My tentative arrangements , merely for discussion purposes, are em- 
bodied in the enclosed copy of a letter mailed to Mr. Bredin on October 21. 
I have further discussed matters with him to the extent of learning that 
we should take a Belgian line freighter which reaches Matadi two weeks 
after leaving from New York, I shall in the next day or two be reserving 
passage on the vessel, which will leave early in April or late in March— 
as near the first of April as possible. \ 
As regards the river trip, Mr. Bredin thought that the seven days* 
voyage from Leopoldville to Stanleyville might be eut in half by auto; 
that is, leaving the steamer after three or four days somewhere along the 
river and proceeding to Stanleyville by auto. The rest of the trip through 
the Congo would also be by auto. There is no intention of hunting large 
game, or even birds, which have been pretty well shot over by most expedi- 
tions. However, it is planned to photograph these wherever possible in the 
national parks, and we hope with the guidance of the park authorities. I 
have . for many years been personally acquainted with Br. Victor Van Straelen 
long-time director of the national parks of the Belgian Gongo. I am 
writing him about the trip and asking for both his help and advice. As 
you will see from my letter to Mr. Bredin, I have already contacted Baron 
Bhanis, of the local Ftabassy, who has promised me several letters, includ- 
ing one to the chief who will stage us a river spectacle at Biondo. 
As you will see, our plans are largely tentative at this time and 
I would keenly a predate any advice you coulc give me as to places we 
could profitably visit. The organisms that we shall be collecting occur 
almost everywhere in the Belgian Congo. Though we cannot cover the en- 
tire country, we hope to make what might be called a strategic survey 
of what does exist in the places we visit within the present general 
outline. 
I do hope that the Society can participate to the extent deiired. 
I am sure, if you feel it desirable , that we can arrange with Dr. Car- 
michael and Mr. Bredin to make it a tripartite expedition and that we can 
furnish the necessary film if your photographer can provide the equipment. 
There will be other cameras in the party for still pictures. With them 
we might be able to supplement what your photographer would take. 
• <A ' > - 
Forgive me if I press you for an early reply. We want to have a 
first-class photographer and such a man will not be easy to find outside 
of your organization. Here's hoping that the matter appeals to you and 
that we can get together sufficiently valuable material to make it worth 
the National Geographic Society's while. The very fact that we are going 
for forms of animal life not ordinarily sought should add greatly to the 
interest of the expedition. 
1*11 be glad to talk matters over with you also at your convenience. 
May this find you over the worst of your bout with the cold or flu bugs. 
My regards also to Mrs. LaOorce. 
Sincerely , 
WLStLMe 
Waldo L. Schmitt 
Head Curator 
Department of Zoology 
