( Copy )

New Haven, Conn.; June 6, 1892.

Dear Senator Allison, -

I have heard incidentally through Senator Hawley that Prof. Osborn has written you a letter in regard to the Geological Survey appropriation for paleontology, in which he intimates that I have not allowed the younger paleontologists to see the specimens I have collected. This charge has no just foundation. I have always allowed paleontologists, young and old, from this country and Europe, to see my collections, and I spend a great deal of time every year in showing and explaining them to those most interested in the subject. Prof. Osborn, I have especially favored, and have often put myself to great inconvenience to show him entire series of specimens that he wished to examine. Some of Prof. Osborn's friends and associates, however, who are hostile to the Survey, have obtained access to my collections during my absence, and abused the privilege, and I have thus been obliged to prevent a repetition of such action. Possibly this is what he refers to.

Allow me to add that the collections of fossils I have made for the Government are worth all they have cost and more. They are carefully labelled and preserved by themselves, and as fast as their investigation is completed, or even before, they are sent to Washington. Part of these are already on exhibition in the National Museum, and other collections will be sent there as soon as cases are provided for them.

Very truly, yours,

(Signed) O. C. Marsh.

Hon. William B. Allison,

U. S. Senate.