4 
December 29, 1954, 
Dr. George W. Whertcaj, Jr. 
Chairmozi^ Dapartmeut ol Zoology, 
University of Maryland, 
College Park, Maryland. 
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Dear Dr. Wbarton; 
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The Smithsonian Ihstitution has in cmitemplation 
a brief reconnaissance cf ihe invertebrate terresfepial and 
aquatic life of the Belgian Congo under the auspices tsi the 
Smithsonian-Bredin Esqptloration Fund, receidly established by 
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Bredia, of Greenville, Delaware. Jlie 
lower forms cd insect life ere on this occasion our especial in- 
terest, along with the crustacean life of the region. The la^er 
will be sought after and studied by Dr. Wald© L. Schmitt, our 
Head Curator of Zoology, who will be our representative on this 
expedition. A photographic record of field observations and 
operations is to be kept by Dr. Roy Lyman Sexton of Washixgton, 
D. C., who wUl also serve as medical cdficer of ttie group. 
You are /well kaovm to us as one of the foremost 
autiiorities on the Acarina, which are relatively little known group 
organisms so far as Africa is concerned, the scientific and 
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economic importance of which has only been recognised in recent 
years. For these reescms we would like„|irejfy,^uch to have you 
as a mamber of a party ef f ive/Which we plan to despatch/f d the 
Congo in April of 19SS retura»g latter part of the month foHow- 
ing.-^^MisiiiKptfll^^ The expedition has plans to be, in the field for 
fivAW six weeks at most. It is our hape ttiat tte University 
auHiorities will consent to your participation In the actual field work 
for as much of ^is period as your current responsibilities nuay 
permit. 
Will you not bring this invitation to the attention of yemr 
President and assure Mm of otir great desire, and iiaieed need of 
y«sar searvices. To minimize the time you will be absent from the 
