364 APPENDIX B 



and a strong, light, linen or silk fish-line with several hooks, a knife, 

 and an automatic at his belt, with several loaded magazines for the 

 latter In his pocket. Thus provided, if accidentally lost for several 

 days in the forest (which often happens to the rubber hunters in Brazil), 

 he will be provided with the possibility of getting game and making 

 himself shelter and fire at night. 



Fish. — For small fish like the pacu and piranha an ordinary bass 

 hook will do. For the latter, because of its sharp teeth, a hook with a 

 long shank and phosphor-bronze leader is the best; the same character 

 of leader is best on the hook to be used for the big fish. A tarpon hook 

 will hold most of the great fish of the rivers. A light rod and reel 

 would be a convenience in catching the pacu. We used to fish for the 

 latter variety in the quiet pools while allowing the canoe to drift, and 

 always saved some of the fish as bait for the big fellows. We fished for 

 the pacu as the native does, kneading a ball of mandioc farina with 

 water and placing it on the hook as bait. I should not be surprised, 

 though, if it were possible, with carefully chosen flies, to catch some of 

 the fish that every once in a while we saw rise to the surface and drag 

 some luckless insect under. 



Clothing. — Even the experienced traveller when going into a new 

 field will commit the crime of carrying too much luggage. Articles 

 which he thought to be camp necessities become camp nuisances which 

 worry his men and kill his mules. The lighter one can travel the better. 

 In the matter of clothing, before the actual wilderness is reached the 

 costume one would wear to business in New York in summer is prac- 

 tical for most of South America, except, of course, the high moun- 

 tain regions, where a warm wrap is necessary. A white or natural linen 

 suit is a very comfortable garment. A light blue unlined serge is desir- 

 able as a change and for wear in rainy weather. 



Strange to relate, the South American seems to have a fondness 

 for stiff collars. Even in Corumba, the hottest place I have ever been 

 in, the native does not think he is dressed unless he wears one of these 

 stiff abominations around his throat. A light negligee shirt with in- 

 terchangeable or attached soft collars is vastly preferable. In the fron- 

 tier regions and along the rivers the pajama seems to be the conven- 

 tional garment for day as well as night wear. Several such suits of 

 light material should be carried — ^the more ornamented and beautifully 

 colored the greater favor will they find along the way. A light era- 



