58 AN EXPEDITION TO MOUNT KIN A BALU. 



to where we were, say eight days in all, without any time for 

 collecting-, and as of the first half of the time allowed for the 

 expedition only two days were left, I decided to proceed no 

 further, but to begin to collect on the spot. I was also influenced 

 by the guides' statement that the next climb would be stiffer 

 than before and would have to be done without shoes, 

 and that most of the men and the bulk of the luggage 

 would have to be left behind. That these statements were 

 no exaggerations, I knew from the accounts of former 

 travellers. It was a severe disappointment to give up 

 the idea of reaching the top, but I saw that a hurried climb with 

 all sorts of discomfort would bring little practical result, and 

 that the aim of the expedition would be served better by collect- 

 ing now on the lower ranges of the mountain. I therefore 

 made the men go out collecting, and as I promised them little 

 rewards, I was kept busy all morning receiving and bottling 

 specimens. Dismal rainy afternoon, during which I amused my- 

 self (and still more the natives) by compiling a little Dusun 

 vocabulary, chiefly with Malagup's help. Temperature at 5 p.m. 

 G(y°. Glorious sunset. Fine moon during the night which, how- 

 ever, did not favour sleep, and though the slanting rock protect- 

 ed us against rain, it was of no use against the moonlight. 



Friday, March 24-th. The temperature between 5 p.m. on 

 the previous evening and 7 a.m. varied between 60° and 64° F. 

 Aneroid 4210'. I went out collecting with my men in the vicinity 

 of the camp. The ground was exceedingly steep, and there 

 was a great deal of loose rock about : I had constantly to warn 

 the men to collect at the same level, not below and above each 

 other ; the rocks were continually crashing down into the valley 

 like miniature avalanches. Mosquitoes were again very trouble- 

 some in parts of this jungle. The men brought in small Mam- 

 mals (shrews, squirrels, rats), trapped during the night, and also a 

 good many Reptiles, Amphibians and Insects. A welcome sur- 

 prise : the guides, who were now convinced that I should not 

 attempt to ascend to the summit, presented me with the fowl 

 which had been intended for the spirits of the mountain. Ap- 

 parently we did not require any spiritual protection in these 

 lower ranges The natives evidently did not mean to swindle 

 the or"ods, as the fowl was most excellent and tender. Maximum 



