﻿202 MERRILL. 



genera of lowland plants, such as Antiaris, Chrysophyllum, Ochtho- 

 charis, etc., characteristic of the Malayan region in the west and south, are 

 known in the Philippines only from Mindoro, while the plants from the 

 higher altitudes on Halcon show remarkable affinities with those known 

 from Mount Kinabalu, North Borneo, in many cases they are of specific 

 identity and encountered only in the two localities. At the same time 

 there is a remarkable number of Australian types present in the Halcon 

 flora. From the geological, botanical and zoological evidence at hand, 

 indications are found which would seem to point to an early land connec- 

 tion between Mindoro and some great mass to the west and south, but at 

 the same time there is shown a prolonged separation and apparently a 

 greater age than has been discovered in any other part of the Philippines 

 proper. It is probable that Mindoro, in the various disturbances which 

 have from time to time submerged portions of the Archipelago, has 

 constantly remained above the sea. 



Extensive collections of natural history specimens were made on the 

 trip, but most of the material was collected and prepared under the most 

 adverse conditions. A series of papers based on this matter, which will 

 add much to our knowledge of the fauna and flora of the Philippines is 

 jjlanned. 



A feasible route to the mountain was discovered and mapped, and it 

 was proved that Halcon could be ascended even at the most unfavorable 

 season of the year. The course of the Alag Eiver was in part determined 

 and charted, this large stream not being shown at all on many maps of the 

 Philippines. Several of its tributaries were located and named. 



To anyone contemplating a like trip on Halcon the following recom- 

 mendations will prove to be of some value, and will apply as well to many 

 other mountains in the Philippines. Brown soap should be issued reg- 

 ularly to the native carriers to be used as a leech repellent. This is 

 smeared on the bare legs once or several times a day if necessary, for the 

 loss of blood from the attacks of leeches is always considerable, and 

 serious complications which might cripple a party in regard to transporta- 

 tion might arise from a resulting infection, for on Halcon the only 

 feasible method of transportation is by carriers. All members of the 

 party wearing shoes should be equipped with woolen puttees instead of 

 leather or canvas leggings, as the former are proof against the attacks of 

 leeches, while the two latter give no protection whatever. Eyeholes on 

 shoes should be smeared with soap each day. Quinine should be issued 

 regularly to the members of the party to guard against outbreaks of 

 malaria. All supplies needed on the entire trip should be carried, as no 

 food can be secured in the interior of Mindoro, at least on the north of 

 the Halcon Kange, except a few very poor camotes, and some small game 

 such as birds, rats and monkeys, the latter two generally not being con- 

 sidered acceptable food. If one is not limited as to time, doubtless the 



