-25 
looking dug-outs that they use. 
We ere staving at the Prspat Hotel, which is on a promontory 
and overlooks the water on both sides. We have a "bungalow" - the 
usual arrangement of living-room, bedroom and bath, but with a 
most unusual view out over the garden (where dahlias, esters, 
snapdragons, etc. are in bloom) to the lake and the mountains 
beyond . 
March 9 - Prapet 
We had morning coffee in our bungalow, and heard siamangs 
howling in the mountains. Magpie robins walked about our garden, 
and honey creepers came to the hibiscus bush to feed. 
Dr. Coenraad took Bill ant-collecting. They started out in 
his little collapsible boat, and went across the lake to some 
trees, where he got three Sumatran species of ant, and several 
.good beetles. ■ S^'<t 
Mrs. Coenraad and I went for a welk, and visited the nearby 
Batak Kempongs. Several of them are quite close together, and we 
went through them, accompanied by a horde of small boys in ragged 
shirts and shorts. One's first impression of a batak village 
is of the dirt, both in the street and on the people. Iheir nana- 
woven garments, un which indigo predominates, are not unattrac- 
tive, but the old men, old women, and children certainly are. 
The young ones were out, the men, I suppose, fishing, the women 
working in the rice fields. Underfed, mangy dogs set up a dismal 
series of b rks as a stranger approaches. Pigs of ell eges root 
under the houses, and practically under one's feet. Caribou *re 
Jhehs penned under the houses, which are built on stilts Irorn six 
to ten feet above the ground. The houses, with their exaggerated! 
When we got back to the hotel, we went for a swim in the 
lake - lovely cool, refreshing water, and a nice little sandy 
beach. 
Tea at the Coenraads' was enlivened by the edyent of 
millions of midges. Gaddi turned up with quite a collection ol 
fishes, and a few large toads. 
The Coenraads and Mrs. Ingle had dinner with us at the 
Mo *fc £5 JL « 
March 10 - Prapet 
Mrs. Coenraad took Bill and me by boat over to the edge of 
the kampong, and we wandered around there for some time, Bill 
trying to catch ants and the netives trying to guess what he was 
doing. A second visit to a kampong is less perturbing, and I can 
face the prospect of camping in one with a little more equanimity. 
I didn't relish the idea at first, but Dr. Coenraad is planning 
a camping trip for us next week. 
Another swim - lunch - a nap for Bill while I study Malay. 
Tea at the Coenraeds, and we wstch a gorgeous sunset. Heavy clouds 
