TROPICAL FORESTS 
68 
It may lead to the scene of native religious rites that are for- 
bidden to strangers, or you may fall into a pit or other dangerous 
trap set for large game. Smooth, well-traveled trails, particu- 
larly if they tend to be straight and rather broad, may be game 
trails and when following these it is well to be on the alert con- 
tinuously for places that seem to have been disturbed or that 
have a slightly different appearance from the rest of the ground 
as they may indicate the presence of a pitfall or trap of some 
kind. It is well to watch for possible game when traveling such 
a trail, although it would be a rare thing if you encountered any 
during daylight hours. Do not camp for the night on such a 
trail, as that is the time when traffic will be heavy. In tropical 
forests in Central and South America broad, straight paths may 
be made by wild pigs and droves of them may rush along such 
“highways’’ attacking and running over anything that may be 
in their way. Should you happen to be in such a situation and 
hear considerable noise in the offing, waste no time in climbing 
into a tree at one side of the trail. 
In the open sun, even on a cloudy day, wear something on your 
head. If you have lost your hat or helmet a layer of green leaves 
under a knotted handkerchief or piece of cloth will give you 
protection. Do not expose yourself to sunburn as it may seriously 
incapacitate you. During the hottest hours of the day it is well 
to follow the example of the natives and rest quietly under a tree. 
Kemember the old song “Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in 
the midday sun.” Stop travel well before nightfall so that 
you will have plenty of time to prepare a camp before dark- 
ness. Don’t forget that twilight is very short in the tropics 
and that the interval between sunset and dark is brief. Your 
