354 APPENDIX B 



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 practical for most of South America, 

 except, of course, the high mountain regions, where a warm wrap is 

 necessary. A white or natural linen suit is a very comfortable 

 garment. A light blue unlined serge is desirable 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 weaxs one 

 of these stiff abominations around his throat. A light negligee 

 shirt, with interchangeable or attached soft collars, is vastly prefer- 

 able. In the frontier regions and along the rivers the pyjama seems 

 to be the conventional garment for day as well as night wear. 

 Several such suits of light material should be carried — the more 

 ornamented and beautifully coloured the greater favour will they 

 find along the way. A light cravenetted mackintosh is necessaxy 

 for occasional cool evenings and as a protection against the rain. 

 It should have no cemented rubber seams to open up in the warm, 

 moist climate. Yachting Oxfords and a light pair of leather 

 shppers complete the outfit for steamer travel. For the field, two 

 or three light woollen khaki-coloured shirts, made with two breast 

 pockets with buttoned flaps, two pairs of long khaki trousers, two 

 pairs of riding breeches, a khaki coat cut military fashion with 



