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smouldered over the mountains. Samosir tapers off to a point, that exactly matches the conformation of the mainland on the horizon. Precisely in the middle of the distant background is a volcano. All this, done in the deep blues and crimsons of a tropical sunset - well, there's no use trying to pick it out on a typewriter.

A heavy storm made getting from our bungalow to the dining room a little difficult. We were furnished with paper umbrellas by the hotel, but spent a dampish evening.

March 11 - Prapat - Siantar.

Had a swim in the morning. After lunch we got a car and drove back to Siantar, again in the driving rain, that soused us all as we were in an open car.

About six o'clock Dr. Coenraad called to report that the first animals of the expedition had arrived - two Felis minuta and two parrots, brought in by a native about eight miles away. It is a good start, for the little cats are among the things that Bill especially desired, and as they are not on the protected list we can accept them freely even before our permits come.

An airmail letter from Dammerman arrived about six-thirty, re-iterating the fact that we must list the animals we hope to catch.

March 12 - Kisaran

Dr. Coenraad called for us at eight o'clock, and drove us to Kisaran. The road was lined all the way with rubber trees, which are already seeming commonplace to us. At first the plantations, with their tall, light-barked trees, and park-like mingling of sun and shadow, looked foreign and interesting. Now we look in vain for a bit of real jungle.

Kisaran was reached about ten o'clock. We called first on Mr. Knapp, who, when he recovered a bit from his surprise at seeing us, was very cordial, and made appointments for us with a couple of Dutch naturalists. We went over to his house and met his wife, who has just returned from the States, and had two mint juleps - a mistake: One is enough in this climate. We were housed at the company's rest house (Kisaran, incidentally, is the U.S. Rubber Company, known as HAPM) and had really grand quarters - bedroom, sitting room and verandah. Tiffin was served us in our room, and we started out immediately afterwards to see the two Dutchmen who had an interest in animals.

Mr. Leevenstein from the company's office took us in his car, and we called first on Mr. Slootegraaf, who has a fine collection of small birds, including some very beautiful sunbirds. He is interested in tropical fish, is doing some breeding work with Bettas, and has two small fish, one with a curious transparent tail that is invisible at first glance, and one a tiny catfish with two spots on it.

From his house we went to see Mr. Van der Laag, who