8 . 
r t 
and as the rest of the climb looked favorable, decided to atart for the peak 
the next day. 
At 9:00 A. M», June 4th, Major ^earne, 17. G. Hutchinson and myself started 
o o 
for the top, following a narrow ridge at an angle from 40 to 50 , first going 
northwest and then north. It proved to be the hardest climb of the whole expedi¬ 
tion, as in many places we had to climb hand over hand almost straight up. 
The last 1500 feet from the summit is covered by a heavy Tundra-like growth. Moss 
has covered everything a foot or more thiok in some places; and branches two inches 
in diameter looked like the trunk of a tree, or immense roots, whioh makes climb¬ 
ing dangerous. Among these moss-covered branches grew the most beautiful white anc 
red orchids, and many other kinds of small white, yellow, and blue flowers. In 
some places on the side of the mountain and on the ridge are large patches of cogon 
grass. At 11:30 A. M, we reached the peak of Grand Malindang, but it was so foggy 
that we could not see 50 yards anywhere, but as the ridge did not lead ary farther 
we concluded that we had reached bur goal. Mr. Butohinson, in scouting around 
at the top, discovered a small spring not more than 100 yards from the peak, and 
by digging a hole as a reservoir, we were provided with ice water, as the ten?® ratur 
never went above 58° and not below 60° air temperature. We next proceeded to build 
a fire, as it was bitter cold, and damp from the thick fog, and established a camp. 
Major Moarns returned to MoMurray Flats that day for the purpose of bringing up 
more provisions, and 50 mammal traps. Mr. Hutchinson and myself staid on top to 
take observations when the atmosphere should become clear. The clouds disappeared 
\ \ 
about 4:00 P. M., and the atmosphere became very clear. Pe climbed a large 
tree whioh had partly fallen over the edge of the peak and gave us therefrom a view 
to all sides, a view too grand for description. Down before our eyes lay Mindanao 
like one great miniature; mountains 3000 feet high looking like small hills, and 
beyond them from the coas* very clearly defined, stretched the ocean in its calm 
