541202- 59

the banana trees are in all V ff
stages of development from A
whole flats of small, densely aris | Pi”
arranged plants to tall trees “ale

“y

occurring singly. Green a
characterizes the color except a
for some yellows and of course the vari-
colored flowers. Fruits include trees of
orange of grapefruit-like balls, papaya,
gourd-like fruits, lemon-like fruits and
many others. I have noticed many trees
which have leaves which appear to be dying
and also new green leaves on the same tree.
The birds are too numerous to mention.

They include many familiar ones from the
north as well as many birds that I know
nothing about--as yet, but just let me get

a hold of my trusty .410 and I will make a
more intimate acquaintance. It is a shame
to shoot them but it is the best way to
learn more about them. The house and people
could be from any Indian setting. The
houses are thatched with palm leaves and the
sides of bamboo, The entire structure is on
stilts. The nogo houses, however, were not,
as I remember, as steeply inclined.

 

I do not recall of seeing any with plaster
on as was so common in the lower valleys
of Assam or especially in India. Some
houses were shelters covering cooking ovens
or work areas--some had fences of bamboo
around them but this condition was an
exception. These people do not require the
privacy of the Indians. Single trail paths
lead from one shack to another. The people