at the British Museum.  I think the attitude is far more graceful and lifelike.  The curving of the tail as you propose seems to me to add to rather than to detract from the general appearance of the specimen.  I am pleased with the suggestion.  Of course it will involve of necessity making the posterior base wider than is the case at the British Museum, but this is a mattter of no consequence. 



 In reference to the height of the bases, it will give me great pleasure to have  our plans conform in every respect to y our wishes, so that the height of these bases may surround the Diplodocus when dispslayed in the Gallery.



I am to-day writing to Mr. Blavette, the architect of your Museum, assuring him that the suggestion which he has made in common with yourself, that the bases should be constructed of oak, meets with our entire approval,.  The fact is we have only one wish in the whole matter, my dear Dr. BOule, and that is that the President of the French Republic and the authorities of the National Museum in France should be pleased.  To consult their pleasure is our pleasure, and we are ready in all respects to comply, if possible, with the valuable suggestions which you may from time to time make.  I shall have plans immediately prepared conformed to your suggestions, and will submit them to you as well as to your architect for study, and shall ask you, when all matters have been finally decided, to ascertain from the firm mentioned by the architect and yourself the cost of the construciton of the same, so that arrangements may be made promptly to contract for the delivery of the bases.  It is my wish and hope to come to Paris,