"By Aeroplane to Pygmyland" Accounts of the 1926 Smithsonian-Dutch Expedition to New Guinea

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Journal of Matthew Stirling
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September 19, 1926 : Explorators Camp/Tombe Village


September 19

A quiet day in camp. The dog of Igoon has selected a spot under my bed as a fine place to sleep at night. As I suspect he is apt to increase the already overabundant quantity of insects in the vicinity I am trying various ways to discourage him. He has now slept under me for three nights. Each morning very early, he arises and stretches himself to the {p. 257} accompaniment of an agonizing howl in lieu of a plain yawn. He then steps out in the middle of the camp and howls a few more times for good measure. These dogs evidently cannot bark. The men from Agintawa are waiting around hopefully with their trade goods for the coming of our cowries which we have promised on the next transport.




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