In het Oerwoud en bij de Kannibalen op de Nieuwe Hebriden De Aarde en haar Volken, 1918

The story begins with a traveler trekking through the jungle of the New Hebrides, guided by a local planter to a remote outpost near Cape Cumberland. He describes the impressive taro terraces, water channels hewn from rock and supported by bamboo, and the towering islanders who tend the fields. The humid forest, constant waterfalls, and the contrast between the rain‑soaked east and the drier western hills create a vivid, demanding landscape.

Rain soon turns the path into a slippery, moss‑covered climb, and the group becomes lost in thick mist. The sound of a distant drum leads them to a modest missionary village where firelight and friendly faces offer a welcome respite. There they dry their soaked belongings, share a simple meal, and hear the morning tam‑tam call the community to worship. These early moments set an intimate tone for an adventure that balances natural beauty with the challenges of navigating an unfamiliar world.