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We would be pressing for what we considered to be the maximum possible with necessary regard for cost, building space, and the availability of prospective scholars within our financial limitations.

The Secretary observed that the Natural History Museum of the Smithsonian is in the forefront of five leading natural history museums in this country.  Paradoxically, our public visitations are about three times those of any other museum, but, at the same time, our public space for visitors is among the smallest (our exhibit area is about 40% of the largest in the nation).

Our museum is considered as a standard for comparison with other museums.  The essential character of possessing a series of objects rather than a random collection of specimens is the mark of distinction.

As to cost, we can advise that preliminary estimates, without benefit of contract drawings, indicate that the depository areas will cost approximately $25.00 per square foot, and the much smaller but completely equipped laboratory areas will probably cost about $60.00 per square foot.

[[underline]]Site Acquisition[[underline]]

A site suitable for construction of support center facilities in which to house these services is being assembled adjacent to the Institution's current holdings of 21 acres at Silver Hill, Maryland.  Sixty-one acres have been transferred to the Smithsonian in recent months by the General Services Administration, and negotiations are