Le 11 Novembre, 1907.



Monsieur V. Blavette,

Architecte du Museum d'Histoire Naturelle,

Paris, France.



Dear Sir;-



I have just received your letter of the 18th of October, which I find upon my return after a short journey in the Rocky Mountains.



It will be pefectly agreeable to me as you propose, to have the bases intended to support the reproduction of the Diplodocus made of oak. I have no preference whatever and the choice of materials rests entirely with you.



I have received a communication from Monsieur Boule in which he proposes a small modification in the pose of the skeleton. I shall conform the arrangement of the caudal vertebrę to the suggestion of Mons. Boule, and will send you in a few days plans conformed to this proposed modification. In installing the Diplodocus it is best that the framework of the bases should be first built, then the skeleton placed in position, and finally that the outer finish of the bases, the sides and the tops, should be applied. By deferring the placing of the polished wood composing the sides and tops of the bases until the rough work of mounting the specimen has been completed, all danger of injuring this polished wood is averted.



You as a practical architect will understand these plans, and I am sure that you will so arrange matters that we shall experience no difficulty whatever when we come to set up the Diplodocus. The bases should be prepared in advance, and it is at present my thought myself, accompanied by one of my skilled assistants, to go to Paris there personally to supervise the erection of the specimen.



With assurances of the most respectful esteem and regard, I am,



Yours very truly,



Director