PREFACE. 



The principal object of this book is to compile the experiences 

 of scientific explorers in different countries, so that these experiences 

 are easily accessible. It is not the intention to compete with the 

 existing Manuals, which have in view to furnish the traveller with 

 a compendium of scientific learning. 



After an experience of several years in the East Irsdias, in 

 Africa and in America the conviction urged itself upon me that 

 many travellers, although well-equipped with regard to scientific 

 work, are only poorly informed as to the things of every day life 

 as well as to the customs and manners which prevail among white 

 and coloured man in distant regions. Yet, its knowledge is hardly 

 less necessary for the success of a journey. I am convinced, that 

 it is in the interest of Science to make an attempt of prevailing 

 the blunders, which often are unvoluntarily made, and to guard 

 scientific travellers from many pitfalls to be met along the way. 



It goes without saying that personal qualities and personal tastes 

 play an important part in the treatment of some of the subjects. 

 The attentive reader will encounter no difficulties in selecting these 

 subjects and he may follow the advice or not. 



Delft (Holland), September 1922. H. A. BROUWER. 



