Angust 29. 1938 
Mr. Jack Barron 
tT.S.S. Houston 
Long Beach, California 
Bear Jack: 
I have been wanting to write you a personal letter ere r since 
I left the ship, hut unless I get busy non- and have it typed it looks 
as though I never would get it off. 
*?e all know it was a grand cruise and I do not tire enthusing 
about It. I have been busy getting out fro® under the accumulated 
things at the office here and getting the collections straightened out 
and distributed to specialists. The fish collection was perhaps the 
best said most important. Our taxidermists are a very fine lot, and no 
matter how bad the birds looked when we wrapped th m up, they are coning 
through in fine shape as the taad demists finish with each tff the®. The 
boss is mighty pleased with the bird collection. There are lots of other 
interesting things which will he the subject of a report by the Smith- 
sonian later on. I must not forget the pals. Perhaps it was the most 
outstanding thing of the cruise. 
I am getting ay pictures printed up and when they are complete 
you shall have a set of them, but that takes time. Perhaps that is one 
reason why I delayed writing. 1 would like to have had pictures to in- 
clude in the letter. 
Meanwhile, I as sending you a little whatnot in a separate 
package. 1 hope it reaches you safely. It is but a very small token of 
appreciation of all that you did for rae while I was aboard. I hope that 
we say have another cruise together and and that I can have you to help 
me again. 
You will be getting another note f ora me with the photos. My 
very best to you and yours and all of our mutual friends aboard. 
Sincerely, 
vLS.-IMc 
Waldo L. Schmitt, Curator, 
Division of Marine Invertebrates. 
