356 APPENDIX B 



one half, four and three fourths, and five feet. Other paddles from six 

 and one half feet to eight and one half feet should be provided for steer- 

 ing oars. The native paddler, after he has used the light Canadian 

 paddle, prefers it to the best native make. My own paddlers lost or 

 broke all of their own paddles so as to get the North American ones, 

 which they marked with their initials and used most carefully. 



To each canoe it would be well to have two copper air tanks, one 

 fore, one aft, a hand-hole in each with a water-tight screw cover on 

 hatch. In these tanks could be kept a small supply of matches, the 

 chronometer or watch which is used for position, and the scientific 

 records and diary. Of course, the fact should be kept in mind that 

 these are air tanks, not to be used so as to appreciably diminish their 

 buoyancy. Each canoe should also carry a small repair kit attached 

 to one of the thwarts, containing cement, a piece of canvas same as cover 

 of canoe, copper tacks, rivets, and some galvanized nails; a good hatchet 

 and a hammer; a small can of canoe paint, spar varnish, and copper 

 paint for worn places would be a protection against termites and tor- 

 rential downpours. In concluding the subject of canoes I can state 

 that the traveller in South America will find no difficulty in disposing 

 of his craft at the end of his trip. 



Motors. — We had with us a three and one half horse-power motor 

 which could be attached to stern or gunwale of canoe or boat. It was 

 made by the Evinrude Motor Company, who had a magneto placed in 

 the fly-wheel of the engine so that we never had to resort to the battery 

 to run the motor. Though the motor was left out in the rain and sun, 

 often without a cover, by careless native help, it never failed us. We 

 found it particularly valuable in going against the strong current of 

 the Sepotuba River where several all-night trips were made up-stream, 

 the motor attached to a heavy boat. For exploration up-stream it 

 would be valuable, particularly as it is easily portable, weighing for 

 the two horse-power motor fifty pounds, for three and one half horse- 

 power one hundred pounds. If a carbureter could be attached so that 

 kerosene could be used it would add to its value many times, for kero- 

 sene can be purchased almost anywhere in South America. 



Tents. — There is nothing better for material than the light water- 

 proof Sea Island cotton of American manufacture, made under the 

 trade name of waterproof silk. It keeps out the heaviest rain and is 

 very light. Canvas becomes water-soaked, and cravenetted material 



