Menage Expedition to the Philippines 143 



Of ten birds shot, six were new to Cebu and one of these 

 may be a new species. 



We shall revisit the place probably about a year from now. 

 Mr. Pickford, an English planter living there, says it is about 

 the only part of Cebu where good forest can be found, and that 

 in a few years none will remain. This gentleman also offered to 

 aid us in any way possible, at any time when we desired to visit 

 the island. 



We are now making preparations for our Mindoro trip. It 

 is the most dangerous trip we have yet to make, with the possible 

 exception of the proposed trip to Sulu and the interior of Min- 

 danao, but on the other hand, it is one of the most promising. 

 The island is inhabited by savages, and is very unhealthy. As 

 we have on previous trips succeeded in managing the savages, 

 we think that we can do so this time. We are going into the 

 island in the dry season when the fever is least prevalent, and 

 hope to avoid sickness, but shall not neglect to take along a 

 good supply of medicines. All provisions will have to be taken 

 from Manila, as in the interior it is impossible to get other 

 food than rice or sago, with perhaps an occasional jar of wild 

 honey. Such a bill of fare, as we found by bitter experience, is 

 not calculated to withstand the influence of the climate. 



Three months will be spent in the island, during which time 

 we shall probably be beyond mail facilities. On our return to 

 Manila we shall report to you in full regarding the work done 

 in Mindoro. 



We remain. 



Very truly. 



Dean C. Worcester. 



F. S. Bourns. 



III. 



Sulu, October 5, 1891. 



I wrote to Mr. Menage by the last mail, but delayed my letter 

 to you, in order that I might be able to state fully the results 

 of our work here. 



This island is undoubtedly the most dangerous place in 

 the Philippines, and this fact has been a great obstacle to us. 

 We have been obliged to hunt together, to keep an armed guard 



