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of examining every object, before buying, more carefully in the future than I have done in the past. As you know, my collection is already quite large, and I am anxious to add in the future only such specimens as are of unquestioned merit and in full sympathy with my own taste. I tell you these facts, knowing you will understand them.

My trip abroad proved very hurried, but I was privileged to see a great many fine specimens of Oriental Art during my stay in Paris. I was also given a dinner by these gentlemen, which was also attended by Mr. Motono, Minister from Japan to France. It was a very pleasant affair, and it helped to bring me in much closer contact with the leading French collectors than I have heretofore bene. I wish you might have been present. During my stay abroad, I secured a few important examples of Mr. Whistler's work, and also a few fine Japanese paintings.

You are having a delightful visit, I hope; and I imagine that during this year of excitement in Japan, unusual opportunities are offering for your purchase of art objects. When do you ex-