Mrs*, Van Winkle has been sick ever since you left, and will 
probably be away for some time* She complained all last week of her 
back hurting her and she thought it was from bending over the micro- 
scope so much* Sunday her skin was all broken out over the sore place 
in her back, so Monday she went to the doctor. He told her that she 
had shingles and that it would last from three to six weeks* She is 
very miserable and uncomfortable — canH sleep or read or enjoy herself 
in any way* Before she got sick she had planned to have her mother 
come, and she arrived last night. Mrs. Van Winkle is terribly dis- 
appointed and feels so bad because she won^t be able to do as much 
as she had hoped while she is here. 
Mr. Richards is going to Bermuda for a few days and both 
Mr. Clark and Mr. Shoemaxer wanted him to get some things for them. 
He made out a collecting outfit blank for a small tank of alcohol 
and Dr. Bartsch refused to sign it. Said he didn*t want any alcoholic 
specimens, alcohol was just a nuisance to carry around, etc. Mr. 
Richards got Mr. Clark to sign the outfit blank, and finally, after 
a conference on the subject. Dr. Stejneger and Dr. Wetmore signed it. 
Mr. Richards got it back all signed up about two o* clock this afternoon. 
He leaves this evening. 
Dr. Wetmore is out in the otiier room this minute talking 
to Mr. Shoeaaker. I dojjH icnow why we are being so honored. 
Sincerely, 
