Major R. W. G. Hingston embarked upon the exploration of a new continent, that of the towering high treetops in the vast South American forest. In 1932, this area was new, virgin territory. "Here everything was in an unaltered state, with all the trees in their natural associations, as they had no doubt existed for a thousand years or more," A New World to Explore In the Tree-Roof of the British Guiana Forest Flourishes Much Hitherto Unknown Life, National Geographic Magazine, November, 1932, p. 617.
Since the level of trees was more than seventy feet high, the Major took lots of ropes, ladders, and climbing equipment. "Overhead the treetops made a green roof, and the fallen vegetation covered the floor with a thick, soft carpet of mold. . . On every side was the richest fertility; and, contrastingly, in the prostrate trunks and rotting leaf mold was equal evidence of death and decay," (p. 617).
The Major and his team of scientists from Oxford University, with assistance from the Arawak Indians, cut a clearing on the banks of the Essequibo River in the jungle forest and made a suitable camp. "Tarpaulin roofs afforded shelter from direct downpours of rain, but nothing could shut out the dampness," (photo caption, p. 623). Then they cut 12 miles of trails extending from the camp for observation. The Indians taught them how to make a comfortable sling eighty feet in the trees so they could observe the wildlife for hours at a time. "One botanist specialized in small types of flora. Fungi, lichens, and ferns occupied his attention. And what a plant-lover's paradise he found to explore!" (photo caption, p. 621).
"The camp tree was 120 feet high, and the observation post was established in it at a height of 80 feet," (p. 629). It was particularly useful for bird spotting. The names of the tall trees were quite exotic: yururu. . . morabukea. . . baromalli. . . ulu. Most numerous of all were the species of insects. "Years of study will be required to classify all the hitherto unknown species of life discovered by the expedition," (p. 632).
Much of this 'life' was supersized! Beetles as large as clay pigeons were hunted with 12-gauge shotguns! Grim tales of bloodthirsty ants frightened the explorers into providing themselves with weapons for throwing up a barrage against insect warriors, most of which were unnecessary," (photo caption, p. 634).
Black-and-white photographs I especially enjoyed were one in which the fern plants were much taller than the ordinary trees we have in the States, and one of a butterfly with wings so transparent you could see the leaf through the wing.
Specimens for studying the different levels of the forest were collected by placing muslin cages at three heights: 40-, 80-, and 100-feet. Results showed different animal life at each level. Meticulous records were kept. "Altogether we obtain a fair sample of the life in our particular forest patch. Our catch comprised 75 mammals, 166 birds, 207 reptiles, about 10,000 insects, about 5,000 sets of plants, about 500 miscellaneous specimens," (p. 639).
Major Hingston gives much credit for the success of their exploration to the natives they encountered. "Our Indians proved extraordinarily helpful. Without them we could have never attained our objective. . . The efforts I have described are pioneer in nature. . . the equatorial canopy is of such vast dimensions that any attempt to glean information from it is little more than a drop in the ocean compared with the immensity that awaits examination," (p. 642).
That was 1932. I sighed as I finished this article for I know how the rainforests have been abused and destroyed not only by natives but by those who harvest the valuable wood. However, conservation efforts are underway in many areas of South America and elsewhere.
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