CHAPTER XXXIV 



NOTES PROM THE HINTERLAND OF GUIANA 



By the Rev. Walter G. White, F. R. G, S., B. E. N. A. ' 



In responding to Mr. William Beebe's invitation to con- 

 tribute a chapter to the book he intends to publish, my ob- 

 ject is, simply to stimulate interest in a little-known corner 

 of the Colony. It is hoped that, hereby, someone may be led 

 to pitch his tent and to study wild life there, before existing 

 species of the fauna and flora follow in the wake of the many 

 Indian customs, and become as extinct as the dodo. 



Just prior to our recall from this inaccessible district, 

 there was published, in England, in a leaflet of the British 

 Empire Naturalists' Association, an offer of mine, to give 

 a naturalist a free passage up in the nu'ssionary's boat, free 

 quarters, food, the use of a small tent-boat with sleeping ac- 

 commodation, the loan of horses, guides, interpreters, and 

 a free passage down, after some months of research. In 

 return, the visitor was expected to impart some of the infor- 

 mation collected, and to afford my wife and myself help in 

 acquiring a sensible knowledge of the natural history of our 

 environment. The mention of this abortive attempt may, 

 perhaps, inspire others to find similar ways of furthering 

 scientific research, which is so greatly hampered by the cost 

 of special outfits and transport to distant places. 



I am flattered by the invitation to contribute notes to 

 such a book as this, as I lay no claim to scientific training. 

 Years ago I knew every bird to be found in North Oxon, 

 by its flight, song, nest, (if it bred there) and eggs — all, or 

 any. In this Colony very few of the names, popular or sci- 

 entific, of species are known to me. I know the musical 



^ B. E. N. A. — British Empire Naturalists' Association. 



