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July 23, 1910.

Dr. R. Rathbun,
Assistant Secretary.
Dear Sir:-
I beg to report that in accordance with your approval of detail, I visited Chesapeake Beach, Md., on June 29 and 30, for the purpose of collecting specimens of fossil cetaceans.  I was unable to go earlier on account of press of work.  The conditions were unfavorable on the days mentioned, as the weather was excessively hot, and a breeze kept the water agitated, so that objects could not readily be seen in it.  Furthermore, the fall in the tide was very slight.  As the fossil bones are carried down the blocks of marl from the cliffs into the water and washed out by the action of the waves, many interesting pieces are found in the water, or between high and low water mark^[[s,]].  A low tide and still water are most fav^[[o]]rable for collecting.  In spite of unfavorable conditions, I obtained a considerable number of vertebrae and other pieces, and made some observations on the condition of the cliffs, which have changed materially since last fall.  These changes bring to light skulls and other remains imbedded in the cliffs, but I was unable to discover any on this occasion.
Yours respectfully,

Head Curator of Biology.