The file comprises a card index divided into sections on lakes, classified according to area and type, wetlands and rivers, indexed by name, plants, insects, fish and mammals, 1947-1979. Some of the entries are expanded by additional notes on history, geology, distribution and early discoveries of certain species, threats and conservation issues, topographical descriptions, human activities, bibliographic references, preparatory notes and personal reminders, and derivations of place names, sometimes accompanied by press cuttings, species lists, typed reports, sketches and printed pamphlets