ing some for colour
photography. All articles liable to be injured by heat and damp were duly
packed in air- and water-tight metal cases with outer covers of wood.
Then I carried all the instruments necessary for anthropometric work, and
painting materials for recording views and scenes in colours when the
camera could not be used, as at night or when the daylight was
insufficient. I had a complete supply of spades, picks, large saws, axes,
and heavy-bladed knives (two feet long) for cutting our way through the
forest, making roads and constructing rafts, canoes and temporary
bridges.

I carried, as usual, very little medicine--merely three gallons of castor
oil, a few bottles of iodine, some formiate of quinine, strong carbolic
and arsenical soaps, permanganate and other powerful disinfectants,
caustic--that was about all. These medicines were mostly to be used, if
necessary, upon my men and not upon myself.

I had twelve of the best repeating rifles that are made, as well as
excellent automatic pistols of the most modern type, and several thousand
rounds of ammunition--chiefly soft-nosed bullets. These weapons were
carried in order to arm my followers. Although I had several first-class
rifles for my own use--following my usual custom, I never myself carried
any weapons--not even a penknife--upon my person except when actually
going after game. Again on this occasion--as on previous journeys--I did
not masquerade about in fancy costumes such as are imagined to be worn by
explorers, with straps and buckles and patent arrangements all over. I
merely wore a sack coat with ample pockets, over long trousers such as I
use in town. Nor did I wear any special boots. I always wore comfortable
clothes everywhere, and made no difference in my attire between the
Brazilian forest and Piccadilly, London. When it got too hot, naturally I
removed the coat and remained in shirt sleeves; but that was all the
difference I ever made in my wearing apparel between London and Central
Brazil. I have never in my life adopted a sun helmet--the most absurd,
uncomfortable and grotesque headgear that was ever invented. I find,
personally, that a common straw hat provides as much protection as any
healthy person requires from the equatorial sun.

If I give these details, it is merely because they might be of some use
to others--not because I wish to advertise these facts; and also, if I do
not give the names of the firms which supplied the vario