Headquarters Department of Mindanao, 
Office of the Chief Surgeon, 
Zamboanga, P.I., April 14, 1906. 
Brig. Gen'l. Ta3ker H. BliS3, 
U. s. Army, 
Comdg, Dept, of Mind., 
Sir:- 
Respecting a biological and geographical reoonnoissance of 
Mt. Malindang, Mind. P.I., the folowing plan is suggested in accor¬ 
dance with your request: 
Plan . 
To start as soon as an outfit can be assembled and to spend 
twenty days as high on the mountain as water can be found, gathering 
specimens to illustrate the gross surface geology, fauna and 
flora of the mountain region; also to roughly determine the altitude 
of Mt. Malindang and the extent of its vertical life zones. Mapping 
the countrybshouId be done in another connection. 
A large party cannot be handled, owing to the difficulty in 
transporting food and water. The following would suffice: 
Personnel . 
Major Mearns in charge. 
One Pvt. 1st Class Hosp. Corps, (to be selected by Surgeon, 
Post of Zamboanga). 
One non-commissioned officer and three privates of the line 
equipped for field, (to be selected for aptitude by Major Mearns). 
18 cargadores. (to be found near the starting point). 
1 interpreter (native). 1 Guide (native). 
Materials . 
Rations for thirty days for enlisted men. Usual rations for 
native employees during service. 
3 Aneroid barometers (alike; one to read at ooast, 2 for com¬ 
parison in field.) 
1 Ordinary theimometer. 
2 Metal (tin) containers for alcoholic specimens (to be made 
by Q. M. Department. 
Very respectfully, 
Sgd. Edgar A. Mearns, 
Major, Surgeon, U.S.Army, 
Chief Surgeon. 
1. Enolos. 
Itineary of Captain C. C. Smith's expedition, from June 
13 th to June 18th 1904, regarding a biological and geographical 
reoonnoissance of Mt. Malindang, Mindanao, P.I. 
1st Endorsement. 
Headquarters Department of Mindanao, 
Zamboanga, P.I., April 16, 1906. 
Respectfully returned to the Chief Surgeon, Department of Min¬ 
danao, approved as within recommended. The OhiSf Surgeon will take 
the necessary steps to secure the men and materials asked for within. 
The Quartermaster and Subsistence Departments will furnish the neo- 
essary transportation and subsistence. The travel enjoined going and 
returning, is necessary for the publio service. 
By command of Brigadier General Bliss: 
J. R. Williams, 
Major, Military Secretary. 
