Historic, archived document

Do not assume content reflects current
scientific Knowledge, policies, or practices.

b ies

BIOLOGICAL SURVEY | -——-——

Unrrep States DEPARTMENT oF AGRIC oF
BureAv or BIoLocicaL SuRVEY,
Washington, D. C., August 31, 1932.

Sm: I present herewith the report of the Bureau of Biological
Survey for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1932.
Respectfully,
Paut G. Reprneron, Chief.
Hon. Artur M. Hype, !
Secretary of Agr iculture.

PROGRESS IN WILD-LIFE ADMINISTRATION

During the fiscal year 1932 a drastic conservation measure, recommended by
the Bureau of Biological Survey, was put into effect to conserve our wild-fowl
resources. The hunting season on migratory waterfowl was shortened to one
month throughout the country. It had become apparent that, in spite of Fed-
eral and State protection of the birds, overshooting, drainage, drought, and a
number of other circumstances had combined to menace their future. During
the past few years a series of seasons of unprecedented drought on the chief
waterfowl-breeding grounds in the United States and Canada have constituted
a menace so spectacular as to attract the attention of hunters, with the result
that observance of the new regulations was reasonably satisfactory and nearly
general. Many hunters not only voluntarily reduced their bag but even re-
frained from going to the hunting fields, and the expectations of the Biological
Survey that corrective action would have public support were fully realized.
To those who criticized restrictions it was pointed out that the most direct
method of conserving game is to reduce the kill, and that such action, being
productive of quickest results, might be indispensable,in preventing the extermi-
nation of valuable species. The shortened season saved millions of ducks.
This beneficial result, together with improved breeding conditions this spring,
appeared to warrant a longer season for the fall and winter of 19382.

By reason of economic conditions, acquisition of migratory game-bird refuges
has necessarily been somewhat retarded during the year. To supplement Fed-
eral activities it was urged by the Biological Survey that State game and con-
servation commissions, wild-life organizations, and others interested in the
preservation of wild fowl should establish and maintain small marsh and water
areas as resting, feeding, and breeding grounds for the birds. In proposing
this measure, the bureau pointed out that not only would this provision of
minor refuges help to tide over the period until the Federal program of major
refuge establishment could be resumed but also that these refuges would there-
after continue to be of great importance to the conservation of wild fowl. The
proposal has met with hearty response from the States and the chief conserva-
tion organizations of the country, and these are cooperating with local agencies.
Information gathered by the Biological Survey regarding the suitability of pro-
posed areas from the biological viewpoint is being made available to the co-
operators so far as the facilities of the bureau permit.

The expenditures by the Department of Agriculture for the conservation and
utilization of game and other wild animals and birds, while of special interest
to sportsmen and conservationists, are of benefit to farmers also. Farm dwell-
ers are naturally interested in the song and insectivorous birds, and many
hunt and trap and, therefore, favor protection for game and fur animals.
Others are engaged in fur farming, in the propagation of game and other birds,

143838—32——1

2 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1932

and in the marketing of food plants of quail and wild ducks and of devices
for attracting, feeding, and protecting insectivorous and other useful birds.
The benefits from work in game conservation affect not only hunters living on
farms and those from GCities, but also those who cater to their needs. These
include transportation companies, individuals, and industries providing hunt-
ing and camping equipment and guides, and the rural people who furnish
accommodations for the tourist and hunter. Rat control also is a service to
urban and rural people alike, and during the year the bureau directed more
than 250 campaigns against these pests that destroy growing crops and stored
foods and menace the public health. Control work in cooperation with local
authorities is also undertaken for the protection of crops and livestock against
other destructive rodents and predatory animals. On all these lines the Biologi-
eal Survey is disseminating useful and dependable information.

OUTSTANDING EVENTS OF THE YEAR

The following subjects, which are discussed in more detail under sections of
this report dealing with research, control, conservation, and law enforcement,
are regarded of outstanding significance in the work of the Bureau of Bio-
logical Survey during the fiscal year 1932:

Restriction of the hunting season for waterfowl to one month as an emer-
geney conservation measure during the southern migration in the fall of 1931,
thus saving substantial numbers to return to their breeding grounds; and
recommendations for lengthening the hunting season for 1932, following com-
prehensive surveys throughout the year, in the United States and Canada, of
the benefits to waterfowl from curtailment of the previous season and from
improvement of breeding conditions.

Reorganization on regional lines of membership of the Advisory Board, Mi-
gratory Bird Treaty Act, to make it more generally representative and more
conversant with wild-fowl conditions throughout the country.

Determination of the location of a herd of caribou in northern Minnesota
and resulting State action in establishing a preserve for these and other species
of big game and of native birds.

Publication of a report on the game, fur animals, rodents, and other native
mammals of New Mexico, being the final report on biological surveys in the
State; and cooperative publication of a comprehensive report on the bird life
and the natural life zones of Florida.

Experimentation in the control of blackbirds as rice pests in California, re-
sulting in the development of methods that made possible a great local reduction
of losses.

Establishment in Denver, Colo., of a food-habits research laboratory to study
the food of predatory mammals and economically important birds,

Field demonstration of possible sources of infection of western duck sickness,
the cause of which (botulism) was discovered by the bureau last year.

Further development of explanation on Mendelian lines of color inheritance
in foxes, based on controlled breeding operations.

Advancement of experimental work in rabbit raising by beginning technical
studies of fur values and a comparison of imported skins with those of home-
raised animals of various breeds and ages, and by investigating the influence
of various feeds on the quality of rabbit milk.

Perfection of a safety spring attachment for animal traps, whereby smaller
and valuable species of birds and fur animals are safeguarded during predatory-
animal trapping operations.

Suppression of an outbreak of typhus fever in Texas by cooperative rat con-
trol; reestablishment of forage growth on important grazing areas of the Des-
chutes National Forest by pocket-gopher control; protection of crops in Florida
by cooperative campaigns against cotton rats; and great reduction in damage
by field mice to orchards in parts of New England, following demonstrations
of the use of specially prepared baits.

Perfection of cooperative production of canned red-squill baits for use in
county and state-wide campaigns for rat control.

Establishment of seven additional migratory game-bird refuges by acquisition
of private lands and by reservation by the President of areas of the public
domain and enlargement of’ five others by consolidations and rounding out
holdings.

Surveying, marking, and posting all new migratory-bird refuges, thus making
their existence and purposes better known to the public.

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY a

RESEARCH ON WILD-LIFE HABITS AND RELATIONSHIPS

In determining policies to govern the administration of wild life, including
activities for the conservation, utilization, and control of the various species,
it is of basic importance to conduct research in their habits, geographic distri-
bution, migration, and classification. Accordingly, careful plans for fact-finding
work are being carried out, and extended cooperation in research has been
maintained during the year with Federal, State, and Canadian institutions, with
private agencies, and with individuals. Voluminous field notes on the habits
and distribution of birds and mammals have been placed on record. Records of
the distribution and migration of birds were entered on 61,000 cards during the
year, bringing the present total in these files to 1,880,000 cards.

FIELD STUDIES OF MAMMALS

ELK IN WYOMING

Efforts were made this year to complete major features of the life history of
the elk of the Jackson Hole region, Wyoming, a study that has been in progress
for several years. New areas were studied, some new migration routes located,
and special attention given to breeding habits of elk, their diseases, and the
effect of predators on the herds. The information obtained indicates that the
number of breeding bulls is sufficient, and that there is little ground for the
opinion that a shortage during the breeding season affected the calf crop.

Analyses of forage plants used by the elk were made in cooperation with the
University of Wyoming and the results published by that institution.

A cooperative count of the elk made during the winter showed 19,855 in
the herd, a slight increase over the 19,238 counted five years previously, thus
indicating that the herd is being maintained in practically stationary nuibers.
The count was made cooperatively by the Biological Survey, the Forest Service,
and the Wyoming State Game Commission. Work on the ground was supple-
mented by the use of an airplane; the count is considered the most satistac-
tory yet made. In the ground count 7,921 elk were recorded on the four feeding
grounds maintained by the Biological Survey and 679 on two feeding grounds
maintained by the State, a total of 8,600. The remainder, 11,255, were spread
out over the adjacent region, including national-forest areas, and with the snow
background were easily counted from the airplane.

Incidental to the elk investigations, studies were made, in Cooperation with
Federal and State organizations, of other animal life of the region, including
moose, deer, mountain sheep, antelope, and trumpeter swans and other water-
fowl]. Further information regarding the elk refuge is presented on page 22.

INTRODUCED MUSK OXEN

Observations on the forage eaten by the musk oxen introduced into Alaska
in 1930 indicate that in spring and fall the animals feed chiefly on grasses and
sedges, in summer on shrubs, and in winter on cured grasses, sedges, and to
some extent on lichens. The herd now numbers 30, as 2 of the smaller animals
were killed by bears. There are in the herd fourteen 2-year-olds and sixteen
3-year-olds, each group evenly divided as to sex. Hxperiments were made with
a small quantity of musk-ox wool in scouring and carding, and the results,
published by Werner Von Bergen, of Clifton, N. J., indicate that it compares
favorably with cashmere and vicuna. During the past spring 45 pounds of
the wool were collected for experiments in weaving into useful fabrics.

REINDEER IN ALASKA

Nutritional investigations with reindeer, made in cooperation with the
Bureau of Animal Industry, have thus far indicated that the ability of the
animals to digest hay is similar to that of steers, but that the reindeer are
better able to digest the crude fiber of lichens and oats. Feeding practices to
determine maximum growth and condition progressed during the winter, when
lichens normally become an important part of the food supply. It has been
found that reindeer will dig through as much as 4 feet of snow to reach their
food, but that greater depths cause difficulty and endanger the weaker animals.
The fortunate capture of 10 caribou—2 adult does, 3 yearling does, and 5
yearling bulls—will permit experiments at the station in crossbreeding with
reindeer and comparison of results with those obtained in similar crossbreeding
experiments on Nunivak Island.

4 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1932

OTHER WILD-LIFE INVESTIGATIONS

Studies of the relations of birds, mammals, and other vertebrates to forest
production, authorized by the McSweeney-McNary Act and carried on at several
Forest Service experiment stations, have made steady progress. Other studies
conducted during the year included an investigation of the animal life of the
high Sierras of California; further work on the animal life of the Grand
Canyon in Arizona; investigations of deer and other game and of fur-bearing
animals of the lowlands of Virginia, including the Dismal Swamp region, in
cooperation with the State game commission; and cooperation with the New
York Department of Conservation in studies of deer and other game animals
in the Adirondack region and on State reservations. Two male and three
female beavers were planted on the Biltmore Game Refuge and the Pisgah
National Forest, near Asheville, N. C.

Surveys were made of waterfowl and other wild life on St. Marks Migra-
tory Bird Refuge, Fla., and Blackbeard Island Bird Refuge, Ga.

Investigations conducted by experienced naturalists of the bureau in northern
Minnesota under authorization of the McSweeney-McNary Forestry Research
Act, in cooperation with-.the Lake States Forest Experiment Station and the
Conservation Commission of Mimnesota, confirmed reports of a small herd of
caribou and provided other information regarding the game, fur animals, and
other wild life of the region. This positive determination by the Biological
Survey of the presence of caribou in this region south of the international
boundary provided the incentive for the State conservation commission to
establish, post, and patrol an inviolate game refuge north of Upper Red Lake.
In addition to preserving this important caribou range, the refuge will afford
protection to moose, deer, and beavers, as well as to such interesting bird life
as pinnated and sharp-tailed grouse and waterfowl.

A report on Florida Bird Life, a volume of more than 600 pages, illustrated
in color, was published in January in cooperation with the Florida Department
of Game and Fresh Water Fish, through the financial assistance of an indi-
vidual cooperator. This work, which is the result of a systematic survey of
Florida birds and mammals instituted by the bureau in 1918, contains not only
a fully annotated list of the 423 species and subspecies of Florida birds but
also a history of Florida ornithology ; chapters on the physiographic regions and
the life zones (with map); and a history of bird protection in the State. The
book is being sold by the bureau’s cooperator at a nonprofit price; it is not
being distributed by the bureau.

The final report on field studies of the native fauna of New Mexico was
issued during the year as Mammals of New Mexico, No. 53 of the North Ameri-
ean Fauna series. This is a publication of more than 400 pages illustrated with
half-tone reproductions of photographs and with distribution maps. It is avail-
able only by purchase from the Superintendent of Documents. It supplements
an earlier number in the same series (No. 35) on the life zones, published in
1913; and a comprehensive work on the birds, published in 1928 in cooperation
with, and for nonprofit sale by, the New Mexico Game Commission. The three
reports together present the results of a comprehensive biological survey of
that important southwestern area as regards chiefly the natural life zones, the
birds, and the mammals.

During the year there was also published cooperatively a technical volume .
on the measurements of birds, designed to provide a standard of procedure in
anatomical and taxonomic work.

THE BIOLOGICAL SURVEY MAMMAL COLLECTION

The entire Biological Survey mammal collection has now been moved to more
commodious quarters in the Natural History Building of the Smithsonian Insti-
tution. The move involved some 550 storage cases, containing more than
200,000 individual specimens, which now occupy about 22,000 cubic feet of space.
Rearrangement of cases and of specimens of skins, skulls, and skeletons makes
possible more orderly and systematic handling and facilitates their study. Dur-
ing the year 485 specimens were added to the collection. Mammals to the num-
ber of 1,305 have been identified for 34 institutions and individuals in 15 States, 1
Territory, and 1 foreign country. For use in the bureau’s studies, 441 specimens
were borrowed during the year from § institutions in 8 States; loans were made
of 401 specimens to 12 institutions in 7 States and 1 foreign country. Members
of the staff described 42 new mammals during the year, and 40 new type speci-
mens were added to the collection, belonging to genera as follows: Procyon,

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 5

Nasua, Potos, Bassariscus, Vulpes, and Felis, 1 each; Sciurus, 2; Thomomys,
10; Orthogeomys, 1; Perognathus, 2; Dipodomys, 1; Peromyscus, 8; Neotoma,
4; and Microtus, Ondatra, Dasyprocta, Odocoileus, Antilocapra, and Bison, 1
each.

Based in part on this collection, further progress was made on technical revi-
sions of North American ground squirrels, raccoons, mountain lions, and other
groups, and in addition several taxonomic papers were issued during the year
in outside publications. The facilities of the mammal laboratories were made
use of by 69 students from outside the District of Columbia, representing 2]
States, 1 Territory, and 3 foreign countries.

BIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF MIGRATORY BIRDS
WATERFOWL SHORTAGE

A culmination of critical conditions threatening waterfowl on breeding and
feeding grounds during the past year necessitated intensive effort to gather
comprehensive factual information. Field investigations during the breeding
season, the fall and spring migration, and the winter period were carried on in
the principal waterfowl concentration areas in the Prairie Provinces of western
Canada, and in the United States along the Great Lakes, the Atlantie and Gulf
coasts, throughout the Mississippi Valley, in the Great Basin, and in the Rocky
Mountain and Pacific Coast States. In addition, about 1,500 selected water-
fowl observers in the United States made quarterly reports, many hundreds of
ornithologists, sportsmen, and other conservationists contributed data, and
further information was obtained, through the splendid cooperation of Domin-
ion and Provincial officials, from nearly 1,000 selected observers distributed
throughout Canada. The collated data were of the utmost value to an under-
standing of the conditions, in enlisting support of the public for protective
measures, and in formulating regulations and planning other adequate safe-
guards for the restoration and perpetuation of the waterfowl.

BIRD BANDING

In volume of work accomplished and in application of results to scientific
and administrative problems, bird banding has had the most successful year in
its history. The cooperators now number 1,976, the birds banded during the
year totaled 212,146, and return records were received to the number of 11,789.
The total number of all birds banded since 1920 under the direction of the
Biological Survey is now 1,123,528. Special attention was given to banding
operations in selected waterfowl localities and to the analysis of data bearing
on periods of migration, on flight lines as they relate to breeding and wintering
areas, and on the source of supply for various winter concentration areas.
Banding stations established at migratory-bird refuges have proved highly
productive of useful information. The results of a study of the sex ratio of
banded ducks were issued in an outside publication during the year.

Through observations made by the personnel and cooperators while engaged
in trapping ducks for banding and through examination of hunting bags,
valuable information was obtained regarding the shortage of young birds of
certain species following the breeding season of 1931. In cooperation with the
commanding officer of Bolling Field, aerial photography was employed in a
study of the ducks concentrated on the Potomac River below Washington, a
method that promises to be a useful adjunct to other means. Banding work
on Cobb Island, Va., netted 2,600 laughing gulls, some of which have since
been recovered south to Habana, Cuba; Lake Atitlan, Guatemala; and Balboa,
Canal Zone. Under a cooperative agreement, more than 18,000 birds have been
banded at the O. L. Austin Ornithological Research Station, North Bastham,
Mass., and intensive work is now in progress there with tree swallows, mourn-
ing doyes, terns, and certain waterfowl.

ECONOMIC STUDIES OF WILD LIFE
FIELD STUDIES OF INJURIOUS BIRDS

Cooperative studies of damage by birds in California and of methods of con-
trolling it were continued by two field investigators. One of these studied
especially the damage to rice by blackbirds. The other investigated destruction

6 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1932

of buds and fruit by linnets, or California house finches; and of sprouting vege-
table crops by horned larks. Satisfactory measures were developed for local
eontrol of both blackbirds and linnets, and where the methods were applied
damage by blackbirds to rice was reduced 75 to 95 per cent below that of the
previous year. Studies were continued of the.food habits of horned larks,
coots, crows, English and certain native sparrows, and other birds of economic
importance. In connection with this work the investigators studied the breed-
ing range of the tricolored blackbird, the nesting area of which had been alleged
to be so restricted that control operations threatened its existence. The results
demonstrated that the bird has an extensive range, that there are many popu-
lous colonies, and that the local control operations in the rice-growing area are
no threat whatever to the bird’s continued existence.

An investigation of the crested mynah in British Columbia also was carried
on. This foreign bird, accidentally introduced from China about 1894 and
established in the Vancouver district, belongs to a group many species of which
have bad records where introduced, and the Biological Survey desired to be
informed as to its present status and the likelihood of its extending its range.
The species appears not to be maintaining the numbers recorded by previous
observers and seems not likely, under present conditions, to spread into the
United States. ‘

Initial field study of the economic status of the white-necked raven was made
in Texas during October and November. Two investigators appraised damage,
collected stomachs, which were subsequently examined, and banded nearly 300
of the birds, of which about 10 per cent have since been reported as returns.
Information gained from such records indicates the extent of seasonal drift of
this raven and will aid in judging the feasibility of control measures if needed.
Experiments with control methods were confined this year to determining the
practicability of using cage traps.

A brief inspection of conditions with respect to the relation of crows to late
crops in Oklahoma was made in November. Obstacles that at the time of a
former study prevented effective and economical control have been accentuated
in recent years. These include an increase of sorghum crops (milo and Indian
corn) in an area frequented in winter by great flocks of crows; the practice of
leaving a large portion of such crops standing or in shocks until late in fall;
and a tendency to abandon, or to harvest only partly, less profitable stands.
The exposure of such tempting and abundant food throughout late fall and
early winter no doubt furnishes the basic biological reason for the increase of
crows in Oklahoma, In the face of such a surfeit of food, control measures
anticipating a substantial reduction in the bird’s numbers are, at best, uncer-
tain and expensive, if not on economic grounds actually impracticable. It
appears that the crow problem in Oklahoma and southern Kansas is bound to
continue, unless farm practices can be altered so as to reduce the fall and
winter food supply left available to crows. Without an early and clean harvest
of the grain crop in crow centers, and a giving up of the culture of the more
easily damaged varieties of sorghums, no campaign of crow control can be
successful.

Other brief studies of injurious birds concerned species alleged to be destroy-
ing oysters, fish, and small fruits in Washington State, fish-eating birds in
Maine and New Mexico, gulls in relation to clams in Massachusetts, and
starlings and robins as cherry eaters in New York. Two rather unusual com-
plaints of harmful bird activities on aviation fields were investigated and veri-
fied—one in the State of Washington, of coots keeping down grass so that the
preparation of a safe landing surface was impeded; and the other in Minnesota,
of gulls frequenting the runways so as to constitute a hazard to rising planes.

Miscellaneous Publication No. 145, Policies of the Bureau of Biological Survey
Relative to the Control of Injurious Birds, a revision of a multigraphed memo-
randum on the same subject issued in 1927, was published during the year.

GRASSHOPPER POISONING IN RELATION TO BIRD LIFE

In view of the extensive scattering of poisoned bait for grasshoppers in con-
nection with the great outbreak of these insects in the North Central States, an
investigation was made in South Dakota of the effects of the campaign upon
bird life. It was found that when grasshopper bait was used according to
instructions, and it was generally so used, it caused little or no loss of bird
life.

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY t

FIELD STUDIES OF FOOD HABITS OF MAMMALS

A special investigation was begun of the economic status of the armadillo in
Texas, particularly of its reported destruction of quail eggs. The effect of in-
creased food supplies in California in stimulating the breeding of pocket gophers
was studied, and a cooperative combined field and laboratory investigation was
begun on the food habits of injurious rodents to determine the factors that
interfere with control operations.

A food-habits research laboratory was established at Denver, Colo., on July 1,
1931. Chiefly in the interests of studies of predatory animals being carried on
there, investigations were made in Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska,
Texas, and New Mexico.

The results of a study of rodents and moles as pests in bulb plantings and
flower gardens in Northwestern States were prepared for publication.

LABORATORY RESEARCH

Much of the laboratory work on the food of birds continues to be cooperative
in character. Considerable numbers of Gambel’s, scaled, and bob-white quails,
for instance, were examined as an aid to studies of their life history now being
made by cooperators in New Mexico, Arizona, and Wisconsin; similar aid was
extended in studies being made of the Hungarian partridge in Michigan, Ohio,
Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Washington; and of the ring-necked pheasant
in Michigan.

Other special examinations made for various agencies included birds collected
in northeastern Greenland and adjacent seas by the Bartlett expedition; road
runners from Arizona, in connection with studies of Gambel’s quail; ducks and
other birds from California and Minnesota; Harris’s sparrow from Manitoba;
and hawks and owls from Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Arizona. Stomach-content
analyses bearing on the bureau’s own program of food-habits research dealt
largely with fish-eating birds, with diving ducks, and with the crested mynah.

In laboratory work on the food of mammals the stomachs of 420 animals were
examined at the Denver laboratory, as follows: 368 coyotes, 42 bobcats, 6
skunks, 2 mountain lions, 1 fox. and 1 wolf; and 115 at the Washington office,
of which 100 were foxes from Virginia. Stomach analyses of foxes taken in
Virginia do not bear out hunters’ contentions that foxes destroy many quail but
indicate that rabbit is more commonly eaten. A summary of the study was
issued as a press release in June. Study of the food of the coyote, based on
340 stomachs collected in 14 Western States throughout the year, with April to
July seantily represented, also showed that rabbit meat was taken more fre-
quently than any other food, having been identified in 161 of the stomachs
examined; the results of this preliminary study also were made public by a
press release. Further reports will be issued as new facts are developed.

Farmers’ Bulletin 1682 on Usefulness of Birds on the Farm and Miscellaneous
Publication 127 on Peafowl and Their Care were issued during the year.
Farmers’ Bulletins 621 and 912 on how to attract birds in Northeastern United
States and in the East Central States were revised, and an article in the
1932 Yearbook of Agriculture (pp. 116-118) showed the value of making every
farm a bird refuge. Additional manuscripts prepared for publication dealt
with the winter feeding of wild life in the Northern States; quail food plants
of the Southeastern States; protecting poultry from predacious birds; and food
habits of common hawks.

FOOD-HABITS RESEARCH IN FOREST WILD LIFE

Invest'gation of the relations of wild life to the white-pine weevil has been
given special attention in the forest wild-life studies, and extensive tests are
under way to demonstrate the numbers of the weevils and their parasites in
pine leaders that have been worked upon by birds, as contrasted with the
numbers in those that have not. Other food-habits studies of forest birds and
mammals have included an investigation of the effects that feeding by red
squirrels on pine seeds has on reforestation.

FOOD RESOURCES FOR MIGRATORY WILD FOWL

Work on marsh and aquatic vegetation of Minnesota, covering many seasons,
has been summarized in a report prepared for publication, and investigations
preparatory to a similar report on Wisconsin were carried on, about 30 lakes

8 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1932

in that State having thus far been examined in detail. A number of areas in:
Maine, Florida, Louisiana, Tennessee, Michigan, and California, suggested as:
suitable for Federal migratory-bird SEES also were surveyed as to their
biological fitness.

Inspections were made of the effects on vegetation of engineering operations
on the upper Mississippi River and a shortage of eelgrass was studied in New
Jersey. A reported shortage of wild-fowl foods in coastal waters of North
Carolina also was investigated and found not to be the cause of waterfowl
mortality.

Reference was made in the report of this bureau two years ago to investi-
gations and recommendations for improving the waters of Albemarle Sound,
N. C., as a waterfowl resort by preventing water pollution then coming through.
the old Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal. It is gratifying now to report
that in June a lock there was restored and dedicated. This is expected to
have a far-reaching effect in checking pollution of upper Currituck Sound
and of its headwaters, known as Back Bay, in Virginia, and in thus reclaiming
an area that in former years was one of the most important wintering grounds
for coots, ducks, geese, swans, and other wild fowl. The lock was removed
some years ago; gradually the waters became saline and turbid, water plants
failed, the fishing industry dwindled, and a great part of the wild fowl were
forced to seek other feeding grounds. Sportsmen and representatives of navi-
gation interests were active in showing the adverse effects the removal of the
lock has had during the past 10 years on shipping, fishing, hunting, and the
economic welfare of the entire region. Their efforts, supported by those of
the Biological Survey and other conservation organizations, together with
an advance of funds by locally interested sportsmen, have resulted in restoration
of the lock. Recovery of old-time values of these waters should ultimately
be complete, though probably it will be slow.

INVESTIGATIONS IN GAME-BIRD MANAGEMENT

The cooperative life-history investigations of upland game birds in Michigan,.
Wisconsin, and Minnesota were terminated during the year; those in New
Mexico and Arizona are still in progress. Nine experimental quail-management
projects, intended primarily to demonstrate costs of quail production and in-
crease, were contracted for and others are under consideration. Of these
projects, 2 are in Oklahoma, 2 in Arkansas, 1 in Tennessee, 2 in South Carolina,
1 in North Carolina, and 1 in Indiana.

Assistance was given in studying the results of pheasant-restocking operations
in Missouri, in planning a 25-year conservation program in Iowa, and in
developing the game-refuge system in New York. Contact was maintained
with the Williamston, Mich., project for improving farmer-sportsman re-
lationships.

INVESTIGATIONS OF WILD-LIFE DISEASES
DUCK-SICKNESS STUDIES

The discovery last year that botulism of type C is the cause of western
duck sickness was definitely confirmed this year when investigators attained
the primary objective of the season’s work—the demonstration of toxin pro-
duction by this organism in the field. In no less than a score of instances
toxin of a potent character was revealed. Ofttimes this was present in or
closely associated with food or water likely to be taken by birds. Among such
media were the bodies of birds that had died of the disease (fed upon by
gulls and magpies), living and dead larve of sarcophagid flies (eaten by
shore birds and waterfowl), submerged and decomposing barley and other
grains (taken by ducks and geese), and water immediately surrounding such
media. Toxin also was demonstrated under experimental conditions in masses
of mixed insects, copepods, snails, alge, and duckweeds.

In addition to attaining the primary objective progress was made in study-
ing the important correlation between alkalinity and the incidence of duck
sickness; the presence of type C to the almost if not total exclusion of other
types of botulism in duck-sickness environments; the degree of susceptibility
of lower organisms, both vertebrate and invertebrate; the toxin-destroying
properties of high concentrations of certain alkaline salts; and the possibility
that this accounts for the absence of duck sickness in certain areas otherwise
suited to its occurrence. Studies of these and other aspeets of the problem,

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 9

mainly bacteriological in character, have added greatly to a correct under-
standing of this malady which in the past 20 years has destroyed literally
millions of waterfowl and shore birds in the Western States.

Reducing or eliminating areas of shallow water and mud flats by controlling
water levels still remains the most effective remedy for this disease. With
the facilities available at the Bear River (Utah) Migratory Bird Refuge, for
example, the several units may be kept either deeply flooded or completely dry,
and the disease can thus be prevented within the dikes. Where water-level
control is not possible, a procedure embodying frightening measures to drive
birds away from infected areas, and rescue operations, whereby disabled birds
are afforded better conditions for recovery, are the next most practicable
combative measures. A report on the three years’ study of this malady has
been prepared for publication, and a 2-reel motion picture, depicting the nature
and severity of the malady, the discovery of the cause, and measures to combat
it, has been completed for public distribution.

PHOSPHORUS POISONING OF WATERFOWL

In March an investigation of mortality among ducks, conducted near the
mouth of Pohick Creek, Va., showed poisoning by phosphorus. The discharge
of grenades over a wild-rice area adjacent to an Army post had resulted in
particles of unburned phosphorus becoming embedded in the mud, and the
phosphorus had been swallowed by the birds. An unusually high tide that
had flooded these areas, which ordinarily are not visited by the birds, was a
secondary contributing factor to the mortality. Cooperation on the part of
officials of the War Department in discontinuing the practice of discharging
phosphorus grenades over wild-fowl feeding areas has put a stop to the crea-
tion of further points of danger of this character.

Cooperation of other departments, agencies, and individuals has been sought
during the year with a view to reducing the menace to wild fowl from other
forms of water pollution, including the discharge, accidental and otherwise, of
oil in coastal and inland waters.

PARASITISM IN WATERFOWL

A. form of gross parasitism in Canada geese was noted in parts of their win-
tering grounds along the Atlantic coast, following the dying out late in spring
of important waterfowl-food plants there. This induced the geese to concen-
trate on definitely restricted areas for feeding and roosting. As a result the
areas became highly polluted, and in such environment the birds became heavily
infested with a variety of protozoan and verminous parasites. Some of the
birds became exceedingly emaciated, and a number died.

A parasitic disease of wild ducks, caused by a protozoan known as Leucocy-
iozoan anatis, was reported to the bureau by a cooperator at the University
of Michigan during the year. He found that the incubation period of this
disease is 10 days, so that ducklings under that age were not affected, though
the disease was found in areas where the disappearance of older ducklings
had been locally attributed to predatory birds or mammals. With waterfowl
already menaced in many areas by drought, drainage, and overshooting, it is
especially needful to consider the important réle that such diseases are playing.
To find a remedy for diseases as well as for other causes of this waste is
therefore one of this bureau’s concerns.

UPLAND GAME-BIRD DISEASES

Assistance furnished by the White Oak quail farm, near Richmond, Va., in the
form of funds, equipment, and experimental birds, and the cooperation of the
Virginia State game farm and of the departments of agriculture and immigra-
tion of that State, have permitted work on the diseases of upland game birds
to proceed without interruption. Studies are made of the infectious diseases
attacking game birds both on farms and on their natural range. Many of the
more important parasitic diseases of these birds in captivity are found to be
reasonably susceptible to control. Special attention is now being given to two
highly destructive diseases. One, affecting the respiratory system, is rapidly
fatal to young birds and has as its main symptom a catarrhal condition of the
nasal sinuses. The other, affecting the digestive system, is responsible for heavy
losses of quail in confinement, both young birds and adults, through extensive
formation of ulcers.

143838—32——_2

10 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1932

RABBIT DISEASES

Of the maladies that menace commercial rabbit raising, a number have been
found to be preventable. At present the most important source of loss, the cause
of which has not yet been demonstrated, is an unusually serious digestive dis-
turbance that attacks young stock between 3 and 15 weeks of age. This condi-
tion is manifest in the form of a colitis and refusal of food. Some rabbits be
come affected on well-balanced rations on which others thrive. Attempts to
reproduce the disease by any of the known means by which infectious conditions
are regularly transmitted have thus far been unsuccessful, and hence it has been
impossible to develop a sufficient number of affected subjects for laboratory ex-
perimentation. The headquarters for this activity have recently been moved
from Los Angeles to Fontana, Calif., and research on rabbit diseases is now
centered at the United States Rabbit Experiment Station, so that infected stock
from local commercial rabbitries may be more readily available for study.

CYCLIC DISAPPEARANCE OF GAME AND FUR SPECIES

It is well known that periodic reductions of fur bearers and game animals
and birds sometimes amount to almost complete disappearance of some of the
more important forms. The seriousness of the situation has led to an investiga-
tion to learn whether disease may not be responsible. It is hoped that research
will disclose the causes and will result in methods of wild-life management
that will reduce the losses. Under the cooperative plan arranged with the bac-
teriology department of the University of Minnesota, definite areas have been
set aside for the study of the rise and fall of mammal and bird populations
over a period of years. The work at the field station in Minnesota is supple-
mented by two branch laboratories located in sections where the experimental
animals and birds may be kept under conditions closely similar to their native
environment. Careful attention is being given to all diseases that occur sporadi-
cally or in epizootic form as well as to infestations by external parasites. Dis-
ease-transmission tests are under way with a large number of animals and
birds of different species.

These investigations are a natural extension of the cooperative research
originally begun on diseases of fur animals at the University of Minnesota, since
it has been found that many of the parasites and diseases of the animals on fur
farms were brought there by the original wild stock.

The Biological Survey has continued to cooperate with responsible organiza-
tions and fur farmers to determine the causes of losses on fox ranches. For
the commonly encountered diseases in foxes reasonably effective control meas-
ures have been developed, and attention is now being directed to those that
are more obscure. :

Special effort has been made to place information on wild-life diseases in the
hands of conservation officials, veterinarians, and other persons interested, by
means of published articles and lectures, and these have been supplemented by
motion pictures and lantern slides.

INVESTIGATIONS IN FUR-ANIMAL PRODUCTION

FUR FARMING IN GENERAL

Because of the financial depression, the fur industry as a whole has suffered
more than in any other year of its history. In the fur trade only firms that
were on the soundest basis were able to survive, and fur farmers were forced
to conduct their operations with the utmost economy.

The bureau’s work in experimental fur farming was explained to the First
International Convention of Retail Furriers, held in Toronto, Canada, last
spring, and the department’s motion-picture film on the subject was shown.
A study of gestation periods of the various species of fur animals and other
embryological problems has been made in cooperation with the Carnegie
Institution of Washington.

During the past year there has been an increase in the propaganda for
promoting rabbit raising in the Hast. In many instances people have been
induced to invest their lifetime savings; in some cases they have been per-
suaded to dispose of their interest in stable industries to invest in rabbit-
promotion schemes. Most of these questionable proposals involved long-time
agreements to buy back the increase at unreasonably high stipulated prices.

s BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 11

To counteract this detrimental practice, information was spread by means of
mimeographed material, by radio, and the press, and arrangements were
made with better-business bureaus and the Federal Trade Commission for
curbing unscrupulous schemes. To aid in presenting correct information in
a readily comprehensible form to prospective rabbit raisers, the bureau pro-
duced its film entitled “Rabbit Farming,’ which has already had such a
wide and popular showing that two extra prints were necessary to meet the
demand. Since successful marketing depends on the proper grading of products,
this bureau, in cooperation with the Bureau of Agricultural Economics, set
up tentative standards for grades of rabbit meat similar to those for beef
and mutton.

MUSKRAT INVESTIGATIONS

Investigational work conducted by the Bureau of Biological Survey at
Church Creek, Md., during the past two years in cooperation with the Uni-
versity of Maryland and the game division of the State conservation depart-
ment has developed valuable information on the rearing of muskrats in pens.
The first litters raised in captivity averaged about three; the young opened
their eyes about the fifteenth day and were nursed as long as 20 days. Studies
were also made of the food preferences of muskrats in captivity.

UNITED STATES FUR ANIMAL EXPERIMENT STATION

The native stock now on hand at the Fur Animal Experiment Station main-
tained by the Biological Survey at Saratoga Springs, N. Y., includes 26 silver
foxes, 13 cross foxes, 5 red foxes, 9 minks, 15 martens, 2 ferrets, and 4 fishers,
in addition to the following animals received this year: One male and 2
female stone martens from the Carpathian Mountains, 1 male fisher, a pair
of Alaskan red foxes captured in the interior, and 3 Alaskan silver-fox pups.
Two of the three adult female martens reared young, making a total of 7
that have produced and reared litters at the station.

In the breeding experiments studies were made of color inheritance in the
three major phases in foxes—the red, cross, and black. The experiments were
supplemented by data obtained from reliable fox farmers on about 900 fox
pups with parentage of definitely Known genetic constitution. The resulting
information was used in a comprehensive exhibit prepared for display at
the Sixth International Congress of Genetics, at Cornell University. Previous
experiments have indicated that weaned fox pups can be raised satisfactorily
on elevated wire floors. The past year’s work showed that wire floors for
the vixens and their litters are also practicable and entirely satisfactory.
This will be of material importance because of its effectiveness in preventing
lungworm infestation. Of 13 pups raised in such pens all were free of lung-
worms at 12 weeks of age, whereas a high percentage of those reared in the
regular breeding pens became heavily infested. Experimental work showed
that use of fur sheds produced a better sheen and a Clearer-colored fur.
This was most noticeable after some unusually hot weather about the middle
of November. As the peliing season approached, the degree of tinge tended to
decrease in foxes kept in fur sheds, whereas it tended to increase in foxes kept
in the regular breeding pens.

To reduce the cost of feeding foxes, experiments have been conducted to
discover a suitable and inexpensive protein substitute for raw meat. Nursing
foxes fed on soybean meal produced a better sheen and clearer-colored fur,
but were not thrifty; and a high percentage of their pups died before they
reached weaning age. Furthermore, the mature vixens fed on the meal had a
decidedly unsatisfactory breeding performance. Beef cracklings are now being
fed experimentally to foxes to study their value in the diet.

UNITED STATES RABBIT EXPERIMENT STATION

During the year there were 6,000 visitors at the rabbit experiment station
maintained by the bureau at Fontana, Calif., many of whom came to obtain
technical and other advice on rabbit raising, including information on im-
proved housing and feeding. Similar service was extended elsewhere in the
State by the attendance of representatives of the station at some 30 meetings
of rabbit raisers.

In experimental work, 174 mature breeding does, 41 mature breeding bucks,
and 72 weaned young between the ages of 2 and 6 months were used. The

12 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1932

number of young raised to weaning age was 2,774, of which 2,039 were dis-
posed of as surplus to cooperators; 43) were shipped to the Bureau of Animal
Industry, at Beltsville, Md., for use in connection with cattle-breeding in-
vestigations and tests of quality and palatability of meat; and the remainder
were employed in disease and genetic studies. A mimeographed leaflet issued
during the year made ayailable the results of a study showing that rabbit
meat compares favorably with other meats as a source of protein.

The major feeding problems were concerned with the effect of supplying
vitamin content through the use of cod-liver oil; the value of supplying
vitamin B by the addition of 5 per cent stock yeast; and the most desirable
proportion of roughages to concentrates, the feed being given to the rabbits in
pellet form.

Experiments are being conducted in an effort to produce a strain of white
rabbits possessing the “rex” fur quality and the best body conformation for
meat production. The animals first used in this experiment were two White
Flemish males and two Agouti Rex females. From the matings four normal-
haired Agouti females were retained and bred to the two White Flemish males.
At the close of the year some 30 young had been produced in the third genera-
tion. These will be matured and test bred to eliminate individuals that do not
carry the rex character, i

Chemical analysis of 121 cubic centimeters of rabbit’s milk, obtained for
experimental purposes, showed that it has a specific gravity of 1.0437 at 20° C;
and that the percentage of total solids is 34.66—ash, 2.21; fat, 16.60; lactose
(milk sugar), 0.75; and protein, 15.10 per cent. Compared with cow’s milk, it
contains more than twice as much total solids, about four times the protein and
fat, and three times the ash, but only one-sixth as much lactose. A quartz
spectrogram of the ash revealed the presence of calcium, tin, and lead, ele-
ments lacking in cow’s milk, and both spectral and chemical analyses indi-
cated a relatively small phosphorus content.

Microscopie studies of corresponding portions of rabbit skins produced in
this country and abroad, made through cooperative arrangements with a
technical authority on fur at the University of California at Los Angeles, show
that the fur density of French skins of medium grade is about 12 per cent
greater than the best skins of rabbits raised in this country and 36 per cent
greater than the poorest. Actual count of 12 samples showed that the thin-
nest pelt examined had about half as many fur fibers per square centimeter
as the densest, and that the ratio of guard hairs to fur fibers varied as much
as 600 per cent.

CONTROL OF PREDATORY AND OTHER HARMFUL ANIMALS

The close of the fiscal year marked the twentieth year of the Bureau of
Biological Survey’s participation in the cooperative control of injurious rodents,
the eighteenth in the control of stock-killing predators. Organizations and indi-
viduals interested in farming and livestock industries and in game protection
have sought advice of the bureau on control problems to a greater degree than
heretofore. They have fostered a cooperative spirit supported by substantial
cooperative funds to pool with appropriations from the Federal Treasury. The
Biological Survey has continued its policy of furnishing information and giving
demonstrations. By leadership and in other ways it has also aided in the local
control of predators and rodents where they have become an economic liability
and a menace to valuable wild life.

Some criticism has continued with respect to the bureau’s cooperative control
operations against predatory wild animals and harmful rodents. In carrying
out this obligation imposed by Congress in aid of States, counties, producers’
associations, and individual farmers and stockmen, however, the Biological
Survey has never lost sight of the fact that its main function is the conserva-
tion of all forms of wild life not causing serious economic losses. The bureau
endeavors, in local operations, to destroy only animals of species that are harm-
ful, and in this effort it is in the main successful. Notwithstanding every pre-
caution, it is inevitable that a relatively small number of harmless animals are
killed by trap and poison. Though deplorable, this incidental destruction has
never threatened the extermination of any species. Moved by their love for
wild life in general, and inspired with a commendable zeal for its conserva-
tion, some people who have an imperfect knowledge of the facts and do not
understand the reasons for the control activities of the bureau have been

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 13

misled by exaggerated statements, half truths, and misrepresentations, as well
as by their own deductions from false premises. The natural results have
been unwarranted attacks on the bureau and its personnel and denunciations
of its operations. The very extravagance of some of these statements has
doubtless prevented their general acceptance.

COOPERATIVE AND OTHER FUNDS AVAILABLE

Federal and cooperative funds permitted field work in 36 States during the
fiscal year. The Federal funds expended totaled $596,606, of which $33,688 was
used in control-methods research; $325,940 in the control of predatory animals;
and $236,979 in the control of rodents and other small animal pests. The 36
cooperating States provided $448,251. In addition, counties, livestock associa-
tions, and individuals, pursuant to cooperative agreements, provided $494,631
for labor and material in control campaigns. Besides the foregoing amounts,
$666,137 was expended in California, where as in former years counties and
individuals carried on rodent-control work, largely under the direct supervision
of State and county officials. The total made available for the year by all
cooperators, including the work in California, was $1,609,019.

THE 10-YEAR CONTROL PROGRAM

Appropriations to carry into effect the authorizations for increased work
embodied in the act of March 2, 1931 (46 Stat. 1468; U. S. Code, Supp., title 7,
sec. 426), for a 10-year program of cooperative predatory animal and rodent
control, were not made during the year because of the current economic condi-
tions. In order to meet its obligations to cooperators, however, and to have
them benefit by improvements already made, the bureau is endeavoring toe
concentrate control operations so as to prevent reinfestations where earlier
work has produced the desired results. Cooperation has continued with
Federal agencies, including the Forest Service, the Indian Service, and the
Office of Cooperative Extension Work, as well as with extension-service
organizations, including colleges and county agents, State departments of
agriculture, game commissioners, county commissioners, and agricultural, hor-
ticultural, and livestock organizations. A popular explanation of the pur-
poses of the 10-year program and the conditions that led to the enactment
of the law authorizing it was presented in the Yearbook of Agriculture
(pp. 312-315) for 1932.

CONTROL PERSONNEL

Hach succeeding year it is becoming more apparent to the interested public
that the control of rodents and predators calls for a technic of high order.
To effect desired control, methods of proven worth must be applied by a
trained personnel. Satisfactory control workers must have an understanding
of the out-of-doors and a good knowledge of natural history. During the year
there has been continued progress in developing such a personnel.

RESEARCH IN CONTROL METHODS

Research projects under way in the Biological Survey control methods
research laboratory at Denver, Colo., during the year were concerned with the
following matters: (1) Predatory animal poisons; (2) rodent poisons; (3)
habits and control of moles in the Northwest and in Texas; (4) control of
Columbia ground squirrels; (5) control of California ground squirrels, includ-
ing determination of the efficacy of various gases for burrow fumigation; (6)
study of pocket gophers, particularly of their relation to erosion and their
effect on reforestation and range forage; (7) control of Zuni prairie dogs;
(8) studies of formulas for rat baits suitable for various types of localities;
(9) antidotal treatment for thallium poisoning; (10) effect of thallium sul-
phate on the growth of vegetation; (11) relation of the migration, or drift, of
coyotes to control; (12) rodent control in relation to reforestation; (13) the
reaction of birds of different genera to strychnine and other poisons orally
administered; (14) antidotal treatment for strychnine; and (15) studies to
determine the best method of making a liquid red squill for rat control, as well
as studies to isolate the toxic principle of red squill.

14 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1932

The control methods research laboratory also continued routine analyses of
the many commercial rodent and predatory animal baits on the market. Viscera
of animals that died from unknown causes, where poisoning was suspected in
connection with control operations, were examined to ascertain whether death
was due to poison.

INVESTIGATIONS OF THALLIUM AND OTHER POISONING

A case of human poisoning by thallium, which occurred at Fresno, Calif., in
January, was investigated. A quantity of whole barley previously treated
with thallium by county authorities for use in control work against Cali-
fornia ground squirrels had been procured illegally by a Mexican laborer.
This grain, for which the bureau was in no way responsible, was ground and
used as food by the laborer and others. When the resulting illness was diag-
nosed as thallium poisoning, State agricultural officials urgently requested
assistance from the Biological Survey, and James C. Munch, a consulting phar-
macologist, was immediately sent to California. When Doctor Munch arrived
at Fresno, 6 of the victims had already died, within 15 days after eating
the poisoned barley; 6 more were in the hospital with no hope of recovery
held by attending physicians; and 7 others less seriously ill showed some
evidence of poisoning. Immediate improvement was noticed in the patients
after the pharmacologist prescribed a treatment that had been developed and
found effective in his studies of the action of thallium on animals. One
patient died later, but whether the death can be attributed directly to thallium
is not known. Further studies are being conducted to perfect antidotal treat-
ments for thallium poisoning.

Continued studies on the possibilities of secondary poisoning of birds and
mammals have demonstrated that there is little danger to carnivorous species
feeding on rodents poisoned during control operations. Laboratory experiments
led to the following conclusions: Strychnine presents no danger of secondary
poisoning to hawks. Thallium is apparently more hazardous, because of its
being a cumulative poison, but doses required to kill hawks are larger than
those likely to be obtained under field conditions. Arsenic has no great second-
ary poisoning hazard. It, however, is too erratic in its effects to be a good
rodent poison and is not used in the bureau’s field operations.

Sportsmen and others in California, where thallium is used in the difficult
task of control of California ground squirrels, have raised the question, Is
there danger that ducks, geese, and other game birds feeding on thallium-
poisoned baits might, if shot and consumed as food, be poisonous to man? Labo-
ratory studies with wild mammals demonstrated the fear to be groundless, for
it was shown that a man of average weight would have to eat two or more
such birds a day for 16 to 28 days before experiencing even symptoms of poison-
ing, and for 135 days to accumulate a lethal dose. A mimeographed leaflet on
the subject (Bi-1192) was issued during the year.

SAFEGUARDING HARMLESS SPECIES

Investigations conducted by the Biological Survey are bringing an increasing
knowledge of the habits of economically injurious species and of their physi-
ological reaction to various baits. This has made it possible for the bureau to
recommend more and more specific control methods. As shown in a popular
presentation of the subject, published in the Yearbook of Agriculture (pp.
325-328) for 1932, present knowledge makes it possible so to select, prepare,
and expose poison baits as not seriously to endanger animals other than those
for which the baits are intended.

A trapping safeguard was developed during the year by A. M. Day, a biolo-
gist in the control operations. The device, a detachable spring to be used with
standard steel traps, can be so adjusted that mammals and birds of light weight
will not spring a trap set for larger animals. It not only prevents the capture
of inoffensive animals, a needless waste of harmless wild life, but it also in-
creases the efficiency of the work, since much time and effort are lost when
traps carefully set are accidentally sprung by small animals.

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 15

PREDATORY-ANIMAL CONTROL
IMPORTANCE OF CONTROL IN YEAR OF DEPRESSION

The marked increase in the number of predatory animals taken by Federal
and cooperative hunters during the year has been largely due to increased
efficiency brought about by better organization and improved technic, and to low
prices that lessened the activities of private fur trappers, who normally take
large numbers of predatory animals. Depreciation also in the price of domestic
stock and other farm products has made it all the more necessary to protect
breeding animals and to prevent unnecessary waste. Livestock owners have
thus continued to cooperate heartily in the control of predatory animals to
reduce production costs. In Texas, for instance, 17,475 bobcats, coyotes, moun-
tain lions, wolves, and ocelots were taken by cooperative and Federal hunters,
6,710 coming from Webb County alone. One trapper working in this county
captured 184 coyotes and bobeats during October. In Oklahoma 22 wolves were
taken during the year on an area less than 10 miles square. In Nebraska
during an 18-month period 69 coyotes were removed from the Niobrara big-game
preserve.

PROJECTS TERMINATED AND INSTITUTED

Owing to the impracticability of utilizing the salaried-hunter plan of control
where a large State bounty was in effect, and because of other unfavorable con-
ditions, cooperative work in Wisconsin was, by mutual consent of the bureau
and State officials, terminated at the end of January. In May lack of Federal
funds resulted in discontinuing control operations in Alaska. In Missouri,
under a cooperative agreement, work on wolf and coyote control was instituted
on January 1.

DISPOSAL OF SKINS OF PREDATORS:

Under a new plan of selling skins of predators put into effect experimentally
during the year all salable skins are shipped to three main regional points in
the West. This plan was suggested by leading raw-fur dealers, and cooperators
have expressed the desire to try it out. By attracting more buyers the accumu-
lation of all salable furs at these three points, it is expected, will result in
keener competition from raw-fur dealers and in greater returns both to the
Federal Treasury and to cooperating agencies,

PREDATORS, IN RELATION TO GAME PROTECTION

Three field investigations concerning the relationship between predatory ani-
mals and game surpluses on certain areas in New Mexico and Arizona were
conducted during the year by three separate committees, each composed of
representatives of Federal, State, and private agencies. The committee that
studied the deer surplus on the Kaibab National Forest, Ariz., recommended
continued suspension of Federal and State predatory-animal killing and the
closing of the area to private trapping and hunting of flesh-eating animals until
adequate natural reductions of deer are made For several years the bureau
has done no predatory-animal control work on this forest.

The group that investigated game conditions in the western part of the Sac-
ramento Mountains of New Mexico recommended that there be no diminution
in the control of predatory animals. The reasons cited were that a discon-
tinuance would be disastrous to the remnant of the wild turkeys there and
uneconomical because of the money already spent to reduce the predators; that
it is not good policy to protect deer at great expense and then permit them to
be destroyed by predators when the surpluses could be put to economic use,
thus solving the problem by more desirable means; and that any increase in
the number of predators would soon become a serious menace to game and
domestic animals. :

The committee that investigated deer on the big-game ranges on the Datil
and Gila National Forests of New Mexico vigorously opposed any slackening
of control efforts. Any such relaxation, it stated, would be disastrous to other
game species on the same area as well as to livestock and would later entail
excessive control expenditures. The committee considered that such a policy

16 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1932

would be unsound on economic grounds and that it would deprive sportsmen
of game hunting. It also considered that if the forage supply should become:
threatened by overgrazing, the remedy would be found in wise game manage-
ment—in maintaining a proper balance belween the game and its food supply,,.
rather than in permitting an increase of predators.

PREDATORY ANIMALS IN ALASKA

Material progress was made in wolf and coyote control in Alaska in the past
five years, as a result of instructions given private trappers by the bureau’s local
control leader. The benefits of the leader’s contacts with trappers are clearly
shown by the large increase in the number of wolves and coyotes presented by
them for bounty since the bureau’s entry into the cooperative control work in
the Territory in 1927. In the year 1925-26, preceding the undertaking of con-
trol work, there were 1,111 wolves and coyotes presented for the $15 bounty,
and 2,161 in 1927-28. In 1929-30, notwithstanding the fact that the Alaska
Legislature reduced the bounty to $7.50 on wolf and to $5 on coyote, there were:
2,304 wolves and coyotes presented. In 1931, with the bounty reestablished at
$15, though fewer private trappers worked in the Territory, reports to the
bureau show an increase in the catch over the preceding year of nearly 70:
per cent. f

A mimeographed leaflet describing methods of control of wolves and coyotes
in Alaska was mailed to every known trapper in the Territory during the year.
In addition, the bureau’s control leader gave trapping demonstrations to more-
than 400 trappers. To make the necessary contacts at scattered places through-
out the Territory the leader had to travel more than 10,000 miles by air,
land, and water—2,250 miles by airplane, 800 by river boat, 400 by skiff with
outboard motor, 2,200 by automobile, 1,200 by railroad, 350 on horseback, 800:
by dog team, 500 on boats of the Alaska Game Commission and the Forest
Service, and 1,800 miles by steamship.

WOLVES IN MISSISSIPPI

At the close of the year a field investigation was made of reports of wolf
depredations in southern Mississippi, following requests for assistance from.
small stockowners. Evidences of wolf depredations were found, and it is hoped.
next year to undertake cooperative control work in the State.

RODENT CONTROL
UNIFORM BAITS

Since the establishment of the cooperative bait-mixing station at McCammon,
Idaho, in 1927, for furnishing a standard uniform rodent bait of high quality,
demands from cooperators in 23 States and the District of Columbia have far
overtaxed the capacity of the plant. Arrangements are under way looking
toward its removal to Pocatello, where better operating facilities are obtainable.
More than 580,000 pounds of mixed bait and steam-crushed oats were shipped
from the plant during the year, an increase of approximately 16 per cent over
1931, indicating the value of this service during the period when serious eco-
nomic conditions have faced the farmer. This station continues its nation-wide
service. In New England orchards this year 10,250 pounds of the bait were
exposed, following which approximately 200 farmers reported that of 88,342:
trees protected by the use of the bait only 92 were damaged by rodents. Ap-
proximately 78 per cent of the farmers who replied to a questionnaire re-
ported 100 per cent protection from field-mouse injury to their trees.

Through a press release in March, following a heavy snowfall in the Northern
States, orchardists were warned of possible hidden damage to their trees by
field mice. These rodents, under cover of the snow, could be expected to
depend for food on bark and roots and thus girdle the trees. To save injured.
trees, bridge grafting was recommended.

For the control of rats the bureau perfected a ready-mixed canned red-squill
bait preparation during the year. Three cans of bait, one each of meat, fish,
and cereals properly mixed with red-squill powder, are put up in one package—
a sufficient quantity to treat the infestation on the average-sized farm. The-
baits are distributed through extension-service organizations conducting county--

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 17

wide and state-wide antirat campaigns. Through the cooperation of the
Massachusetts State Agricultural College these baits are being prepared on a
large scale at a canning plant at Barnstable, Mass. During the past year over
158,000 cans were put up, and most of it was used in the New England States,
though sripments were made to cooperators in other States in the Hast and to
a few in the West.

PROTECTING CROPS FROM COTTON RATS

To meet the needs for rodent control in Florida and Georgia, the Biological
Survey early in the year provided leadership for a new rodent-control district
in these States. A representative of the bureau experienced in rodent control
was given charge of this important cooperative project, particularly to direct
campaigns for protecting crops against cotton rats in Florida. These rodents
have been exceedingly destructive to small truck crops throughout the southern
parts of the State, and satisfactory control there has been difficult. With the
development by the bureau of an effective poison bait and with the cooperation
of the truck growers, effective control during the winter in the tomato and
truck-growing sections has been accomplished. The sweetpotato baits dis-
tributed resulted in reducing by 90 per cent the losses in areas treated. In
one intensive county-wide campaign, which effectively brought cotton rats under
control at a cost to farmers of less than $600, local reports indicate that these
rodents had previously damaged truck crops to the extent of $150,000 a year.

RATS AS SPREADERS OF TYPHUS FEVER

Following an outbreak of typhus fever in the eastern Texas oil-field area
and the discovery that rats were carriers of the infection, vigorous control
measures were instituted. Five antirat campaigns were conducted, following
which the commanding officer of the Texas National Guard patrolling the area
wrote that there were more than 60 cases of typhus fever at one time, but
that new cases gradually fell off and finally stopped, for, he said, “ You not only
killed the rodents but you taught town folks and country folks alike the
importance of getting rid of them.”

RODENT DAMAGE AND EROSION

Pocket gophers, prairie dogs, and ground squirrels in many sections cause
serious erosion by removing vegetative cover, and by their burrowing activities,
which often result in breaks in irrigation canals and water reservoirs, the
streams cutting deep gulleys and washing away the soil. Control operations
conducted in all the Western States on national-forest areas and privately
owned lands have had a marked benefit not only in direct crop protection but
also in reducing these causes of erosion.

A 2-reel motion-picture film, Routing Rodent Robbers, was released by the
department in May to show the damage caused by burrowing rodents, including
both crop destruction and erosion. The measures taken by the bureau for the
control of rodents on public lands and elsewhere in cooperative work are shown.
Many views of Biological Survey rodent-control crews at work are included.

Control of porcupines was undertaken on the Coconino National Forest in
areas where these rodents have caused serious injury to growing trees. In
some areas the damage was so great, forest officials asserted, that it would be
impossible to develop timber for commercial purposes unless the porcupines
were removed. Carefully conducted control operations have produced excellent
results and will be continued.

CRAWFISH

A meeting of citizens representing seven counties of northeastern Mississippi
was held in June to discuss measures of combating the serious damage caused
by crawfish in the black-soil belt of that State. Resolutions were adopted urg-
ing the Department of Agriculture to carry on investigations and to recommend
control measures. Tentative plans have been made to conduct investigations
in this area in the spring of 1933, during the season when the greatest damage
normally occurs. In response to the many requests received the bureau has

supplied available information on the control of crawfish in other sections.

18 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1932

ACQUISITION OF WILD-LIFE REFUGE AREAS

PROGRESS UNDER THE MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION ACT

During 1932, the third year of the life of the migratory bird conservation act.
progress continued in the acquisition of land and water areas for migratory-
bird refuge purposes. The first year was mainly devoted to investigative and
appraisal activities. During the following two years areas were negotiated
for, and recommendations were submitted to the Migratory Bird Conservation
‘Commission for approval of acquisitions. In 19380 and 1931 the commission ap-
proved recommendations for the acquisition of 101,277 acres, and in 1932 it
approved recommendations for 40,978 acres for lease and purchase. Some of
the areas were intermingled with acquisitions previously made, but in other
eases new refuges were authorized. During the past fiscal year also seven
Executive orders and proclamations were issued, reserving 42,984 acres of public
domain for bird-refuge purposes. The ultimate accomplishment by the close
of the year was the establishment of 16 refuges in 14 States, as shown in Table
1, at an average cost of $4.38 an acre.

TADLH 1.—Progress to June 30, 1932, in the acquisition of land and water areas
for refuge purposes under the migratory bird conservation act

areas
Areas | #¢duire
Areas by ces-
approved| Areas under sion, Total
for pur- | acquired |. 7 gift, fe
State and county Name of refuge pending approved
chase and by title lease, andes
lease | purchase} on. and quired
purchase veyance xecy
order
California: Acres Acres Acres Acres Acres
inmperialses-= sae SaltonSeaseasesteeeeeae 8)982)| 53: 4 bee eee 115, 732 24, 714
Colorado:
IMAM OSAwee eae ee San Luis Lake----.------ 5 NBO = Sse eee |e ea | a ee 5, 180
Florida:
Miernand Okss eee eee Chinsegut Hill_- Sols 220 ee eee | eee eer eet 22,033 2, 033
Jefferson, Taylor, and’) St. Marks_---.-_-------- 19, 313 OFS 13 | eee 116, 298 35, 611
Wakulla.
Maryland:
Morchesterss-- -- eee Blackwatersaess=ss-e = 7,002) | snare eee TAGS 2) |e eee 7, 652
Montana:
@ascadeland(Chouteauc-|| (Benton Lakees 2 22s | See ee eee eee 112, 235 12, 235
Nebraska:
Gardeneas= ae Crescent Lake- --------- 38, 608 33, 128 5, 480 1173 38, 781
Nevada:
Churchill 222 see eas Fallon see see eee eee 134382) |Sesneweeees 9,594 | 114,114 27, 496
New York:
TSE TSS oe ery Hempstead se-eoe eens) ono ee eee | Ce 3 2, 274 2, 274
North Carolina:
EV den sistas sous eee Swanquarter--_---------- 15, 493 5, 319 OAOLLG| Saxena ee 15, 493
North Dakota:
Burleigh and Kidder-_---| Long Lake-_------------- 4 a16"\2 == ee 3, 582 11,130 5, 546.
Oklahoma:
Alfalfasmes esse ee ebe. 2 Salt;PlainsS2122=22ee 268: [Eee lode - Seen ee eee 118, 684 18, 684
South Carolina:
7 eaeresion ine Eh ae Cape Romajn----.-_---- 24, 644 22, 033 2,196 |1 4 30, 511 55, 155
ah:
Box d ersee sae ans Locomotive Springs 11, 034 1, 034
Wyoming:
Albany 2 a2 eh Bamforth Lake - ae 1201 1, 166
Albany se. vseee eee Buttoniieakelesss eae 1153 1, 499
Tota lee ree vateets Ge Nl ON geod Cp a are ae 139,981 | 79, 793 | 34,326 | 114,572] 254,553
1 Executive order. 3 Lease (Without option to purchase).
2 Gift. 4 Cession.

In addition to the lands being acquired by lease and purchase, 6,348 acres of
State lands have been ceded to the United States, 2,033 have been conveyed by
gift, and 103,922 acres have been reserved from the public domain by Executive
orders and proclamations ; making a total of 254,553 acres of land and water for
migratory game-bird refuges acquired or approved for acquisition under the
migratory bird conservation act.

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 19

Besides actual accomplishments in establishing refuges under this act, the
‘Biological Survey has examined and appraised 3,607,594 acres of prospective
refuge lands within 134 units. The major part of this work was done during
the two years preceding, though the examinations continued in special cases on
‘a modified scale during the year 1932. Every area of major importance pro-
posed as a Federal migratory-bird refuge in the United States has now been so
examined.

Enabling acts permitting the acquisition of lands, a prerequisite to the estab-
lishment of refuges under the migratory bird conservation act, have been passed
by all States except New Hampshire, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Arkan-
sas, Utah, Idaho, and Washington.

Although the approval of the acquisition of lands for refuges is a major step
in the consummation of the objective, the actual completion of the projects is
not effective until titles to the lands are vested in the Government. To achieve
this it is necessary to survey the lands accurately, to ascertain exact acreage as
a basis for payment, and to cooperate with the solicitor of the department in his
examinations of titles. In some cases it becomes necessary for him to recom-
mend condemnation proceedings to perfect title. By reason of the involved
condition of some titles and protracted proceedings, unavoidable delays are
experienced, but substantial progress is nevertheless being made.

At the close of the year 79,793 acres approved for purchase had been paid for
and conveyed to the United States, while 34,326 acres in the process of convey-
ance are now under lease and are being administered as refuges. When title
examination is completed, these lands will also be taken over by deeds of con-
veyance. It is the general policy of the bureau to recommend no contracts
for leasing lands without option to buy; thus the Government will be in position
to profit by the values created through the administration and protection of the
areas as inviolate sanctuaries, which would not be the case if leases only were
taken.

Incident to the acquisition of lands and marking and posting their boundaries,
there have been surveyed 823 miles of boundary and subsidiary lines on migra-
tory-bird refuges being purchased and leased and on those that have been
-established by Executive order.

SUPPLEMENTARY REFUGES RECOMMENDED

In the spring of 1932 the Biological Survey appealed to the country to
undertake the creation of community sanctuaries for migratory birds. While
the Federal Government, the bureau pointed out, has in prospect a national
system of migratory-bird refuges, the progress originally expected is seriously
‘curtailed because of restricted appropriations for the fiscal year closed and
for the year 1933. Furthermore, it can hardly be expected that the national
refuge System will entirely meet the problem that confronts the Nation in the
waterfowl shortage. The Biological Survey holds that this problem, although
primarily national, is still a responsibility of the communities that benefit by
an abundant supply of wild fowl.

There are many opportunities throughout the country to create waterfowl
breeding areas by preserving sloughs, ponds, and lakes that are not sufficient
in size to justify acquisition by the Federal Government but, nevertheless, are
attractive to migratory birds. There are also many places now drained that
might with advantage and profit become breeding areas if restored to their
natural condition and others where new water areas might be created.

The response to the appeal has been gratifying, and States and conservation
organizations are cooperating to make the proposed plan a success. The Bio-
logical Survey will cooperate in furnishing information regarding the _ bio-
logical fitness of areas proposed for refuge purposes. The problem now is
so to sustain interest that these hopes for a supplemental refuge system may
be realized.

LAND ACQUISITION AND EXAMINATION ON OTHER REFUGES
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER REFUGE

Further acquisition of lands on the Upper Mississippi River Wild Life and
Fish Refuge have been delayed because owners of the relatively few land areas
remaining to be acquired are unwilling to agree to terms deemed equitable

20 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1932

by the Biological Survey. It has, therefore, become necessary in many cases
to resort to arbitrary condemnation proceedings, and greater progress is antici-
pated during the year to come. To date 112,452 acres have been purchased
within the refuge. In addition, areas included in ponds and sloughs and by
gifts and cessions of areas intermingled with purchased lands, bring the grand
total to 185,785 acres now under administration.

BEAR RIVER MIGRATORY BIRD REFUGE

The acquisition of lands for the Bear River (Utah) Migratory Bird Refuge
shows no change from the preceding year, though several exchanges are
pending and a few acquisitions of small consequence are contemplated. The
area under the jurisdiction of the Biological Survey at the end of the year
was 51,445 acres (later increased to 64,255 acres).

CHEYENNE BOTTOMS MIGRATORY BIRD REFUGE

Aside from cooperation with the solicitor in title examinations, there has
been no acquisition activity -this year on the proposed Cheyenne Bottoms
Migratory Bird Refuge, Kans. Negotiations for the acquisition of lands have
previously been conducted with ali the owners, but with few exceptions satis-
factory agreements could not be reached, the prices asked being greater than
those proposed by the Biological Survey. It is contemplated that condemnation
proceedings will be instituted here also to fix equitable prices.

LAKE MALHEUR RESERVATION

The field work and investigations begun last year to develop facts connected
with the pending Federal suit against the State of Oregon to determine land
ownership in the lake bed of the Lake Malheur Reservation for birds were
brought to a conclusion. In assembling the basic facts the Biological Survey
made a topographic survey of approximately 80,000 acres of the beds of Mal-
heur, Harney, and Mud Lakes and adjacent lands, and retraced several sets of
meander lines, aggregating 96 miles, originally laid down by the General Land
Office as the definition of the shores of Malheur Lake. The data gathered were
presented at the hearing held by the special master appointed by the United
States Supreme Court to take testimony in the case.

ADMINISTRATION OF NATIONAL WILD-LIFE RESERVATIONS

The wild-life reservations under the supervision of the Biological Survey, 100 |

in number, are mainly in continental United States, though Alaska, Hawaii, and
Puerto Rico are represented in the list. Six were established primarily as big-
game preserves (including the Jackson Hole, Wyo., winter refuge for elk) ;
Nunivak Island, Alaska, was reserved for experiments in the propagation and
crossing of reindeer and caribou; one reservation was established for muskrats
and beavers in Alaska; the others, including also the big-game preserves in the
United States, are for birds. Hight new refuges were established during the
year (p. 22).
BIG-GAME PRESERVES

To keep the herds of big game within the carrying capacity of the fenced
ranges and to obviate the expense of caring for unduly increasing numbers, it is
necessary every year or so to dispose of the surplus. Recognizing the educa-
tional value of exhibition animals, directors of local parks and zoological gar-
dens utilize some of the surplus stock. The disposal of such animals and other
preducts of wild-life reservations would be facilitated under the terms of a bill
now pending in Congress to broaden the powers of the department in this regard.

The numbers of big-game animals on the four Biological Survey preserves
where fenced herds are maintained, and the increases in certain species, are
given in Table 2. There was an increase in all species except mountain sheep,
the total for all being 1,458, compared with 1,205 for the previous year.

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 21

TasLE 2.—Animals on fenced big-game preserves maintained by the Bureau of
Biological Survey *

Young born in cal-
Deer endar year 1931?
} Moun- te
Preserve | Buf-) ay, [Ante-| "tain Total 2
| falo lope she oun
| ©P | White- |vrute Buf- |Ante-|"oi7
tailed falo | lope sheep
the bated xa pears (eed sae! ont eae
National Bison Range, Mont--.---- 507 | 4160 |_-_--- 44) 415 | 4104 830 924. oie 22
Wind Cave Game Preserve, S. Dak_| 194} 435 i oo 2 7 289 45 oe eer
Niobrara Reservation, Nebr_------- 154 | 4105 vet i|| ae PIN ee pe 278 | 30 Qu eweens =
Sullys Hill Game Preserve, N.Dak.| 16 | 430}: 7 |_---__- ree Lie 61 6 BULL iipas
Potali so Mwstoss ss Eee hss | 871 | 4330 75 44 427 | 4111 | 1, 458 173 22 22
| |

1 With the exception of young born, figures are for June 30, 1932.
2 Including estimates.

? Young of elk and deer omitted; only estimates could be made.
‘ Bstimated.

NATIONAL BISON RANGE

The mountain sheep at the National Bison Range, Mont., were seriously
reduced in numbers during the summer of 1931 by ravages of pneumonia among
the lambs, but all other big-game animals are thriving. Before the end of the
fiseal year 78 buffalo calves and 15 mountain-sheep lambs were born there.
The range was rather heavily infested with predatory animals, as evidenced
by the 65 coyotes and 3 wild eats taken by Biological Survey hunters. AS a
result of winter feeding, pheasants were unusually plentiful during the spring,
and the ducks that wintered at the preserve were especially benefited during
severe weather. Between 600 and 700 acres of the range were burned over by
a fire, started on June 27, it is believed, by sparks from a locomotive, and about
100 men were on the fire line for long hours during the height of the emergency.

WIND CAVE NATIONAL GAME PRESERVE

The severe drought experienced in the region of Wind Cave National Game
Preserve, S. Dak., during the spring and summer of 1931 permitted little forage
growth. During the winter it was necessary to supplement by purchase the
hay produced on the range. Abundant moisture and warm weather have this
year produced an excellent stand of forage.

Highteen surplus buffalo were sold for propagating purposes and one young
buffalo bull was transferred to Sullys Hill National Game Preserve, N. Dak.,
to introduce new blood into that herd. Predatory wild animals have been kept
under control, 37 coyotes and 3 bobcats having been taken by Biological Survey
hunters on the national park and adjacent areas. Sharp-tailed grouse and quail
gave evidence of a substantial increase in numbers.

SULLYS HILL NATIONAL GAME PRESERVE

Most of the big-game animals at Sullys Hill National Game Preserve, N. Dak.,
are in good condition, but there were 13 deaths among the antelope. The
preserve was visited during the year by 17,408 persons, with 3,370 automobiles.

NIOBRARA RESERVATION

An abundance of moisture during the spring and early summer was favorable
to the growth of forage for the game animals on Niobrara Reservation, Nebr.
Of 37 buffalo calves born, 8 died at birth and 1 was killed by predators.
During the past two years 76 coyotes and 3 bobcats have been taken, and,
though the reservation is now fairly well rid of them, they drift in occasionally
from the surrounding country. Bird life on the reservation is on the increase.
Upland plover, sharp-tailed grouse, prairie chickens, quail, and a few pairs of
pheasants have nested there, the upland plover extensively. Disposal of surplus
stock and products during the year included 16 buffalo and 16 elk, sold as meat,
and 814 tons of hay from the southern part, sold to ranchmen in the vicinity.

22 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1932

ELK REFUGH

The winter of 1931-32 on the Elk Refuge, in Jackson Hole, Wyo., was the
first in five years to have more than a normal snowfall, and conditions were
favorable for the count of the southern elk herd to which reference has already
been made on page 38. The first elk appeared on the refuge last season on
October 20. On January 3, after a heavy fall of snow, which was piled into:
drifts by high winds, refuge officials began the work of feeding the elk. Approxi-
mately 3,246 tons of hay were available on the refuge, and the State game
department had on hand approximately 740 tons stacked on adjacent ranches
and 200 tons of cottonseed cake. It was estimated that there were as many as:
8,400 elk on the feeding grounds at certain times during the winter. Feeding
continued until April 5, approximately 3,395 tons of hay and 150 tons of cotton-
seed cake being consumed. Many of the elk lingered late in spring, and early
in May it was necessary to drive them to adjacent foothills to protect the forage
crops for the coming winter.

It was estimated that 1,400 tons of hay would be harvested on the refuge in
the summer, though with only 591 tons on hand there will be 2,000 tons less
than at the beginning of the previous season. Hay must be purchased to have
enough for next winter’s requirements.

CHARLES SHELDON WILD LIFH REFUGE

The Charles Sheldon Wild Life Refuge now being established in Washoe
County, Nev., with the cooperation of the National Association of Audubon
Societies and the Boone and Crockett Club, is primarily of value as a summer
refuge for antelope and sage hens, and many other birds also find water and
sanctuary there. A protected winter range, as well as additional areas within
the summer range, are necessary if adequate measures are to be taken to
safeguard the antelope of this general region.

BIRD REFUGES
NEW HEFUGES ESTABLISHED

Hight wild-life refuges were established by the Bureau of Biological Survey
during the year, chiefly for the protection of migratory birds, as follows:
Swanquarter Migratory Bird Refuge, on Pamlico Sound, in Hyde County, N. C.,
8,829 acres; Locomotive Springs Migratory Bird Refuge, on the shores of Great
Salt Lake, Utah, 1,084 acres; Long Lake Migratory Bird Refuge, near Bis-
marck, N. Dak., 4,000 acres; Blackwater Migratory Bird Refuge, on the Big
and Little Blackwater Rivers, in Dorchester County, Md., 7,424 acres ; Chinsegut -
Hill Migratory Bird Refuge, Hernando County, Fla., 2,083 acres; Hutton Lake
Migratory Bird Refuge, 1,346 acres, in southeastern Wyoming; Bamforth Lake
Migratory Bird Refuge, 3,318 acres, in southeastern Wyoming; and Semidi
Islands Wild Life Refuge, Alaska, comprising nine named and a number of
unnamed islands.

REFUGES CLOSED TO SHOOTING

Because of the adverse conditions confronting wild fowl in 1931, former
orders of the Secretary of Agriculture, under which parts of eight Federal wild
life refuges had been open to public shooting, were revoked and the refuges
given the status of inviolate sanctuaries. In view of the vitally urgent need
for establishing such sanctuaries at strategic points throughout the United
States, the Biological Survey is of the opinion that these eight refuges should
remain closed to shooting. The Advisory Board, Migratory Bird Treaty Act,
at its meeting early in July, 1932, also strongly recommended the policy of
maintaining them as inviolate sanctuaries.

BIG LAKE RESERVATION

At Big Lake Reservation, Ark., the newly constructed ditch from the north
end to the main lake has greatly improved conditions in periods of low water.
Wood ducks and hooded mergansers again bred on the refuge, but in reduced
numbers, since drought conditions of the preceding year had prevented them
from raising broods there. Large flocks of mallards, pintails, scaups, ringnecks,

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 23

and other ducks enjoyed the protection afforded by the refuge during the
winter, and most of them remained in the vicinity until late in spring. The
reservation boundaries have been redefined and surveyed and new signs posted.

LAKE MALHEUB RESERVATION

At the beginning of the year Lake Malheur Reservation, Oreg., was entirely
dry except for a small area on the southern border. The lake bed was crossed
by horsemen and automobiles; horses, cattle, and sheep grazed there; and on
6,000 to 8,000 acres farmers of the region had raised and harvested grain. The
drying up of the lake disclosed the skeletons of hundreds of buffalo, elk, and
grizzly bears, long buried from sight. After the harvest the grain-stubble areas
furnished the only source of food for thousands of geese and other birds.

Early fall rains started water flowing into the lake in sufficient quantity to
spread over its dry bed. At the time of the fall migration, the shallow-water
areas in the stubble fields became a mass of working birds. Though the birds
arrived in poor condition the loss at the refuge was not heavy. Swans appeared
to suffer more than other waterfowl. In the spring and early summer of 1932,
water from the Blitzen River spread over a large area, resulting in a heavy
growth of vegetation with an abundance of food, and many birds nested there.

NINE PIPE AND PABLO BIRD RESERVATIONS

At the Nine Pipe and Pablo Reservations in Montana, ducks and geese con-
gregated extensively during the hunting season, and temporary patrol service
was maintained. Later, when snow became so deep that natural food could
not be obtained by the birds, a number of feeding stations were established,
supplied with some 3 tons of wheat and barley by the State game commission.
The feeding operations were conducted under the direction of a representative
of the Biological Survey, and cooperation was given by local sportsmen and
farmers,

BLACKBEARD ISLAND RESERVATION

There has been a noticeable increase in birds and deer on Blackbeard Island
Reservation, Ga., and under the adequate patrol maintained, no violations
of the law protecting them have occurred. This island is of value historically
and is an important link in the system of national wild-life refuges now being
established. Its importance is enhanced by its location in a coastal region
where suitable areas are either not obtainable or too expensive for acquisi-
tion with the limited funds available. A bill introduced in Congress would
transfer jurisdiction to county authorities for recreational and other uses.
Elimination of the area from the Federal wild-life refuge system, however,
would be a Serious setback to the conservation program.

CLEAR LAKE RESERVATION

At Clear Lake Reservation, Calif., there were large numbers of young of
ducks and geese, as well as of pelicans, California and ring-billed gulls,
Caspian terns, and blue herons. The vicinity of this reservation was invaded
late in June by the white-lined sphinx caterpillar (Celerio lineata), which
for a time threatened the 800 acres of rye being grown by local farmers within
the reservation. The caterpillars were first observed after a large number
of gulls were seen hovering over a field near the lake. Investigation dis-
closed that the birds were feeding extensively on the caterpillars and were
also carrying them to their young at their colony on the refuge. The gulls
so held the invasion in check that not over 5 acres of the rye were destroyed.

TULH LAKE BIRD REFUGE

More geese and ducks nested in the vicinity of Tule Lake Bird Refuge,
Calif., last season than for many years past, and a substantial increase in the
hatch is reported. Conditions for birds have been improved since the com-
pletion of a dike on the east side of the reservation, which has maintained
the waters of the lake at a level 1 foot higher than before.

Rescue operations conducted at the Tule Lake Refuge during and follow-
ing the 1931 hunting season resulted in the recovery of 1,865 crippled and

24 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1932

1,359 mortally wounded waterfowl that had sought refuge from gunners.
The crippled birds—including 1,173 ducks, mostly pintails, and 685 geese,
mostly Hutchins’s and cackling—were cared for in pens, where 70 per cent
of the ducks and 90 per cent of the geese recovered. ‘These were either
released or turned over to parks and zoos for exhibition and breeding pur-
poses. The mortally wounded birds were given to local charitable organiza-
tions for food.

UPPER KLAMATH WILD LIFE REFUGE

A large part of Upper Klamath Wild Life Refuge, Oreg., has been under
water, and conditions were favorable for nesting and rearing the young
there this year. Ducks and geese were hatched in greater numbers than in
the previous season.

CRESCENT LAKE MIGRATORY BIRD REFUGE

Crescent Lake Migratory Bird Refuge, an area of approximately 39,000
aeres in Garden County, Nebr., is considered of outstanding importance in
the game-bird refuge program. It is in the famous sand-hill region, a favorite
nesting area for ducks and other migratory birds, and contains numerous
lakes, ponds, and potholes free from alkali and contamination. The principal
ducks nesting there this year were the blue-winged teal and gadwalls, with
smaller numbers of mallards, redheads, widgeons, spoonbills, pintails, and
ruddy ducks. Long-billed curlews nested there in large numbers, and avocets
were found in two large colonies. Prairie chickens are on the increase, and
the refuge is also frequented by ring-necked pheasants and by geese, snipe,
willets, terns, herons, and grebes. In addition the area has been visited by
antelope, which range in the sand hills to the southward.

Soon after the lands on this refuge had been acquired, an irrigation district
sought permission to drain the lakes and use the water on a reclamation project.
Vigorous protest, however, was made by the Bureau of Biological Survey, with
the cooperation of the Game, Forestation, and Parks Commission of Nebraska;
and the State department of public works dismissed the application, on the
ground that it ‘‘ would be detrimental to the public welfare.’ This decision
removed a serious threat to the refuge and should have a profound influence
in preserving similar places. Ill-advised drainage has destroyed other sanctuary
areas, done irreparable injury to their wild-life resources, and frequently has
injured agriculture.

CAPE ROMAIN MIGRATORY BIRD REFUGE

The Cape Romain Migratory Bird Refuge, S. C., comprises numerous salt-
marsh islands extending some 20 miles along the coast in Charleston County.
Within its limits large numbers of royal and least terns, black skimmers, little
blue and other herons, brown pelicans and oyster catchers, willets and a few
other species of shore birds, nest, as well as grebes, gulls, and other nongame
and insectivorous species. Ducks of many species and curlews also rest and
feed in the area during their southern sojourn. The practice of destroying the
eggs of sea turtles, which lay extensively along many of the beaches of the
refuge, as do also diamond-backed terrapins, has been stopped. By proclamation
of the President, under the migratory bird treaty act, all navigable waters
within the refuge boundaries have been closed to the hunting of wild ducks and
other migratory birds.

ST. MARKS MIGRATORY BIRD REFUGE

During the winter and early spring many more ducks and geese were using
the waters and shores around the St. Marks Migratory Bird Refuge, on the Gulf
coast of Florida, than in previous years, and some lingered there until late in
April. The construction of a fireguard along the most exposed portion of the
northern boundary and the vigilant fire patrol maintained during early spring
and summer had a marked effect in increasing the numbers of birds nesting on
the refuge. Wild turkeys and quail are found in upland parts, and deer, rac-
coons, and otters are fairly numerous. To prevent molestation of birds resting
on the shores of the refuge, the St. Marks River east of the main channel and
offshore areas of the Gulf were closed to game-bird hunting by a proclamation of
the President, under the migratory bird treaty act.

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 25

BLACKWATER MIGRATORY BIRD REFUGE

Blackwater Migratory Bird Refuge, in Dorchester County, Md., held under
lease, was placed under administration in February. It comprises both marsh
and high land and thus is suited to both waterfowl and upland birds. Studies
of nesting ducks and their enemies showed that fish crows destroyed 35 per cent
of the nests, despite control operations that somewhat reduced their numbers.
Studies are being made to determine the feasibility of planting cover around
wind-swept ponds, and introducing duck-food plants in favorable waters. Ade-
quate fire control has been planned to reduce marsh fires to the minimum.
This refuge is frequented in winter by large numbers of waterfowl, including
geese and swans and such ducks as the teal, mallard, pintail, baldpate, and
widgeon. Among the birds that breed there are black ducks, blue-winged teal,
bitterns, rails, and great blue, little blue, and night herons,

BEAR RIVER MIGRATORY BIRD REFUGE

The necessary dikes at Bear River (Utah) Migratory Bird Refuge were
completed in the summer of 1931. Since then the tops of the dikes have been
graded and leveled, so that it is now possible to patrol and inspect the refuge
by automobile.

Owing to drought conditions throughout the country there was a noticeable
searcity of waterfowl on the refuge during the summer and fall of 1931. The
flocding of this area to the extent of the water available brought a consider-
able concentration of ducks, geese, and other water birds, but their numbers
were far below normal. The winter of 1931-82 brought much snow and as a
result there was ample water and for weeks Bear River overflowed its banks
and flooded a large area north of the dikes, making it possible to fill all units of
the refuge and to flood large areas south of the dikes. The dikes have provided
nesting grounds for avocets, stilts, killdeers, and other birds of similar habits.
Ducks are utilizing for nesting such dikes as have produced cover, and appar-
ently increased numbers nested along high ground adjacent to Bear River.
Canada geese did not nest so extensively on the refuge proper as in near-by
_areas, but they used the refuge as a feeding ground and place to rear their
young. The Bear River refuge bids fair to become one of the most important
wild-life reservations in the country.

Vegetation is spreading with remarkable rapidity over what were formerly
barren mud flats, and an abundant supply of food is available for the ducks
this year. Through the cooperation of the forestry division of the Utah Agri-
cultural College experimental planting of trees to provide windbreaks and hold
the dikes was begun and more than 900 plantings were made. Boundaries of
the refuge have been surveyed and marked.

_ The refuge could not be placed under administration during the year, and

the entire area was open to public shooting for the 1-month season of October,

1931. A careful check showed that 968 hunters visited the area, that 3,672
ducks and 205 geese were taken, and that few violations of the migratory-bird
treaty act regulations occurred.

UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER WILD LIFE AND FISH REFUGE

__ Areas closed to shooting on the Upper Mississippi River Wild Life and Fish

Refuge, in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois, were considerably en-
larged. Boundaries have been straightened where possible to solidify admin-
istrative units, and these have been posted. Signs have been erected where the
main river and large meandered sloughs form natural boundaries, and fire-
warning signs have been placed along roads and trails and at other points
visited by the public.

Following the drought of 1931 and during the hunting season of that year
_the water stage was low. Lakes, sloughs, and ponds formerly visited by water-
fowl in many instances completely dried up and were deserted by the birds.
_ After the hunting season had closed a heavy rainfall, combined with the release
of water from Hastings Dam, about 50 miles above the refuge, raised the river
stage to levels favorable to waterfowl, refilled numerous lakes and ponds, and
inundated bottom-land meadows and woodland. As a result mallards and other
waterfowl visited the refuge in their southward migration and remained
throughout the winter in substantial numbers in the area between Bellevue.
Owa, and Savanna, Ill. Additional heavy precipitation late in winter and early
in spring raised and maintained the water levels at stages that were nearly ideal

26 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1932

for waterfowl. As a Consequence more ducks used the refuge on their north-
ward migration than at any time recorded in recent years. The peak of the
migration occurred ‘about the 1st of April, and the unusual concentration of
ducks at that time was a matter of general comment throughout the length
of the refuge. ;

The only public trapping of fur animals permitted on the refuge was that
of muskrats in Wisconsin and Minnesota, where a fair catch was obtained.

Though the fire hazard was greatly reduced by the relatively high water
prevailing in the river bottoms in spring, eight fires occurred, burning over
areas aggregating 382 acres. Fire-fighting equipment has been augmented at
strategic points.
Six hundred native trees and shrubs that produce food for birds and game
have been planted in suitable places, and during the spring 100 acres were
planted to corn, buckwheat, and other grains attractive to birds and game.

During the latter part of the winter a heavy blanket of snow threatened
starvation to pheasants, quail, and other upland birds in northern parts of the
refuge in Minnesota. The situation was met by placing inexpensive wooden
feed boxes of the hopper type at advantageous points and keeping them sup-
plied with grains and grit and protected from drifting snow. The favorable
local publicity given this activity aroused such general interest that State and
local conservation organizations conducted similar feeding operations not only
in the general refuge area but also farther north in the State.

ADMINISTRATION OF WILD-LIFE CONSERVATION LAWS

Federal statutes administered by the Bureau of Biological Survey and hav-
ing to do with wild-life protection include the migratory bird treaty act of 1918,
protecting birds that migrate between the United States and Canada; the Lacey
Act of 1900, pertaining to interstate shipments and importations of wild birds
and mammals; laws affecting certain Federal wild-life reservations; and the
Alaska game law of 1925, administered through the Alaska Game Commission.

At present there are 25 United States game protectors in the permanent field
force engaged in enforcing the migratory bird treaty act and the Lacey Act.
This is smaller than the force of many State game departments and should be
sufficiently increased to administer these laws adequately. The Federal game
protectors are not only law-enforcement officers—they are also constantly assist-
ing game conservation in an educational way. In this they were aided by
publications of the department issued during the year containing summaries of
Federal and State game and fur laws (including a poster on open seasons), lists
of officials of State commissions and of organizations concerned with the-protec-
tion of wild life, and information issued by the Biological Survey through the
press and radio.

RESTRICTING THE KILL OF WATERFOWL

The drought of previous years, discussed in some detail in the report for
1931, vitally affected the supply of migratory waterfowl on their northern
breeding grounds and was of such far-reaching effect that it became necessary
to limit the 1931 fall hunting season throughout the country to a single month.
The seriousness of the situation was brought to the attention of the public in
August through a proclamation of the President, appealing to sportsmen and
others to encourage the observance of the regulations. It is believed that the
law was generally observed in good spirit by the masses of sportsmen. Cer-
tainly it contributed materially to conservation of the breeding stock. It has
been estimated that the kill of waterfowl generally throughout the country
during the 1-month season was less than 50 per cent of the previous year.
Many sportsmen elected to forego hunting during the short open season in aid
of the continuance and preservation of the sport. Because of the interest of
sportsmen in seeing that the regulations were respected, the game protectors of
the bureau were enabled to apprehend many persons who otherwise might have
escaped punishment for unlawful acts.

To advise the Secretary on matters connected with the adoption of wild-fowl
hunting regulations the Advisory Board, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, was reor-
ganized during the year, with 19 members, so selected as to be more representa-
tive of the various regions of the country. On July 8, after the close of the
year here reported upon, the board met in Washington and considered recom-
mendations for changes in the regulations, under which the hunting season
would be lengthened for the fall and winter of 1932.

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY Vz

It is of interest to record that an international agreement having purposes
similar to those of the convention for the protection of birds that migrate
between Canada and the United States, was entered into during the year
between Sweden and Denmark. It is gratifying that international protection of
migratory birds, which has been so satisfactory here, is being invoked across
the Atlantic also.

VIOLATIONS OF FEDERAL PROTECTIVE LAWS, AND PENALTIES
MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT CASES

This year registered a slight decrease in the number of migratory bird treaty
act cases reported for prosecution. Disposal of cases during the year is shown
in Table 3. In 90 cases, because of lack of evidence, youthfulness of the
accused, or other satisfactory reasons, action was not recommended. Fines and
costs ranging from $1 to $300 and aggregating $5,802.75 were imposed by the
Federal courts, jail sentences of 1 day to 6 months were imposed in 12 cases,
and 9 defendants were placed on probation for 6 months to 2 years. Sentence
was suspended in 48 cases; fines were suspended in 6; and jail sentences in 4.

TABLE 3.—Cases of violation of the migratory-bird treaty act disposed of during
the fiscal year, and cases still pending June 30, 1932

Cases disposed of Number Cases pending Number
Gornwvictions=s =~ eee. be eens 316 | Pending from former year_______-______- 382
IDISINISSAIS See aL Le sek Ree G5y |New eases? 28 sf. _ nee Sate ey 5" 410
Werdictsiofinot guilty. -- -.. .-2-_-=-+_ 3... 8 a
AON SOU eee 7 PU OLR a ein fe eam SMI OR 792
Nolle-prossettt @ 25) £23222 23. Ht 34
Deaphtof aecusedecs 8 se Lest = foB IA Disposed: Ofs22s = 2i42 se ee as 426

bi iO HF epg I 2 it aot = cappella Ee 426 | Pending at end of year_________________- 366

Migratory game birds of an estimated value of $1,200 were seized, and such
as could be utilized for food were donated to hospitals and other public
charitable institutions.

An outstanding violation successfully prosecuted during the year involved
the possession and transportation in Illinois during the close season of more
than 500 ducks by three hunters, two of whom in previous years had been
apprehended and prosecuted in Federal court for other violations of the
migratory bird treaty act. The dead birds were seized for use as evidence.
The United States commissioner before whom the defendants were arraigned
fixed bonds. at $5,000 each. In Federal court one of the defendants plead
guilty and was fined $300 and sentenced to six months in jail. The cases
against the other two defendants were pending at the close of the year.

Among other defendants successfully prosecuted were five in Louisiana,
sentenced to 30 days in jail for possessing ducks in close season, and one in
Tennessee, fined $100 for hunting coots from a motor boat.

UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER REFUGE CASES

Bleven new cases of violation of the Upper Mississippi River Wild Life and
Fish Refuge act were submitted for prosecution. Seven of these were termi-
nated, 2 by fines, 4 by jail sentences of 5 to 10 days, and 1 by a suspended
fine and probation for 1 year. Five other cases reported previously were also
terminated by the imposition of fines, which with costs aggregated $256.64.
Thirteen persons were apprehended by reservation rangers on this refuge for
violating State game and fish laws, and all were prosecuted; the fines imposed
in 12 cases totaled $679, and in 1 case the defendant was sentenced to 60 days
in jail. One defendant appealed.

INTERSTATE COMMERCE IN WILD BIRDS AND MAMMALS

Extensive field inspections under the Lacey Act, regulating the interstate
shipment by common carrier of dead bodies or parts thereof of wild birds
and mammals, were conducied at receiving centers in 15 States. Many of the
investigations relating to particular shipments were made in cooperation with

28 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1932

the States in response to requests received from game commissions, and some
resulted in the discovery of violations pertaining to the illegal traffic in
fur-animal pelts.

Prosecutions for violation of the Lacey Act are based mainly upon infrac-
tions of State law. Information pertaining to shipments that contained skins
of animals illegally taken or transported was submitted to 88 States, and the
returns received, covering prosecution in State court of 147 cases, on informa-
tion originally so furnished, disclosed fines aggregating $3,874.90, and costs of
$896.25. Two violators were given jail sentences of 80 days each.

Evidence in connection with 418 violations of State game laws, involving
all classes of offenses other than interstate shipments of skins of fur animals,
was furnished to the game departments of 28 States. As a result of prosecu-
tion of these offenders in State courts fines and costs aggregating $13,466.72
were imposed. Four defendants were given suspended sentences. Nineteen
persons found guilty were required to serve jail sentences ranging from 10
days to 6 months each.

PERMITS ISSUED TO POSSESS MIGRATORY BIRDS

Under regulations 8 and 9 of the migratory bird treaty act regulations, provi-
sion is made for the issuance of permits to take, possess, buy, sell, exchange,
and transport migratory waterfow! for propagation; and to take, possess, buy,
sell, exchange, and transport migratory game and nongame birds for scientific
purposes. The number of such permits outstanding at the close of the year,
including permits issued during the year, was as follows: Scientific collecting,
2,209; scientific possession, including taxidermist, 489; special scientific posses-
sion, 1,119; bird banding, 2,264; propagating (possession and sale), 4,404;
taking for propagation, 112.

Reports submitted by permittees covering activities conducted during the
calendar year 1931 show 66,620 wild ducks raised in captivity, of which 65,533
were mallards and black ducks, and the others mainly teals, redheads, gadwalls,
canvasbacks, scaups, shovellers, and baldpates. The number of wild geese raised
during the year was 5,148, an increase of 157 over last year. Migratory birds
propagated and reported sold during the year included 9,483 ducks and 105
geese for food and 12,473 ducks and 3,229 geese for propagation.

A 3h _ IMPORTATIONS OF FOREIGN SPECIES

Notwithstanding the general depression during the past year, the total num-
ber of foreign birds imported was well over half a million. This, however,
represents a decrease of about 21 per cent from the previous year and about
37 per cent from 1930, the year of maximum imports. On account of reduced
funds, there was a decreased demand for game birds, such as quail and Hun-
garian partridges for restocking, and for cage birds for zoological gardens and
private aviaries. Among other factors in the decrease were restrictions on
importation of parrots and high export duties on Mexican quail.

The number of importation permits issued during the year was 1,150, a
decrease of 79 from that of the preceding year, and the shipments inspected at
various ports of entry decreased from 502 to 407. In addition 10 permits were
issued at Honolulu, Hawaii, for the entry of 83 miscellaneous birds. The total
number of foreign birds imported was 518,330, of which 5,328 were without
permit, many of them being brought in under declaration of passengers’ bag-
gage. Importations under permit comprised 416,389 canaries, 17,602 parrots,
39,131 quail, and 39,880 miscellaneous species. These figures represent a de-
crease of 109,040 canaries, 20,905 parrots, 581 Mexican quail, and 12,512 miscel-
laneous birds from corresponding figures of the previous year.

BEARS

As indicated in the last annual report, the importation of bears continues
to show a decided increase—in 1930 permits were issued for 102; in 1931, for
170; and during the past year, for 190. Most of the entries were black bears
for exhibition or as pets, brought in from Canada when only a few months old.
Importations this year were consigned mainly to the New England and Middle
States, with a few to Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Virginia.
The largest importations were made to New Jersey (113) and Pennsylvania
(15), chiefly to dealers. Shipment to these points indicates that the bears cam
thus be obtained more easily or cheaply than from local sources.

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 29

MONKEYS

More than half the 6,171 monkeys imported during the year, most of them
arriving at New York, were rhesus monkeys from India, which are utilized
largely for laboratory experimental purposes and for exhibition. The largest
shipment contained 509, and there were several of 250 or more. There were
also a number of monkeys brought in from the Philippines and from Java.
Anthropoid apes were represented by chimpanzees and gibbons, and Old World
baboons by chacma, golden, hamadryas, Rhodesian, and sphinx baboons.
Among interesting species of American monkeys were marmosets, capuchins,
ringtails, the wholly monkey, and the saki.

MEXICAN QUAIL

Comparatively few quail were received from Mexico this year, notwithstand-
ing the fact that the authorities granted concessions for the export of 130,000.
Six concessionaires operated under Mexican permits (4 at Laredo, 1 at Browns-
ville, and 1 at Eagle Pass), and the total number of birds entered was 389,131,
or about 600 less than in 1931. More than five-sixths of the total number were
entered at Laredo, 4,025 at Brownsville, and 1,400 at Eagle Pass. Most of the
birds were shipped to five States: Pennsylvania, 12,205; Kansas, 7,736; Ten-
nessee, 5,505; Texas, 5,442; and Mississippi, 2,869. Various other States re
ceived small shipments, totaling about 5,300. No case of quail disease was
reported in any of the imported birds. The total number imported from
Mexico during the 21 years that quail have been admitted under permit is
approximately 692,000.

HUNGARIAN PARTRIDGES

Entries of Hungarian partridges for the year numbered approximately 6,615,
a decrease from last year, due chiefly to lack of funds for purchase by game
commissions and associations and also to the difficulty in procuring breeding
stock in certain European countries. High prices too have tended to diminish
importations, though the birds are in great favor in some sections. For the 19
years for which figures are available, about 270,000 partridges have been
imported—less than half the number of quail brought from Mexico in 21 years.
Quail and partridges are used for restocking different regions—quail mostly in
the South, and partridges in the Northwest and in a few of the Northern States.

FLAMINGOES FROM CUBA

The importation of certain birds from Cuba, including about 100 flamingoes,
which are specially protected under Cuban law, has been the subject of much
correspondence during the past year. Importers, especially in Florida, seem to
be desirous of obtaining flamingoes, notwithstanding the fact that before they
can be captured and exported a permit must be obtained from the Cuban authori-
ties, a certificate from the United States consul at Habana, and in some cases a
permit from the States to which consigned. Most of the entries were made at
ports in southern Florida or at New York. Unfortunately, few of the imported
birds are shipped to sections where they have any chance of maintaining them-
selves under natural conditions. Originally they were found only in the ex-
treme southern part of Florida, chiefly in the Cape Sable section. Most of
them are intended merely for exhibition and are kept in captivity under condi-
tions that are unfavorable for longevity. So far as known no American
flamingoes have ever bred in captivity in this country.

CAGE BIRDS

Importations of canaries were rather irregular and declined about 109,000,
notwithstanding artificial stimulus to the trade through importations of a large
number of cheap canaries brought in for the holiday trade and sold at reduced
prices. The total number for the year was 417,684.

The numbers of parrots and parrakeets imported during the fiscal years 1930
and 1931 were 69,673 and 38,595, respectively. The number imported in 1932
was 20,167, of which 3,115 were parrots and 17,052 parrakeets. Fifty species
were represented, of which 7 were cockatoos, 6 macaws, 5 Amazons, 5 Platycer-
cus, and 3 Trichoglossus. The genera of parrakeets represented were Agapornis,
183; Brotogerys, 467; Eupsittula, 28; Melopsittacus, 10,063; Neophema, 4; Neo-
nanodes, 5; Pionites, 2; Psittacula, 367. The species represented by the largest

30 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1932

number was Melopsittacus undulatus, 10,063; Amazona auropalliata, 400; and
Psittacula p. vivida, 363. Species represented by more than 50 individuals were
Agapornis lilianae, 67; Trichoglossus novaehollandiae, 80; and Agapornis ni-
grigenis, 54. One of the largest collections in the United States, that in the
New York Zoological Park, now has about 80 species on exhibition, which, how-
ever, is a little less than half of those ever imported in the United States;
of these, only 50 represent species imported this year.

RARE BIRDS

Among the more noteworthy of the rare birds imported during the year may
be mentioned the buff-winged trumpeter (Psophia ochroptera), from Brazil;
5 elegant grass parrakeets (Neonanodes elegans), from Australia; 11 Fiji
Island pigeons (Columba vitiensis) ; 85 bleeding-heart doves (Gallicolumba
crinigera), from the Philippines; 4 tanagers (3 Calospiza desmaresti and 1
C. atricapilla), from Venezuela; and birds of paradise of three genera—
Emperor of Germany (Paradisaea gulielmi), Lord Rothschild (Astrapia roth-
schildi), and the long-tailed superb bird of paradise (Lophornis superba lati-
pennis). Mention may also be made of the fact that 16 species of birds of
paradise were on exhibition in New York in December, 1931.

CONSERVATION OF ALASKAN WILD LIFE

Administration of the Alaska game law has been facilitated by the amend-
ments to the law passed in 1981, and the law as amended is making for satisfac-
tory progress in the conservation of the great game resources of the Territory.
In an effort to afford relief to the trappers, who in recent seasons have suffered
hardships because of low prices and scarcity of other furs, an open season
on beaver was continued in five of the eight districts of the Territory. A bag
limit of 15 a séason was set, except in district 7, where it was restricted to
10. Three districts remain closed—No, 1 (southeastern Alaska), No. 3 (Alaska
Peninsula and Kodiak Island group), and No. 8 (the Arctic drainage). An
open season on marten, with a bag limit of 10, is provided in district 7 (the
Fort Yukon region).

In addition to lengthening slightly the seasons on fox, lynx, mink, land otter,
and weasel in district 2 (including the drainage to Prince William Sound and
Cook Inlet), adjustments were made in the open seasons on muskrats in all
districts to conform better to climatic conditions. In the realignment of the
fur districts last year a uniform season was prescribed for muskrats, with the
realization that later changes would be necessary, to be based on the best
information obtainable by investigation and from trappers and local residents
of the various sections.

For the conservation of moose, a closed area was established in the Skilak
Lake and Kenai River region of the Kenai Peninsula, west of the Chickaloon
River. To protect the herd of buffalo that was transplanted in the Territory.
an area between the Richardson Highway and the Delta River was closed to all
hunting. Mountain sheep were further protected by reducing the season limit
on the Kenai Peninsula for nonresidents from two rams to one.

There was much agitation during the year for the establishment of a national
park on Admiralty Island in the Tongass National Forest of southeastern
Alaska to provide a sanctuary for large brown and grizzly bears. Extensive
hearings on the subject were held by the Senate Special Committee on Con-
servation of Wild Life Resources. The committee approved plans that had
been developed through cooperation of the Forest Service, the Bureau of Biologi-
cal Survey, and the Alaska Game Commission for investigating the status of
bears on Admiralty Island as the basis for a game-management plan to be
coordinated with contemplated timber operations, with a view to maintaining
the bear population at the productive capacity of the island. At the close of
the year plans were well under way for proceeding with this program.

Further protection is also contemplated for big brown bears by the extension
of the Glacier Bay National Monument closed area to include lands in the
vicinity of the monument.

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 19382