138 Menage Expedition to the Philippines 



We also send what few shells we could obtain. They were 

 very rare where we were and even a high offer to the natives 

 failed to bring in a satisfactory supply. 



Our alcoholic collection comprises specimens of fresh water 

 fish, reptiles, amphibians, crustaceans, preparations of the ali- 

 mentary canal, etc., etc. We cannot at present give even an 

 approximate estimate of the number of specimens, but the col- 

 lections from Luzon and Panay fill an eight-gallon cask. We 

 shall ship most of the above at the earliest opportunity, retaining 

 only such specimens of the birds as we need for the purpose of 

 comparison and study. 



It may seem strange that we should spend so much time in 

 searching for forest. Many of the islands like Palawan, Min- 

 danao and Mindoro are completely covered with jungle, while 

 others such as Luzon, Panay and Cebu have been under cul- 

 tivation from before the time of the Spanish settlement, and in 

 them it is difficult or even impossible to find virgin forest. But 

 from this very difficulty, the results, when once the forest is 

 reached, are such as to prove highly satisfactory from a sci- 

 entific point of view. 



On our arrival in Iloilo we apparently were both in good 

 health. But on the very night of our arrival Mr. Worcester was 

 taken down with a fever peculiar to the country, known as "febre 

 pernicioso." This fever was undoubtedly contracted in the 

 mountain region beyond Balete. Fortunately medical assistance 

 was at hand, and serious results were avoided. Although our 

 plans were interrupted to some extent and some time was lost, 

 we are once more in condition to resume work. From here we 

 expect to go to Negros and Siquija, returning to Manila in 

 time to visit Mindoro in the dry season. There we expect to 

 spend three months. 



We shall have the honor of reporting to you again at the 

 end of our Negros and Siquija trips. 



The last mail brought us the certificate of membership. 

 Allow us to take this opportunity to thank you most heartily for 

 the same. 



We remain, gentlemen, 



Very truly yours. 



Dean C. Worcester, 

 F. S. Bourns. 



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