exploration 55 



quate but should be provided. We have provided by canvas tarpaulins, the size 



found the Parke, Davis product Gala- to be determined by the number of 



dr)l most effective in ameliorating the occupants. A 16' X 18' tarpaulin will 



effect of insect stings and bites, and provide ample shelter and working 



alcohol sponge most soothing and pre- space for four individuals. The best 



ventive of infection. ... bed is a hammock, preferably a woven 



-, r) 1 1 J.1 • J rr cottOH striug of Indian fabrication, and 



z. Personal clothing and effects. loor*- ^f on ^ ^ u i a 1. 



5 'cii^^i.c. Iggjj. Qj. gji 2 canvas hammock. A cot- 

 More often one is oversupplicd than ton or light wool blanket is useful at 

 undersupplied with clothing for trop- low altitudes. Mosquito nets should be 

 ical field work. In low altitude rain- ample and completelv protective. Such 

 forests we have found that the best nets prevent objectionable bed com- 

 footwear is the stoutest basketball panions such as ants, spiders, mos- 

 shoes that can be obtained. Where one quitoes, etc., from molesting one, and 

 is wet much of the time and is fre- will even provide a refugium if in the 

 quently wading up or across stream- daytime the biting flies become exces- 

 courses, leather shoes or boots are not sivelv severe. 



practical, whereas canvas shoes with At high altitudes, where the temper- 

 thick rubber soles give adequate protec- ature may be depressed to 45 °F. or less, 

 tion, will permit water to drain off we use tents, cots and sleeping bags, 

 quickly, and are not so subject to mil- 

 dew. Sturdy khaki or denim pants and ^' instruments and equipment for 

 shirts, substantial socks, and a cloth scientific work. 

 hat or cap which will shed rain and dr}' Obviously the most effective equip- 

 out quickly complete the essential garb, ment is that with which any party or 

 Some travelers prefer woolen shirts— individual can obtain the best results, 

 we have not found them useful. At For collecting and drying plant speci- 

 higher elevations, jackets, sweaters and mens much has been written by vari- 

 flannel shirts are most comfortable in ous competent people, showing the bias 

 the evenings. We do not use raincoats, of their own procedure. Ours is as fol- 

 All such gear is most conveniently car- dows: we press and dry all specimens in 

 ried in a duffel bag. It is desirable to a standard press made up of alternating 

 have two or three changes of shirts and units of aluminum corrugated driers 

 trousers, an extra pair of basketball and two drying felts or blotters. A full 

 shoes, a pair of comfortable camp shoes press contains 120 units, therefore will 

 or slippers, and cotton or dacron pa- hold that many full specimens. The 

 jamas. Many more sophisticated trav- press when full is approximately 36 

 elers shave regularly in the bush. We inches long, and is placed for drying 

 do not do so for two practical reasons, over a folding rectangular drying frame 

 A heavy beard protects the face against made of light 3-ply pine stock, with 

 insect molestation and exposure. In sides 18 inches high, elevated on short 

 one's personal kit it is convenient to legs, within which is placed a single 

 have always available a small bottle of burner Coleman Speedmaster gasoline 

 antiseptic such as merthiolate, band- stove. Most specimens will dr^' com- 

 aids, a small bottle of rubbing alcohol, plctely within eight hours. Succulents, 

 a small container of desenex or some of course, take longer, 

 suitable anti-fungal powder. Dental All the presses, pressing paper, ma- 

 floss, where much bush game is to be nila wrapping paper, cordage, etc., and 

 used, is an essential. general supplies are packed in light- 

 Shelter in rain-forest bush is best weight plyboard boxes or telescoping 



