[Note: this transcription was produced by an automatic OCR engine]

138 WITH NATIVES IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC

aware of the existence of a negroid element, of which
I saw clear traces. The two varieties, however, are
much intermingled, and the resulting blends have
mixed with the Polynesian-Melanesian type, so that
the number of types is most confusing, and it will be
hard to determine the properties of the original one.

Finding little of interest in the immediate sur-
roundings of Talamacco, I determined to make an
excursion into the interior of the island. Mr. F. put
his foreman, or moli, at my disposal, and he engaged
my bearers, made himself useful during the trip in
superintending the boys, and proved valuable in
every way, as he was never afraid, and was known
to nearly all the inland chiefs.

After a rainy spell of six weeks we had a clear
day at last; and although the weather could not be
taken into consideration when making my plans, still,
the bright sunshine created that happy and expectant
sensation which belongs to the beginning of a
journey. The monthly steamer had arrived the day
before, had shipped a little coprah, and brought some
provisions for the trader and myself. I had com—
pleted my preparations, engaged my boys and was
ready to start.

In the white glare of a damp morning we pulled
from the western shore of Big Bay to the mouth of
the Jordan River. The boat was cramped and over-
loaded, and we were all glad to jump ashore after a
row of several hours. The boys carried the luggage
ashore and pulled the boat up into the bush with
much noise and laughter. Then we settled down in