May 2, 1950 
Mr. Ratibor Hartmann, 
Gorgas Memorial Hospital, 
Balboa, Canal Zone. 
Dear Tibor: 
Perrygo has brought me the accompanying publication 
and list that were promised to you during our work in Panama 
1 am pleased to send them on with compliments from both of us. 
The bird collection is now identified as to species and 
is nearly ready for cataloging. I still have to replace some of 
the labels that were spotted badly during the two rains that we had 
in camp. This, however, will not take long. I have found numerous 
interesting birds in making the identifications, a few of which I did 
not recognize as different during our work in the field. It is always 
a surprise when a collection is laid out to pick out some of the un¬ 
expected novelties. 
Spring is with us here in Washington and it is raining 
today as it probably is in Panama. However, it has been quite cold 
for the last few days though it should warm up soon. 
The collection of birds looks very good now that every¬ 
thing is laid out where we can examine it. In looking over the 
skins that you prepared, I find most of them are in good shape 
though I would suggest that in future work you perfect your method 
by making sure that the toes are pulled back in place so that they 
do not project at the side and that you are getting smooth lap of the 
cotton, particularly on the back. The main observation I would 
make of your skins is that you have the tendency to shorten them 
somewhat. These are ail matters that are eliminated with practice. 
I am sure that yourspecimens now are a decided improvement cvar 
my own first three or four hundred. 
Sincerely yours, 
A. Wetmore 
Secretary 
hs 
