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[[preprinted]] GOUCHER COLLEGE
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND [[/preprinted]]

April 19, 1924.

My dear Mr. Schmitt:

I have been much longer answering your letter of the 12th than I anticipated in the beginning, for which I trust you will pardon me.

By this time you have received definite notice from Mr. Gilbert of the favorable action taken by the Executive Committee of the Institution on April 11, so your plans may now be developed in whatever detail you will.

All the ordinary equipment for collecting will be available at the Laboratory, I think.  If you are especially concerned over any particular thing, you had better let me know about it, so that if it is not now available we may plan to secure it.

You can count, however, upon finding no literature to help you with the work of identification of your catch, except as Miss Rathbun's Porto Rican Brachyura may be present.  While I think of it, it would probably be a good plan to put good thick brown paper covers on any books you take, and treasure, for otherwise the roaches will probably deface their bindings at night after your arrival.  Don't infer, however, that the roaches constitute a real nuisance, or that unsanitary conditions prevail at the Laboratory.

For work in the sun a straw hat with a broad brim, approved farmer's style, something that will give you real shade, will be exactly the thing.  Khaki trousers and old shirts are excellent.  Canvas shoes with rubber soles, the genuine "Keds" of stoutest type are best, although old shoes are all right while they last.  Other problems relating to dress need give you little concern.

For photographic work it will be wise for you to provide your own plated or films, but you will be reimbursed for their cost.  The same holds for special developers you may wish to use, although there will undoubtedly be pyro and hypo there, with the other things that go with them.

If there is anything else you care to know, do not hesitate to let me know about it.  If it is so important that you desire to talk it over instead of writing about it, Thursdays are my best days, and I should be glad to see you on almost any one of them, if you would let me know in advance which one suited you best.  However, I may be in Washington myself soon, which might save you the trip.

Cordially yours,
[[signed W.H. Longley]]