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Nov., 1931] PICTURES IN ASIATIC JUNGLES 817
were necessary to keep wires from corroding. Mildew formed overnight on any piece of equipment which was allowed to become in the least bit damp. Every minute of the time meant a struggle against the tropical climatic conditions. Electrical energy was furnished by storage battery sets. A gas engine generator was carried to charge the storage batteries, but often was back on the "second lines" at the laboratory headquarters. At such times, it became necessary to make local arrangements for charging, either with public or privately owned power systems. At one of the locations in the Malay States a home lighting plant belonging to a wealthy Chinese trader was used for charging the batteries. The public power systems, where they existed, were operated at two hundred and thirty volts, the standard voltage throughout the Orient. This voltage, differing so much from that used throughout the United States, somewhat complicated things when it became necessary to interchange particular pieces of electrical equipment.
Language problems were continually presenting themselves. Most of the natives, of course, were unable to understand a word of English, just as the people of the company were unable to understand the native tongue. Interpreters were engaged at each stopping place, but could not function for all members of the company at the same time. When it was necessary for several negotiations with the natives to be carried on at the same time, the sign language was called in to substitute for the spoken word. In fact, so proficient did Mr. Cobb become in the sign language while he was in Java that he was able to carry on an entire conversation without speaking a word. The natives are inherently gifted in the art of pantomime, and often use the sign language among themselves.
While in the Malay States, Mr. Galezio, the cameraman, and his assistant flew over Mt. Bromo, an active volcano ten thousand feet in height. The plane circled the mountain at fifteen thousand feet, after which it dropped down to within five hundred feet of the crater. Some very spectacular photographs were obtained. Although in tropical regions, the temperature was below freezing. The air was very "bumpy," especially close to the surface of the crater. As the volcano blows off at unexpected moments, this trip was made against the advice of those familiar with the territory.
Automobile transportation in this part of Asia is quite curious. There is a law to the effect that every car must carry two horns — the usual electric horn, in addition to one of the old bellows type, which