Volume 2, “East Africa”, October 25, 1906 to March 20, 1907

Abstract

The second volume of eight documents Major N. C. Cockburn's travel and big game hunting in East Africa, October 25, 1906 to March 20, 1907, as well as to and from Europe. Page are numbered. The journal includes a variety of information, often applicable to where he is hunting and traveling. These include but are not limited to contacts, climate data, local names (Swahili) for species, lists of specimens collected (appearance, abundance and measurements of horns and body, and sometimes hand drawn illustrations), maps of hunting locations (Masai reserve), staffing, equipment, and lists of fauna seen per location. Journal entries are listed on the right hand side and notes and references are listed on the left hand side. Entries are dated and headed with location and often accommodation or activity (sailing vessel or hotel, or type of hunt). These include extensive travel details (times of day, mode of travel, accommodations), interactions with local officials, personal impressions, and weather. Entries describing his big game hunting are usually much longer and detailed. Hunt details describe fauna observed, terrain and general vegetation, daily activities, local staffing, method of collecting, method of specimen preparation, social interactions, and challenges with travel. Locations hunting include Nawiaska near Mombasa, Kapiti Plains [Ilkaputiei], Nyeri fort, Aberdare mountains, Un Ngare Nyuki, Eleuita Plain, Njor, Lolai, Londiani.

Date Range

1906-1907

Start Date

Oct 25, 1906

End Date

Mar 20, 1907

Access Information

The Library is open to Smithsonian staff Monday through Friday in the afternoons, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.; morning visits are by appointment only

Topic

Mammalogy

Place

• Aberdare Range
• Ilkaputiei
• Naivasha
• Kenya
• Mombasa

Form/Genre

• Fieldbook record
• Field notes
• Sketches
• Maps

Collection name

Russell E. Train Africana Collection, 1663-1996, Smithsonian Institution Library, c. 1894-1939

Physical Description

1 field book

Physical Location

Smithsonian Institution. Libraries

Sublocation

Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History