Volume 3, “East Africa”, October 24, 1907 to March 17, 1908

Abstract

The journal is the third of eight volumes documenting the big game hunting of Major N. C. Cockburn in East Africa, October 24, 1907 - March 17, 1908, as well as his travel to and from Europe. Pages are numbered. The journal is organized with journal entries on the right hand side, and reference information and notes on the left. Information varies greatly in content, covering size of ships, trade, contact information, and extensive descriptions of collected game, lists of animals collected with quantity and location, words in local language (Swahili), equipment (including medicines), and expenses. The journal has pasted and loose inserts, photographs (hunting locations, specimens, local staff), and memorabilia (menus, license). The entries are dated and headed with location and/or activity. They detail weather, travel details (accommodations, mode of travel), personal impressions, daily activities, interactions, flora and fauna observed, details arranging equipment and manning of safari, and method of hunting. Photographs are sometimes pasted over information. He includes details and images of hunting elephants as well as observation about their anatomy. Specimen information includes type (scientific and common name), measurements, and location. Locations include British East Africa [Kenya], Mombasa, Nairobi, Sergoi Lake, Nzoia river.

Date Range

1907-1908

Start Date

Oct 24, 1907

End Date

Mar 17, 1908

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

• Nairobi
• Lake Sergoi
• Kenya
• Mombasa
• Nzoia

Form/Genre

• Fieldbook record
• Field notes
• Memorabilia
• Black-and-white photographs

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