that storage of tills exhibit in the Natural History Building 
appeared to be impossible at this time, since our own materi¬ 
al is stacked in the corridors at the present time, a.nd there 
are no vacant rooms which can be utilized. 
Preparation of the Plan of Operations is proceeding 
rapidly and has been called for by Dr. Abbot on June 1st. It 
has been necessary to cut down the estimates for Furniture and 
Fixtures rather drastically, since the Division of Biology 
alone requested equipment several thousand dollars over the 
total appropriation for the Museum. In their estimate was in¬ 
cluded items for storage cases totaling about $17,000 for the 
new Mammal Gallery. I have talked this matter over with Dr. 
Stejneger, and at present, it looks best to ask for this item 
in the First Deficiency, since it will be impossible to equip 
the Mammal Gallery without practically stopping all progress 
in other branches of the Museum for a year. This natter, of 
course, can be decided finally when you return. 
Efficiency ratings have been prepared and are now be¬ 
fore the Board of Review for consideration. 
Dr. Abbot has called for Preliminary Estimates on 
June 1st, and the preparation of these items are now going for¬ 
ward in line with the list which you prepared. Statements in 
the newspapers relative to the deficit are appearing from time 
to time, and it appears certain that any request for increased 
appropriations will have very difficult sledding. Funds for 
buildings will be held to a minimum, and for this reason, it 
will be necessary to keep an eye on the appropriation for the 
extension to the Natural History Building. As much information 
as possible will be collected* on this subject so that it will 
be available for your consideration as soon as you return. 
From your letters, it appears that you are meeting 
with complete success in the collection of specimens in Haiti 
but that you are having to work for everything you get. Field 
workers often complain that it is a difficult matter to con¬ 
vince any one of the hardships they are compelled to face, but 
this should not be true in your case, since you are undoubtedly 
having your troubles. I hope that your good fortune in the 
collection of specimens will continue. 
lours very truly. 
2 eg:mgs 
