D 
Department of Commerce 
BUREAU OF FISHERIES 
WASHINGTON 
February 3, 1914 
Mr. Waldo L. Scbmitt, 
Fisheries Str. Albatross, 
Vallejo, Calif. 
Dear Mr. Schmitt: 
In reply to your letter of January 21, you are advised 
that Miss Rathbun called on me a few days ago and expressed 
the entire willingness of the Museiim to defer calling for 
your services until such time as the forthcoming investiga- 
tions of the Albatross could be brought to a satisfactory 
conclusion. Miss Rathbun informed me that she would write 
to you to that effect, and I have no doubt that you have 
already received her letter and fully understand the Museum’s 
attitude. I believe that when you reach the field and come 
to fully understand the conditions, it will be apparent to 
you that the halibut investigations will not be concluded 
before September at the earliest, and that they may reach in 
to the beginning of October. 
The results of the reconnoissance in Alaska were so un- 
satisfp^ctory , and they have been so severely criticised by 
the practical men for whose information they were intended, 
that it is quite apparent that if we desire to do anything 
of economic value, it v’yill be necessary to carry the inquiry 
over practically the entire fishing season, so as to make 
ADDRESS ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO 
COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES 
WASHINGTON, D. C. 
