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February 10, 1925.

Dr. Stejneger,

My last summer's studies at Tortugas stand in very close relation to certain problems under investigation by Dr. Longley.  He is at present in administrative charge of the Laboratory, and it was at his suggestion that I first made application for the use of the facilities there provided by the Carnegie Institution.

Dr. Longley is anxious to have me return to Tortugas again this year, in order to collaborate with him in investigating the feeding habits of fishes whose other activities he has already studied in considerable detail.

Although hesitating to ask for a month's additional leave beyond that already granted me under the Purdy Bacon award, I have written Dr. Merriam informing him of the facts and requesting that while this application for further leave is pending at the Museum, I be considered as a possible member of the group selected to work at Tortugas this year.  Dr. Merriam's response is appended.

In accordance with my present plans under the Bacon Scholarship, I expect to leave for South America the latter part of July, in order to travel as far as Rio with Dr. Metcalf who plans to go at about the same time.  This would enable me to spend the month of June at Tortugas, without undue inconvenience.  I am confident that I can leave my Museum responsibilities in such shape that this additional brief period would not interfere very much with the successful functioning of the Division, beyond such reports as might be a little delayed, pending my personal attention; the annual report would be prepared in advance.

Respectfully,