Fish—­For small fish like the pacu and piranha an ordinary bass hook will do.  For the latter, because of its sharp teeth, a hook with a long shank and phosphor-bronze leader is the best; the same character of leader is best on the hook to be used for the big fish.  A tarpon hook will hold most of the great fish of the rivers.  A light rod and reel would be a convenience in catching the pacu.  We used to fish for the latter variety in the quiet pools while allowing the canoe to drift, and always saved some of the fish as bait for the big fellows.  We fished for the pacu as the native does, kneading a ball of mandioc farina with water and placing it on the hook as bait.  I should not be surprised, though, if it were possible, with carefully chosen flies, to catch some of the fish that every once in a while we saw rise to the surface and drag some luckless insect under.

Clothing—­Even the experienced traveller when going into a new field will commit the crime of carrying too much luggage.  Articles which he thought to be camp necessities become camp nuisances which worry his men and kill his mules.  The lighter one can travel the better.  In the matter of clothing, before the actual wilderness is reached the costume one would wear to business in New York in summer is practical for most of South America, except, of course, the high mountain regions, where a warm wrap is necessary.  A white or natural linen suit is a very comfortable garment.  A light blue unlined serge is desirable as a change and for wear in rainy weather.

Strange to relate, the South American seems to have a fondness for stiff collars.  Even in Corumba, the hottest place I have ever been in, the native does not think he is dressed unless he wears one of these stiff abominations around his throat.  A light negligee shirt with interchangeable or attached soft collars is vastly preferable.  In the frontier regions and along the rivers the pajama seems to be the conventional garment for day as well as night wear.  Several such suits of light material should be carried—­the more ornamented and beautifully colored the greater favor will they find along the way.  A light cravenetted mackintosh is necessary for occasional cool evenings and as a protection against the rain.  It should have no cemented rubber seams to open up in the warm, moist climate.  Yachting oxfords and a light pair of leather slippers complete the outfit for steamer travel.  For the field, two or three light woollen khaki-colored shirts, made with two breast pockets with buttoned flaps, two pairs of long khaki trousers, two pairs of riding breeches, a khaki coat cut military fashion with four pockets with buttoned flaps, two suits of pajamas, handkerchiefs, socks, etc., would be necessary.  The poncho should extend to below the knees and should be provided with a hood large enough to cover the helmet.  It should have no cemented seams; the material recently adopted by the United States Army for ponchos seems