58 
AN EXPEDITION TO MOUNT KINA 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, chieliy with Malagup’s help. Temperature at u p.m, 
flGh 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. 
Fridaij^ March 2Mh. The temperature between 5 p.m. on 
the previous evening and 7 a.m. varied between GO'’ and G4'’ 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 al>out : 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 (shrew's, 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 gods, as the fowl was most excellent and tender. Maximum 
