We shall have need of two assistants from Leopoldville on for the 
five or six weeks that we expect to be in the field: the first to help 
Dr. Sexton, the photographer, with his equipment , the otter to be ex- 
perienced in skinning small mammals, in order to assist Dr. Wharton with 
his trapping. We have alho asked Dr. Chapin for recommendations of 
assistants. You are free to consult him about this matter if you wish. 
Do you think we can obtain properly qualified individuals who might stay 
with us for the period that we shall be in the Congo? Also, can you tell 
us what we shall need to pay them, by the month or week or for our Congo 
stay? As before mentioned, we expect to have the use of two automobiles, 
one for the party of five, the otner for the two assistants and our photo- 
graphic and collecting gear. It is our hope to assemble in Leopoldville 
about mid April and from there out, pursue the enclosed, at present tentative 
itinerary, omitting, however , the side trip to Elizabeth vill e for the sake 
of gaining approximately twelve days to spend enroute and in part at 
laboratories in Bukavu. What do you think of this itinerary? Too ambitious? 
In the course of cur collecting, we hope to set out live traps at 
overnight stopping places, taking up the traps in the early morning to 
examine the catches for ectoparasites and to preserve the host animals. At 
the luncheon stops we shall try to collect mites, their host plants, and 
terrestrial Crustacea. Photographs and motion pictures are to be taken as 
we can find time. 
Is there some area that you would urge us to explore for mites and 
ticks, other than these you have already examined or those listed in our 
outline of travel? We hope to reach Juba the last week of May or very early 
in June, in order to proceed home down the Kile, and by air from Cairo to 
New York. Do you, by any chance, know the sailing dates of Nile steamers 
from Juba near the end of Kay and in early June? I am told they only run 
every two weeks. 
I hope I have not asked you too many questions. Your reply to my 
questions and those raised by Dr. Wharton might be sent to him direct with 
a carbon of your letter, if you will be so kind. I would like to have it 
at hand for my information* We are looking forward to this trip with great 
anticipation* Won't you write Dr. Wharton at your early convenience. It 
is most fortunate that he is acquainted with you and I shall be happy to 
make your acquaintance, too. 
With kindest regards. 
Sincerely, 
Waldo L. Schmitt 
Head Curator 
Dept, of Zoology 
Enclosure 
CC: Dr. Wharton 
WL Schmitt :Vb 
