Evening star., 1925-02-04
Special Dispatch to The Star.

Special Dispatch to The Star.
NEW YORK, February 4.-When
Col. p. H. Fawcett sailed from New
York last week to seek the site of
a ancient, unknown white civiliza-
tion in Brazil, he took with him what
is probably the most expertly and
carefully designed equipment ever
taken on any expedition. His ap-
paratus, instruments and clothing
We're made in London, according to
special designs evolved by Col. Faw-
cett during his years of jungle ex-
ploration, and they embody the ut
most OF strength, light weight and
general utility.
Other expeditions have. entered
this region and never emerged Col.
Fawcett attributes their failure to
three main reasons-improper equip
ment, large numbers and lack of
knowledge of means of establishing
friendly intercourse with the Indians.
Improper equipment he regards as
most important of all, and the ex-
ploring gear of the three members
of his expedition has been worked
out with a scientific exactitude which
takes into account every possible
eventuality.
Special Machete Evolved.
Col. Fawcett's pride and, in fact.
his main dependence, is special
machete which, in hacking his way
through thousands OF miles of swamp
and jungle, he gradually has refined
to a degree of usefulness which
makes it an effective substitute for
a whole CARLOAD of ordinary tools.
The blade is about Is inches long,
considerably shorter than the ordi-
nary South American machete; 1t was
made by, the best steel makers OF
England, and relative weights OF
handle and blade were proportioned
with regard to the last fraction of an
ounce 1t Is the ideal instrument for
hacking through the jungle morass;
1t is a wicked weapon of defense; 1t
serves all the purposes of a large
hunting knife; it is strong enough
and heavy enough to be used as an
axe; it can be used for gouging and
digging in excavation work.
Col. Fawcett's boots, rubber tent
and hammock covers, chiffon nets Tor
sand flies, gloves, untearable CAB
ardine clothing, and similar equip
ment also are the result of years of
trial and experiment, and were made
by the best English manufacturers.
Lightness was sought, first, last and
always, as on reaching the jungle
it will be necessary to abandon the
mules and Indian carriers-none of
the tame Indians will venture near this
region-and apportion the packs
among the three men.
Weight All Important.
The scientific instruments also are
light miniatures of the ordinary in
struments of the kind, including a
tiny sextant, proved to be as effective
as a large one. The element of
weight has been considered, even in
the chronometer watches, necessary
for taking longitude. Theodolite.
glass horizon, aneroids. etc, all have
been recast to get the last degree of
light weight.
Col. Fawcett will obtain his timed
goods. consisting chiefly of milk, ce-
reals and soups, at Rio de Janeiro.
His jerked meat and rice Will be OBJ
tanned at Cuyaba, the end of his
river Journey and his last link with
civilization, as he plunges into the
jungle.
All the food will be carried in tight
tin boxes, designed to fit into a mule 8
mack and save it from the repacious
Sauber ant. The lives of the mem
bers of the expedition will depend on
the care and selection of food, as the