A COLLECTING TRIP IN THE EAST INDIES. 
Cunard R. M. S. Ivernia, October 2, 1906. 
Dear Mother : 
Here we are really off and it is most exciting. 
Last night we passed a very uneventful night, or 
rather I should say a decidedly eventful night, sitting 
up until almost eleven o’clock picking out every kernel 
of rice. This morning the rooms were strewn with it 
and the waste paper basket full of it. However we 
did not care. We had a very good breakfast in our 
rooms this morning and left the hotel at 7.40, having 
bought every paper and periodical obtainable in the 
‘eity. Michael met us and gave us the letters which we 
decided we would not open until later on; so I cannot 
answer any of your questions, if you have asked me 
any. Our trunks and bags were taken to room 25, 
very large and very nice. I at once began unpacking 
the necessary things and while these were strewn 
about the floor and hung up on hooks, Mr. Emerson, 
from the New York Cunard office, came rushing up 
and said he must speak to Mr. Barbour. Tom stepped 
out and he said, ‘‘ Mr. Barbour, I have got you a better 
room; follow me.’’ We went about two doors up and 
there we saw an enormous state room, with a sitting 
room attached (it belonged to the purser) and he 
asked if we would like it and when we said ‘‘yes,’’ he 
said, ‘‘ Well, then it is yours.’’ Then we were intro- 
duced to the Chief Steward and he took us down to 
the dining room and gave us a fine place at one of the 
best tables. Really it was great. He said anything 
we wanted he would get for us, ete., and so on. So, so 
