mtorut *ry 2fi, 1926* 
mmmmm fob m: srafpxc uaunam 9 . nsm mmmmoMi 
Attention of Hr. Holmes* ' 
1* fh® itolthsonian Institution 1# preparing to Band 
an expedition to Africa under the direction of Hr. Ha M. item 
of the Nation&l soologioal Fork for the purpose of capturing 
wild animla* Tha personnel coeqsrlsiag this expedition 
desires to sail on the Leviathan os the goth of next month 
if it oan ho arranged • there will he tlx in the party* end 
It is probable that the wives of two of the timbers will 
accompany the® as far as South Hampton* 
2* the supplies and equipment Which must be token 
will be considerably in excess of the baggage allowance of 
the personnel and will amount to approximately two tons* 
the greeter part of which will consist of knooted-dmra 
animal orates* la view of the fact that muds for m ex¬ 
pedition of this kind are always limited, information is 
requested m to whether or not it will bo possible for the 
Hoot Corporation to arrange for a reduction in rates for 
the shipment of the supplies in question* since to purchase 
the nsoossary orates in Africa would necessitate a consider¬ 
able expense which can be obviated by taking them in the 
kaaoolcsd-dowtt form mentioned above* This freight will be 
ready for shipment on March 14th, and it is not essential 
that it go forward on too Leviathan if interests of economy 
can be served by forwarding it on another ship* It is* 
however, essential, that the freight arrive at Douth Hocpton 
at. approximately the some time as the personnel* 
3* Ary concessions which It will be possible for 
the Fleet Corporation to make will result in correspond¬ 
ing saving of funds available to the Smithsonian Institute, 
and will be much appreciated by that Institution bnd by 
this office* 
If* 0# Suither. 
Chief floor*.!i»itor. 
By* 
WBS/as 
Copy to Dr. Mann, 
W* B. Bwlth, 
Assistant* 
Nat. zoo. 
Mark. 
