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Yamamoto and Minakuchi insist that all of the paintings brought, excepting three or four, were purchased by Machida during his lifetime, principally from well known temples, and the old boxes and beautiful mounts, certainly are of unusual quality. The usual certificates accompany the paintings, but of course, no reliance can be placed on them.

Yamamoto says that Minakuchi still owns about thirty more similar paintings belonging to the same collection, and that if those now in this country can be disposed of, he believes he can induce Minakuchi to have those now in Japan, also sent directly here.

In the limited time thus far had for the study of the collection, I have found many surprises. I never expected to see as many fine specimens ever sent in a single shipment to America. Yamamoto and his friend are in no hurry to leave Detroit, and invite the closest scrutiny of the collection, and say they would be very glad to have your criticism of the entire lot. I hate to ask you to return to Detroit so quickly, and before doing so definitely, I would like to know concerning your engagements. Can you come here either the latter part of this week, or the earlier part of next, if even only for one day? If you can do this, it will be a great accommodation to us all. On receipt hereof, will you kindly wire me what day will be most convenient for you? Any day