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3. on the ground-floor of the Smithsonian have been utilized by the placing of the Lea collection of Uniomidae on exhibition, and the filling of the remaining tables with specimens suitable for public exhibition. The central upright portions still remain partly unoccupied, [[strikethrough]] since [[/strikethrough]] owing to the onerous duties of the entire staff [[strikethrough]] and Curator have been so onerous and to the epidemic of the last winter caused so much sickness that there has not been time to prepare and arrange a suitable display.[[/strikethrough]] to delays caused by an unusual amount of sickness during the winter. It is with great regret that I am obliged to note that the imperfect health of my coadjutor, Dr. Stearns, has obliged him to seek a long rest, [[strikethrough]] with six months leave of absence. Dr. Stearns has been able to render services of a kind for which [[/strikethrough]] It is almost impossible to find another [[strikethrough]] who carries [[/strikethrough]] who is equally qualified [[strikethrough]] person. [[/strikethrough]] to render [[strikethrough]]such [[/strikethrough]] services of so great value --