SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 
UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM 
WASHINGTON 25, D. C. 
March 22, 1955 
Dr. Waldo L* Schmitt, Head Curator 
Department of Zoology 
United States National Museum 
Washington, D, C. 
Dear Dr. Schmitt; 
On or about March 26, 1955 you are authorized to proceed 
froK Washington, D. C. to Belgian Congo, Africa, for the 
purpose of studying, collecting, and filming animal life of 
central Africa, particularly the invertebrate fauna with 
Special emphasis on mites and Crustacea. 
It is understood that the Smithsonian Institution will 
pay your salary hut all other expenses incident to this detail 
will he taken care of from the Bruce Bredin Fund. 
It is requested that you keep us informed as to your mail 
address so that we may contact you if necessary. 
It is contemplated that this field work will terminate 
on or about June 30, 1955# viien you will return to your offi- 
cial station at Washington, D. C. 
Sincerely yours, 
Director 
