October 23, 1044

(V-mail from Vic in Bougainville to older brother Rudy and wife Ann in Passaic, New Jersey. Photo is of a group of 'Solomon Islanders')

Monday evening,

Dear Ann & Rudy,

Have some time before "lights out" to drop you a few additional lines this evening. I'd appreciate a prompt reply on your part. Please write more regularly in the future.

Recall mentioning some of the wild life hereabouts in a recent letter to you, and thought you might like to know that there're also wild pigeons or doves in these tropics. These birds are larger than the mourning doves which are so common in the U.S., but resemble them somewhat in coloring. The species over here also coo in the same manner as those back home.

Hundreds of different varieties of trees are to be found on these Pacific islands and in denser growths or jungle areas vines of several types generally cover most of the tree foliage and trail in messy streamers to the ground.

Tremendous banyan trees are numerous and mahogany is common. A certain prickly vine that grows everywhere in the jungle is referred to by the native phrase "wait-a-minute". This vine is something to keep away from because once you tangle with it it's difficult to become disengaged and trips clothing and lacerates flesh upon undesired contact.

Write soon.
Best regards,
Vic