Appendix B 387 



Insect proof. When folded it would not be bulky and its 

 weight would be negligible. Such an umbrella could also 

 be attached, with a special clamp, to the thwart of a 

 canoe and so prove a protection from both sun and rain. 

 There are little personal conveniences which some- 

 times grow into necessities. One of these in my own case 

 was a little electric flash-light taken for the purpose of 

 reading the verniers of a theodolite or sextant in star 

 observations. It was used every night and for many 

 purposes. As a matter of necessity, where insects are 

 numerous one turns to the protection of his hammock 

 and net immediately after the evening meal. It was at 

 such times that I found the electric lamp so helpful. 

 Reclining in the hammock, I held the stock of the light 

 under my left arm and with diary in my lap wrote up 

 my records for the day. I sometimes read by its soft, 

 steady light. One charge of battery, to my surprise, 

 lasted nearly a month. When forced to pick out a camp- 

 ing spot after dark, an experience which comes to every 

 traveller in the tropics in the rainy season, we found its 

 light very helpful. Neither rain nor wind could put it 

 out and the light could be directed wherever needed. The 

 charges should be calculated on the plan of one for every 

 three weeks. The acetylene lamp for camp illumination 

 is an advance over the kerosene lantern. It has been 

 found that for equal weight the carbide will give more 

 light than kerosene or candle. The carbide should be 

 put in small containers, for each time a box is opened 

 some of the contents turns into gas from contact with 

 the moist air. 



Tools. — Three or four good axes, several bill-hooks, 



