They seem to me to be in all respects just and proper, ard in 
conformity with pood construction. T have instructed Mr. Pres- 
cott to obtain from the contractor an estimate of the addition of 
cost incurred by these shalivee. 
In view of the economy of construction, which seemed to be 
such an important consideration when We Were preparing the con- 
tract, I now recall that after discussing the question of mill 
flooring for the first floor throughout, it was finally concluded 
to wire lath and plaster the whole ceiling of the cellar, thus 
forming a shield between the basement and the principal story, to 
arrest the quick progress of fire originating in the lower re- 
gions, ard prevent any continuous flues of inflammable material 
between the basement and the roof. Your order for a lift between 
the basement and the first story seemed therefore to me objection- 
able, and as I said in my letter of the llth I shovid have advised 
its removal if I had been fortunate enough to have met you while 
TI was in Cambridge in September. 
Will you kindly sent to me a statement of the height of your 
first tier of cases in the Museum, in which is to be set the pro- 
posed balcony in the future. Tt wovld be convenient for me to 
know aS near as possible the height of the face of the balcony, so 
that in designing the chimney piece of the Museum I may bring it 
into conformity with this conspicuous feature of the interior. 
Very Truly Yours, 
ff 
