March 9, 1964 
Mr. James Pinson Ludwig 
Smithsonian Institution 
Box 9187 
Honolulu 20» Hawaii 
Dr. Philip S. Humphrey, Curator, 
Division of Birds 
Smithsonian Institution 
Washington 25, D.C. 
Dear Dr. Humphrey, 
You will recall from our short discussion in December that I was 
undecided as to whether I should continue with the Pacific Project after 
May of this year. Since that time I have given the question much thought 
and after receiving a rather nice teaching offer from the University of Michigan 
I have decided that it would be best to leave the project officially on May 8 
rather than having a leave of absence. It seems the wisest course that I 
return to graduate school and complete the few course requirements which stand 
in the way of establishment of a doctoral committee. 
On my part, I feel very indebted to you and the Smithsonian for 
excellent experience which the Pacific Project has afforded me and I will 
leave the project with the feeling that I have taken away much more than I 
have been able to give. I hope that you will feel free to call on me for any 
assistance that I might be able to render from my position in Ann Arbor. 
One aspect of the project that I might be able to accomplish a 
considerable amount on while at Ann Arbor is the identification of the 
various endoparasites which the field teams have recovered. During the past 
three years I have spent a great deal of time working on endoparasites of 
birds and I would more than enjoy an opportunity to work on some of the 
material which has been accumulated. I suspect that there are at least 
several undescribed species of helminths which are in the possession 
of the Smithsonian at the present time. Most of the endoparasite collections 
have been randomly made, but this in no way detracts from the value of these 
specimens. To my knowledge, there is practically nothing known about the 
endoparasites of these birds. In any event, I wished you to know of my 
interest in this aspect of Zoology and my willingness to take on such work 
as you might direct. 
I expect now that I will return to Washington May 7 and I would hope 
to have a final chance to speak with you then, particularly in regard to the 
work on endoparasites. I have examples of my work in Washington, and several 
several thousand endoparasite specimens to illustrate what can be accomplished 
with this kind of work. I will look forward to seeing you then. I remain. 
Very T r uly Yours, 
