INTRODUCTION. 11 



terrupted by a Malay settlement, almost hidden away be- 

 hind plantains and cocoa-nut palms , and small ladangs 

 (plantations). Late in the evening of the same day we 

 arrived at Smitau, the residence of the Controleur of the 

 Upper Kapoeas-basin ^). 



On the next morning our luggage and provisions were 

 landed and taken to a large, comfortable house, built for 

 the use of the expedition by the Controleur, Mr. van Velt- 

 huysen. Then we went on again with our two steamers, 

 accompanied by Mr. van Velthuysen in his steamlaunch 

 »Poenan", to Poetoes Sibau, where the Resident had to 

 settle some questions with the Dyak-chiefs of the Upper 

 Kapoeas , while he wished to take advantage of this occa- 

 sion to introduce the members of the expedition to those 

 chiefs. 



After spending some very pleasant days and with a 

 good impression of the numerous native chiefs we had met 

 with, we returned on board the »Djambi" to Smitau, 

 which is a very insignificant Malay village with some 

 very poor-looking Chinese shops. 



As soon as possible I began my collecting work in the 

 surroundings of Smitau. Besides ray huntsman Doris from 

 Batavia I had an excellent assistant in the person of 

 Max Moret, a colonial soldier of Swiss origin, who added 

 very much to the success of my work, and from the Con- 

 troleur I had obtained three Malay policemen who, after 

 some training, became valuable huntsmen. 



Unfortunately the lowlands round Smitau were entirely 

 inundated , and it was only with the aid of small sam- 

 pans (canoes) that we were able to penetrate the forest. 

 The water had covered the ground to such a depth that 

 in some places the tops of the trees were taken for shrubs , 

 and collecting was reduced to birds and tree-frequenting 

 mammals, such as Monkeys, Squirrels and Tree-shrews 



1) This vast distriot has since been divided into two , and a second Con- 

 troleur stationed at Poetoes Sibau. 



Notes from the Leyden ]Museura, Vol. XIX. 



