SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 
UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM 
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20560 
October 28, 1964 
(Mrs.) Maryanna Smellow 
Division of Birds 
Smithsonian Institution 
Washington 25, D.C. 
Dear Maryanna: 
The trip so far has gone fine, with no serious problems. Our 
biggest problem has been the weather, as it has rained almost every 
day and night. We even had to cut our stay at Taongi due to the 
rain and because our tents leaked. The ship painted the tops of the 
tents with weatherproofing paint for canvas and the rain doesn’t 
come in quite as bad. Taongi, of course, has also been the best 
as far as birds are concerned* I wish we could have stayed longer. 
The further we go south, the vegetation gets higher and the birds 
get both fewer and harder to catch for banding. We are getting 
excellent bird records, population estimates, breeding status, etc 
however. We have gotten two excellent sight record of banded birds- 
one from Johnston Atoll and one shorebird from Alaska (see progress 
report-Taka Atoll). 
I can certainly see why Pat didn’t want to give up this ship 
during this trio. It is certainly great. Everyone is so cooperative. 
The food has also been excellent. Larry even likes the food, and 
he can’t get over how better this ship is compared to an ATF. There 
have been no problems with any of the field party members. Every¬ 
one has cooperated fully. 
Everyone including the crew have collected their share of fish 
balls. We are only picking up ones with nets now. Also we have 
found several large killer clam shells. 4*hey will cost us a ## 
small fortuftfi to ship back to DC. 
Best regards, 
Binion Amerson 
Research Curator, Pacific Project 
Division of Birds 
cc: Dr. Ely 
