Historic, archived document Do not assume content reflects current scientific knowledge, policies, or practices. | TE A ene ta et EAN et RN AN a RCA ROR A RE et YA Sm NERO 1959= 40 U.S.BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SU Report of the chief, Pia aik¥ gi © UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE LIBRARY BOOK NUMBER pt oe tae iw a COP ae a a ee ; 4 £ @F ms —— F Report of the Chief --=\-5 | of the odeaee ) : rricuiure H : Bureau of Biological Survey— aod 1939 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF THE BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY, 1939 Unitep Sratres DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Bureav or BrotocicaL SurVEY, Washington, D. C., August 31, 1939. Hon. Henry A. WALLACE, Secretary of Agriculture. Dear Mr. Secretary: I present herewith the report of the Bureau of Biological Survey for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1939, the last of its series of 54 annual reports as a unit of the Department of Agriculture. Sincerely yours, Ira N. Gaprietson, Chief. CONTENTS Page | Restoration of wildlife habitat—Contd. Page introduction se Stee eee rahe Ne eS 8 eae 2 Cooperation of Works Progress Administra- Federal ald to States. ..2 Sees 2 DMM ee eet eee Rg ee yee 46 National wildlife refuges___________________- 2 National Youth Administration assistance_- 47 Patuxent Research Refuge___.______________ 3 Engineering work on refuges_______________- 48 Other features of the year__________________. 3 Biological development of national wildlife Dissemination of wildlife information_______ 6 mequmes 22. WSR ase ow UES oy 0539 Faas 49 Mundsiavallaplie eee. Joe Cee 6 | Maintenance and operation of national wild- Orcanizationesaresues eS ae 6 lifeirehuseses: See eae re Ce I 8 50 Research on the status and management of wild- ING wahel ges ea. = Je ae ee eee 50 [foes ee, Seeeee ee eee ne Beis Mee ia Conditions on bird refuges_____-____________- 51 IMioTALOnVWwateriOwit == = =5)- ey 7 Basement refuges: 22-054 «fe si.d 5 eds ee 53 Banding game and other birds______________ 12 Conditions on game preserves_______-______ 54 Records of distribution and migration _____ 14 Economic uses of refuges___.________________ 56 Wildlife relationships to forest and range__- 14 Recreationalsuses#= 3 oo) Ete Ua 57 Biological research on wildlife refuges______- 16 | Wildlife-conservation laws administered______ 58 Wildlife-management research_____________- 16 Resulatory, action= eee pee ee Se 58 Biological surveys and faunal research__-____ 20 Work of game management agents__________ 59 Economic research on wildlife________________ 21 Apprehension of violators___.__________-____ 60 Waterfowl-management investigations______ 21 Court action on baiting case_._.__-_._____... 62 Mosquito contro] in wildlife habitat_______- 23 | Importation and other permits issued________ 63 Laboratory research in food habits__________ 24 Speciesiexclid edetsseww see eT eee 63 Cooperative food habits research___________ 25 Species entered under permit______________- 63 Field investigations of migratory game birds_ 27 Permits under the Migratory Bird Treaty Studies of nutrition of upland game birds____ 27 ING} BR ee SR Be eh 2 a A FO SP ee ee 66 Field studies of injurious birds and mammals_ 27 | Cooperative predator and rodent control______ 66 Researchuinm fur produchon. 25-303 oe 28 Control of predatory animals________________ 67 Present conditions in fur production and the Control of injurious rodents_________.._____- 69 (Wiehe) Cat AS ees Se ey aren a 28 Supply depot and laboratory____._-._______- 71 Cooperative research on fur animals________ 29 | Research in control methods__________________ 71 Fur Animal Experiment Station, N. Y____- 31 Rodent control and forest regeneration___-- 71 Rabbit Experiment Station, Calif_________. 32 Studies of meadow and pine mice___________ 72 Fur Animal Field Station, Md_____________ 33 Toxicity and fumigant investigations______ 72 Research in wildlife-disease control___________ 33 | Wildlife conservation in Alaska______________- 72 Huraniumalaiseases 2.22.22) 222 33 Chaneesan reculations=-- ee ee 72 Ganve-picddiseases.- 9... 22 ee) 34 dmawentorcements - 92 25 lesn eer e re Yeates 72 Federal aid in wildlife restoration_____________ 35 Wildlife-restocking projects__._.__-__------- 74 Refuge-land acquisition_______________________ 40 Predator Control tsetse Nl eS 74 Restoration of wildlife habitat by refuge de- Research on Alaskan wildlife____________--- 74 welepmlenys testis ilt sb) i Jet 44 Civilian Conservation Corps cooperation__- 45 i The Bureau of Biological Survey was transferred to the Department of the Interior, effective July 1, 1939 (Public Res., No. 20, 76th Cong.—approved June 7, 1939), in accord- ance with the President’s Reorganization Plan No. TI, submitted to the Congress on May 9, 1939, pursuant to the provisions of the Reorganization Act of 19389 (Public, No. 19, 76th Cong.—approved April 3, 1939). This organization was established for wildlite research in the Department of Agriculture on July 1, 1885, as the Section of Economic Ornithology, Division of Entomology; the following year it became the Division of Economic Ornithology and Mammalogy (abbreviated in 1891 to Division of Ornithology and Mammalogy) ; on July 1, 1896, it was designated the Division of Biological Survey, and § years later the Bureau of Biological Survey. 188498—39. 1 if 2 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1939 INTRODUCTION The work of the Bureau of Biological Survey was signalized dur- ing the fiscal year 1939 by the beginning of operations under the Pittman-Robertson Act of 1937 (50 Stat. 917), which authorizes financial aid to the States in their wildlife-restoration projects; by substantial progress in the waterfowl-restoration program, through the establishment, reconditioning, and development of national wild- life refuges and their increased value to migratory birds; and by the dedication of a national wildlife-research refuge on the Patuxent River, within a short distance of the National Capital—the first national wildlife experiment station of a general nature. FEDERAL AID TO STATES The Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Act, which became effec- tive on July 1, 1938, authorized operating appropriations of not to exceed the annual revenue from the 10-percent tax on sporting arms and ammunition. Collections from this tax for the fiscal year 1939 have thus far totaled $2,976,019. The initial appropriation to the Bureau was $1,000,000, to be matched by about $800,000 of State funds; and for the coming fiscal year $1,500,000 has been appro- priated. The act requires the States to submit full information re- garding their proposed wildlife-restoration projects and, following approval by the Chief of the Biological Survey, acting for the Secre- tary, to complete them in an acceptable manner. The States will pay not less than 25 percent of the cost of projects that are approved and the United States not to exceed 75 percent. At the close of the first year, 42 States had enacted the required assenting legislation, 1 had a similar bill pending, and 5 remained ineligible; 37 States had proposed approvable projects. The wide variety of well-considered plans already submitted attests the earnest desive of State conservation authorities to advance the cause of wild- life restoration effectively. The Pittman-Robertson Act has been termed one of the most beneficial measures adopted in recent years for wildlife conservation, probably the most constructive in its class since the passage of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES The number of national wildlife refuges under the jurisdiction of the Survey reached a total of 260, with an acreage of 13,530,160, an increase of 12 refuges and of nearly 2,000,000 acres. The year saw the major engineering developments completed on many of the 1934+ 36 acquisition units, so that these additions to the refuge system are now for the first time fully demonstrating their value in the wildlife- restoration program. Attracted by the improved habitat provided, waterfowl and other migratory birds, as well as resident species, are visiting these sanctuaries in ever-increasing numbers, and on many units species long absent or previously unknown there are becom- ing established as part of the nesting population. The biological reconditioning and the engineering development of both the new and the older refuges are proceeding satisfactorily, the work being fur- thered by the aid of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Works Progress Administration, and the National Youth Administration. BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 3 PATUXENT RESEARCH REFUGE The dedication of the Patuxent Research Refuge, Md., on June 3 by the Secretary of Agriculture is significant in its promise of future improvements in wildlife-management practices. There is now available close to the seat of the Government an extensive tract con- taining forests, streams, and ponds on which qualified biologists can study wildlife and its needs continuously through all seasons of the year. The research will include experiments in game and fur-animal management, manipulation of habitat, studies of the food and cover requirements and of the economic relations of resident species of the vertebrate fauna, investigations of wildlife diseases, propagation of the food plants of wildlife, and production of upland and other game birds under controlled conditions. The experiments are now in progress and will be considerably expanded when laboratories and quarters now under construction are ready for the research personnel. The wildlife investigations at the new refuge are supplemented by related research on big game and other wildlife on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Okla.; by research at fur-animal experi- ment stations and wildlife-disease research laboratories; and by in- vestigations on waterfowl and other refuges in all parts of the coun- try as an undertaking incidental to their main purpose, which is to provide breeding, feeding, resting, and wintering grounds for mi- gratory birds and other kinds of wildlife. OTHER FEATURES OF THE YEAR Other matters of outstanding importance to the Bureau’s work are briefly summarized as follows: ORGANIZATION Reorgamzation.Pursuant to the Reorganization Act of 1939 and in accordance with the President’s Reorganization Plan No. il of May 9, the Bureau of Biological Survey was transferred, effective - July 1, 1939, to the Department of the Interior.? Game Commission employees—Recommendations of the Alaska Game Commission and this Bureau resulted in covering positions of Commission employees into the classified civil service. WATERFOWL RESEARCH _ Wentering grounds in Mewico—Field investigations developed the importance to the migratory waterfowl of the Central and Pacific flyways of wintering grounds in eastern and western Mexico, which extend farther south than was formerly believed. Breeding grounds in Canada.—Preliminary aerial surveys in north- ern Canada located a waterfowl-breeding ground of the first magni- tude extending about 70 miles along the coast and back into a region rarely visited by white men. Food, of ducks—The results of studies of the food habits of North American diving ducks and of the principal foods of shoal-water and diving ducks generally, including identification, range, and propagation of the various plants, were published in two technical bulietins. 2See footnote 1, p. 1. 4. ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1939 Waterfowl-disease studies ——The positive and negative relations of various types of aquatic vegetation to the production and control of botulism in waterfowl] were established. Predation on nestlings——Predator-waterfowl relationships studied on national wildlife refuges disclosed the average nesting success to be 60 percent, with most of the losses caused, in order of depredation importance, by skunks, bull snakes, crows, magpies, coyotes, and snapping turtles. FUR-PRODUCTION INVESTIGATIONS Census of fur animals——Arrangements were completed for includ- ing in the decennial census, for the first time, questions pertaining to fur-animal production. Fur-animal reproduction.—Research on reproduction in minks and muskrats yielded important embryological information and facts of practical value, particularly in mink breeding. Physical properties of fur-—In a study to determine the factors that contribute to the production of fur of superior quality, mounting media were found that revealed the inner structure of the fibers, and the technique, including use of photomicrographs, developed results of practical application. Fur-animal disease control.—Large-scale vaccination on fur farms and other methods of immunization, notably against distemper, proved of protective and financial value. OTHER WILDLIFE STUDIES Birdbanding—Nearly 500,000 game and other birds were banded, bringing the grand total to more than 3,250,000, from which more than 200,000 return and recovery records are now available for study. Atiwater’s prairie chicken.—A. comprehensive study was completed in Texas of Attwater’s prairie chicken, which is threatened with the fate of its extinct, close relative, the heath-hen; the results will be published in the North American Fauna series. Quail-nutrition research.—Cooperative studies of the nutritional requirements of bobwhite quail and the chemical and mineral com- position of their important foods were begun, to provide a basis for feeding in captivity and improving native ranges. Food of ruffed grouse.—In a published report on the early winter foods of ruffed grouse on the George Washington National Forest, the Bureau made recommendations as to forest clearings and other improvements of grouse habitat. Dove studies —Investigations of the breeding and other habits of white-winged doves in Arizona contributed basic information for fixing hunting-season dates and adopting other management policies. Big-game estimates.—Data on the Bureau’s big-game inventory of the United States for 1937 were collated and the results issued as a leaflet (BS-122). Food of coyotes.—An extensive study of the food habits of coyotes revealed that more than 75 percent of their feeding is on rodents and carrion and thus economically beneficial or harmless, and about 20 percent involves the destruction of domestic stock, poultry, deer, and wild birds. BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY o WILDLIFE RESTORATION State restoration projects —Of 87 Federal-aid projects submitted by 37 States, 58 (in 31 States) were approved. The 87 projects were divided as follows: Game-management research, 30; development for wildlife, 28; acquisition of refuge areas, 28; and combination research and development, 1. Acquisition of resettlement projects—EKight former resettlement projects, involving about 300,000 acres, were transferred to the Bio- logical Survey for use as wildlife refuges. State cooperation—Virginia and Maryland enacted legislation consenting to the segregation for national sanctuaries of water areas important to migratory birds. Reservation of bighorn ranges—The Kofta and Cabeza Prieta Game Ranges, Ariz., aggregating 1,520,000 acres, were established in cooperation with the Grazing Service, Department of the Interior, principally for the protection of the Gaillard bighorn sheep. Refuge revenue—From sales of surplus big game and other prod- ucts of national wildlife refuges and from fees for uses of refuge lands, $45,213.52 was deposited in the Federal treasury. LAW ENFORCEMENT Illegal game handling —Provision by Congress of funds for under- cover operations greatly facilitated work for preventing illegal game dealing; constant vigilance was exercised to suppress nefarious at- tempts to revive the use of plumage of wild birds in the millinery trade. Court decision on baiting—_A district court ruling makes it un- necessary for the Government to aver in the information or to prove at. the trial that a defendant had knowledge of the unlawful baiting of a hunting ground to render him amenable to punishment for a violation of the Federal law protecting migratory birds. International-boundary patrol—Joint aerial-boundary patrol by wildlife agents of the Alaska Game Commission and Provincial police officers of Canada broke up a well-organized ring engaged in smuggling wolf and coyote peits into Alaska for collecting the $20 Territorial bounty and also resulted in the apprehension and convic- tion of game-law violators on both sides of the border. PEST CONTROL Waterchestnut suppression.—Cooperative work was begun for de- termining and applying methods for the control of the introduced waterchestnut, a plant that impedes river navigation and lessens the value of infested areas to waterfowl and fishes. Predatory animals.—Further protection of domestic livestock, poul- try, and game resulted from the taking of 104,076 predatory animals in cooperative campaigns. Injurious rodenis—Under Bureau supervision 35,465,078 rodent- infested acres were treated to protect crops, range vegetation, silvi- cultural plantings, and irrigation and soil-conservation structures. 6 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1939 DISSEMINATION OF WILDLIFE INFORMATION Continuing its function of disseminating information on its ac- tivities in wildlife research, conservation, and management, the Bureau contributed several numbers to the Department’s series of new and revised publications and issued a number of brief leaflets to assist in answering correspondence. Through the facilities of the National Broadcasting Co., during the National Farm and Home Hour, a spokesman for the Bureau dis- cussed various wildlife problems and activities in a weekly series of radio talks, and the Bureau cooperated with the American Wildlife Institute by furnishing speakers and information for many of the weekly programs broadcast on a network of the Mutual Broadcasting System. Many other radio talks and other addresses were made by members of both the Washington and field staffs. Statements were furnished the press on the important developments in the Bureau’s work, and the increasing interest of the press and writers in wildlife information was served in correspondence and interviews. An in- crease in requests for photographs was noted. Plans were made for motion-picture work but had not progressed far enough to make pos- sible an adequate program. Members of the technical staff represented the Bureau at gatherings of scientists, conservationists, stockmen, farmers, and others inter- ested in various phases of wildlife research and management, where they had opportunity to present in detail many matters summarized in this report. FUNDS AVAILABLE To finance the work of the Survey for the year a total of $6,889,344 was available from regular and emergency appropriations. Of this sum, $3,063,340 was carr ‘tied in the Agricultural Appropriation Act for reoular activities: $1,009,008 was deposited from sales of Federal migratory- waterfowl hunting stamps; and $22,810 was allocated from the Bankhead-Jones special research fund. From the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of 1938 there was allocated $1,321,786 for water-conservation and wildlife-restoration work and $82,500 ‘for ad- ministrative expenses; and $1,389,900 was made available for expendi- ture in connection with work performed by the C. C. C. on national wildlife refuges. ORGANIZATION No changes in the major organization were made during the year. The officials in charge of the several divisions on the date of this report, together with the regional directors, are listed below. All 10 regions are now in full operation. Chief of Bureaus: 4. ts 2 eee ee eee ee eee Ira N. Gabrielson Associate Chief. 2.20. 4 2a ee ee W. C. Henderson Chiefs of divisions: Administration... i, 20). 228 0 (ae She (Ott eee W. R. Dillon Public Relations... 2... ee eee eee H. P. Sheldon Wildlife Researeh.... 2. s~ eee 2 ae ees Ec ee W. B. Bell Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration. — =: 2s eee A. M. Day Land Acquisition (='- 5 <\0e ek Maye eee Sel be eae aoe Rudolph Dieffenbach Wildlife Refuges i io) ft Tee eee ee eee J. C. Salyer, II Construction and C.'C: C. Operations 232 ee ee H. W. Terhune Game’ Management... 202 3 ee ee eee W. E. Crouch Predator: and Rodent Control)" 222 eee Dorr D. Green BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY a Regional directors (with headquarters) : a ye] 7) STILT elle naen te AD eee is Thomas B. Murray (acting), Portland, Oreg. Cede STULL DUTT 03 0 6 ee SO eh a Leo L. Laythe, Denver, Colo. Gay Noun western rai Fa er rd John C. Gatlin, Aibuquerque, N. Mex. AINESiOCHET a= EARLE Sai ti ieeh ea Ti George Tonkin, Des Moines, lowa SOULE nw see ct) eles yk Ped clei as $e) Roy Moore, New Orleans, La. GeeashWennral a eee ee Ie Daniel H. Janzen, Milwaukee, Wis. Nee SOUBNCU SLOT Se. hens be SEE eee James Silver, Atlanta, Ga. SNORE NCASTCTH: 2: ttle ie Bry ee ee S. Barry Locke, Boston, Mass. Ore aimS eee Ue beg ee i ek Bae Burnie Maurek, Omaha, Nebr. 10. Alaska____- pe EN Sete Sek POOR WSOPE SEs Te SM Frank Dufresne, Juneau, Alaska Under a ruling of the Civil Service Commission all positions under the Alaska Game Commission were placed in the classified civil service and the employees were given competitive status, including retirement benefits. A directory of field activities of the Biological Survey, organized geographically and containing also a brief functional and historical account of the Bureau and a statement of the functions of each of its divisions, was issued in June as Miscellaneous Publication 343. RESEARCH ON THE STATUS AND MANAGEMENT OF WILDLIFE MIGRATORY WATERFOWL INVESTIGATIONS IN CANADA Investigations into the status of migratory waterfowl were resumed during the summer of 1938 under the leadership of the Bureau’s four flyway biologists. Vast areas in Canada and Newfoundland as well as in Alaska were surveyed from both ground and air. North to the Arctic coast in every section where the conditions were favorable the investigators found evidence of further increases in ducks and geese. Nevertheless, they were unanimous in concluding that available habitat can still support greatly increased waterfowl populations. In the Pacific flyway the investigator pressed his work northward through British Columbia, checking areas that had received attention in previous seasons. Conditions continued to be satisfactory in this Province, but little change was detected. Because of the convergence in Canada of the Central and Mississippi flyways, they are here treated together. Although the average precip1- tation in Alberta and Saskatchewan was still far below normal, nesting conditions were somewhat more favorable. In Alberta, thousands of sloughs in the district east of Calgary continued dry, but some were suificiently filled to be satisfactory for nesting. Some water areas had a fair duck population, but the aver- age was low, especially in numbers of birds actually raised. Beyond this zone, to about latitude 52°, most of the prairie lakes and sloughs remained dry or were so lacking in cover as to be unattractive to ducks. Farther north, however, conditions were somewhat better and indicated an increase of possibly 20 percent in the total duck population. Drought in many localities of Saskatchewan has been continuous for so many years that relatively little general improvement could be expected. The pot-hole sectors in the southern part remained dry or otherwise unattractive to ducks. Of the 15 Provincial bird sanc- tuaries that were dry in 1937, 6 remained so in 1938, as did also 9 8 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1939 of the 13 public shooting grounds. Of the lakes that 10 or more years ago provided excellent waterfowl! nesting conditions, scores were still dry. Reports from sections about Prince Albert indicated that pot holes were even drier than in 1937 and that fewer ducks nested there. Nevertheless, field studies indicated a slight improvement. Fires in certain large marshes, particularly in Manitoba, continued to be serious problems, as they destroy valuable food and cover and also nests and the birds themselves. On one section of 10,400 acres south of the town of Delta, which had been swept by a fire that spread over an area estimated to be fully 10 times as large, 1,300 destroyed duck nests were counted, averaging 8 eggs each. In the southern part of this Province, however, particularly in the marshes at the south end of Lake Manitoba, a marked improvement in waterfowl conditions was noted, with a decided increase in the number of redheads and canvasbacks and some increase also in shoy- elers. The biologists felt, however, that in the Prairie Provinces in general there was cause for optimism regarding the duck situation. Lhey found that broods averaged larger and estimated that nesting birds showed an increase of about 10 percent over 1987. The 2,500 square miles of duck-nesting habitat in the great marshes of the Athabaska delta also showed improved production. The biol- ogist of the Mississippi flyway made his fourth consecutive annual trip to this important nesting ground and reported that, despite low water levels, the waterfowl were considerably more abundant than last year or any year since 1935. Proceeding by plane, the biologist resumed investigations in an- other important waterfowl area of the North—the lower Mackenzie delta. The study there indicated that while ducks were somewhat less numerous than in 1937, their numbers were satisfactory. Any possible reduction in the duck supply was compensated for by an excellent increase in the number of swans, geese, and black brants. About the middle of July the biologist flew from Aklavik, in the Mackenzie delta, via Fort Norman, on Great Bear Lake, to Copper- mine, on Coronation Gulf, and thence reached the easternmost point of his journey in the Arctic at Cambridge Bay, on the southeastern coast of Queen Victoria Island. From this point on the night of July 18 he attempted to fly to Perry River in the Flagstaff Island group, about which practically no information is available. He was successful in locating the river but could not land because of ice conditions. From his aerial survey, however, he reported that as a waterfowl habitat the Perry River country had all the appearance of a second Mackenzie delta. Between it and the Ellice River, a distance of about 70 miles, the many streams emptying into the Queen Maude Sea and the numerous lakes probably make this section a waterfowl nursery second to few in the Arctic. The place is so nearly inaccessible that few white men have ever visited it, and the Survey biologist and his pilot are probably the first to have seen it from the air. The biologist for the Atlantic flyway, entering Canada on May 11, made extensive investigations through the first half of July in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and in Quebec along the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. He stated that from the excellent con- ditions observed and reported by others in New Brunswick there BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 9 would be a good increase of wild fowl during the season, particularly over the 1937 numbers of Canada geese and black ducks. In Nova Scotia, investigations in the vicinity of Wolfville and in every im- portant waterfowl! area also indicated a slight increase over the 1937 numbers of black ducks. The coast of Canadian Labrador, in south- ern Quebec, was covered for a distance of nearly 600 miles from Bradore Bay west to Mingan, where the Canadian Government has several migratory-bird sanctuaries, all of which were visited. Later in the season Quebec was again entered by way of St. Simeon, and observations were made north into the interior to Lake St. John, Mont Laurier, and Rouyn. At this period reconnaissance was made also in Ontario north as far as Cochrane and west to Sault Ste. Marie. The Atlantic flyway biologist spent the period July 19 to August 3 in Newfoundland, most of the southern coast of which he was enabled to cover through the cooperation of the Department of Nat- ural Resources. All the information obtained pointed to a success- ful season, with increased waterfowl production over that of 1937. INVESTIGATIONS IN ALASKA On completion of the survey in British Columbia, the biologist of the Pacific flyway proceeded to Alaska, where with the active coop- eration of the Alaska Game Commission he made a reconnaissance cf the chief waterfowl-breeding grounds. Beginning at Fort Yukon, on the Porcupine and Black Rivers, he made the long trip down the Yukon and in its vast delta explored many of the channels and adjoining tundra areas. After a flight across the height of land and similar investigations of the intricate maze of channels and muskegs of the Kuskokwim River, he wrote: “It is beyond the scope of imagination for the average resident of the South to visualize even remotely the extent of the northern nesting grounds.” Natural food plants were abundant, and it seemed probable that Alaska pro- duces a much larger percentage of the continental supply of wild fowl! than has formerly been believed. Reports of Alaskans indi- cated a steady improvement in the supply of ducks, but not a com- parable increase of geese. There was abundant evidence, however that the available waterfowl habitat in Alaska is woefully under- populated. INVESTIGATIONS IN MEXICO In western Mexico, the biologist of the Pacific flyway continued investigations from the latter part of November to the first of March. Work was done in 15 States, 1 Territory, and the Federal District, with the full cooperation and assistance of Mexican officials, par- ticularly those of the Department of Forests, Game, and Fish, and of American consular and diplomatic officers. Further evidence was obtained of the importance of the Mexican wintering grounds to the waterfowl of the Pacific flyway. One of the most important waterfowl concentration points was found in the great irrigation projects in the valleys of the Yaqui and Mayo Rivers, Sonora. Here probably 300,000 acres are under canal systems 18849s—39 2 10 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1939 for growing wheat, rice, and garbanzo (chickpea), and the fields are a very important source of food for wild fowl. Sinaloa has a like situation in the valleys of the Fuerte, Sinaloa, and Culiacan Rivers, and from the seaport town of Mazatlan to the valley of the Rio Grande de Santiago, Nayarit, a distance of fully 100 air miles across parts of both States, there is a continuous chain of coastal estuaries, sluggish rivers, lakes, marshes, and swamps. Conditions are similar in Nayarit, and, because of the famed Lake Chapala, in Jalisco and Michoacan also. Here the delta of the Lerma and Duero Rivers has been partly drained, but the area still remains one of the greatest concentration places for ducks, as also do Patz- cuaro, Cuitzeo, and other important lakes of Michoacan. In ail the smaller States visited, the Survey biologist found abundant water- fowl habitat, and on the Laguna de Coyuca and Laguna de Tres Palos, in Guerrero, a veritable paradise for wintering lesser scaups, pintails, baldpates, and other ducks. In concluding his report, which treats of each State and species, the Bureau investigator asserted that the duck and goose population of western Mexico showed marked improvement in numbers over that of preceding years. On the east (Gulf) coast, the Central flyway biologist divided his time between the wintering grounds of the Laguna Madre section of southern Texas and the coastal parts of eastern Mexico, making an aerial reconnaissance from the Rio Grande to the northeastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula and carrying on ground work by car along the coast of Tamaulipas and northeastern Vera Cruz. The marsh and water areas in eastern Mexico bear almost the same relation to the birds of the Central flyway as do those of west- ern Mexico to the waterfowl of the Pacific flyway. The more im- portant of these wintering grounds are the coastal lagoons of Ta- maulipas, the Tamiahua Lagoon and Alvarado district of Vera Cruz, the coastal lagoons and marshes in northeastern Tabasco, and the narrow coastal lagoons and marshes of Yucatan. An aerial survey of the coastal districts in 1937 gave a basis for comparison with data obtained in 1938. Flights were extremely low, so that great accuracy was possible not only in identifications but also in estimations of numbers. The investigator reported satisfactory evidence of a definite increase in some species. Although he received local reports of greater increases, he believed that the general increase was possibly 10 percent over the winter population of 1937-388 and that there were at least 5,000,000 ducks in the eastern coastal lagoons and marshes. . Information obtained by these biologists indicates that the total take of waterfowl by Mexicans is so low as to be almost negligible. The extent of legal market hunting there has been and still is grossly exaggerated. Ata few places along the routes followed by tourists, ducks are sold in markets and served in restaurants. Those familiar with cities immediately south of the international border naturally infer that the serving of game dinners is.general, whereas it is done chiefly near the border to attract tourists. There are very few cities in Mexico where game is marketed to any considerable extent. Vig- orous efforts are being made by the Mexican game authorities to en- force the game law prohibiting the use of “armadas” (batteries of BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY ii shotgun barrels fastened together and fired simultaneously), and troops of the regular army have even been employed for this purpose. INVESTIGATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES Spring and fall migrations were again observed by the Bureau’s corps of carefully selected agents and volunteer cooperators in the United States. Analysis of the figures obtained confirmed the reports made by the field biologists that the numerical status of most species was continuing to improve. The increases reported for the redheads and canvasbacks were particularly gratifying, fully vindicating the regulatory action taken for their protection. On the national wildlife refuges and most other areas, the results of the breeding season of 1938 were a great success and reports of increases were unanimous. Improvement factors consisted not only of curtailment of the kill in recent years but also of greater stabiliza- tion of water levels, better nesting habitats resulting from planting programs and restrictions on grazing, selective control of natural ene- mies, and more adequate protection of breeding stock along migration routes and on wintering grounds. The biologists of the Mississippi and Atlantic flyways devoted the winter to constant checking and rechecking concentrations at the south- ern ends of these two great areas, which, unlike those of the Pacific and Central flyways, are chiefly in the United States. For this reason Federal refuges in the lower Mississippi Valley and on the South At- lantic and Gulf coasts are of great importance. In the wintering grounds of the Atlantic flyway, waterfowl conditions remained satis- factory and an increase 1n most species was obvious. The general improvement affected practically all species of ducks. Although the blue goose is abundant in winter on the Louisiana coast, there was an apparent shortage of immature birds. The situation for this species had been noted earlier in the season by Canadian officials on the basis of reports from the James Bay region and appears to indicate an unsuccessful breeding season. The fifth annual inventory of migratory waterfowl was made in January, under the leadership of the 10 regional directors. Full! coop- eration was extended by the Army Air Corps, the Naval Air Service, Coast Guard, Forest Service, Soil Conservation Service, National Park Service, State forestry, game, and fish departments, a commercial rub- ber company, and many other agencies and individuals, and in addi- tion practically the entire field force of the Survey was drafted. The aerial coverage included the entire Atlantic and Gulf coasts. In region 7 (Southeastern), 11 planes and 3 blimps were used in addition to 18 powerboats and 28 cars, with a total of 240 observers. In region 8 (Northeastern) in addition to planes of the Coast Guard, 2 blimps from the Naval Air Station at Lakehurst, N. J., were employed. Ina few areas severe storms complicated the operations and undoubtedly resulted in the tabulation of smaller numbers of birds than would have been observed a short time previously. In most cases, however, fa- miharity with the situation enabled the agents to make proper allow- ances, and sudden decreases in one area were usually compensated for by corresponding increases in others. Experience in the work has contributed greatly to the accuracy of the results, so that while cover- 12 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1939 age of the entire country is still incomplete, it is felt that the data assembled are dependable for comparative purposes. The grand total in waterfowl for all regions for the 1939 inven- tory was about 14,500,000, which represents an increase of about 14 percent over 1938. The ratios between figures for all species are not the same—for a few a decrease was noted. Important gains were noted in some of the principal game species—the redhead, mallard, black duck, pintail, baldpate, and the scaups. Particularly encour- aging is the substantial gain in the numerical status of the red- head. The increase for the scaups is somewhat surprising in view of reports obtained earlier in the season. Geese showed an aggre- gate decrease, a small increase in the Canada goose being offset by a decrease in the blue goose, probably because of a poor breed- ing season. The coot, or mud hen, showed a disproportionate in- crease, and there is evidence that this bird is too abundant for the welfare of other waterfowl more desirable to man. Results of investigations of the waterfowl situation in the United States for 1938-39 were reported in a leaflet (BS—136) issued in May. BANDING GAME AND OTHER BIRDS WORK ON FEDERAL REFUGES Inasmuch as the use of bait and live decoys in hunting ducks and geese has been outlawed during recent years by Federal regula- tions, waterfowl were banded chiefly by the regular personnel on Federal and State refuges. Stations in operation on 48 Federal refuges and on 15 State refuges, game farms, and sanctuaries re- ported the banding of 36,826 birds, “almost entirely migratory water- fowl. The fioures: for Federal refuge stations where the total band- ings for the year totaled 1,000 or more are as follows: Refuge N URE Refuge Number Sand Lake aS) Dake... 2 7, 705 | Tule Lake and Ciear Lake, Calif. ; WMatheun, "Orege 2 sae. ee ee 7 022 Klamath Lake, Oreg_______-_ 1, 606 Des Lacs NeDakt )*: st) ee 4°985'\Lacreek. ‘S. (Dak 2 =o ieee 1, 342 Sacramentos Calf 4s sia eee 2, 338 | Medicine Lake, Mont__-__-_=_- = 4241 Biedmonts 1Ga_oe.tomeet: hme PLING eee Ravers Uta neses ee Fir pen ee 1, 186 Lake Matiamuskeet, N. C__.-_—~ 2007 | Wauba y,4 Ss) ake ie 1, 024 White ‘River, (AT Ke 2 See ee Aes 1, 003 Stations are planned for other refuges favorably situated on the different LENS: and those already established will expand their work. BIRDBANDING COOPERATORS Physical limitations in the handling of the great mass of bird- banding records continue to make it necessary to , decline many offers of cooperation. There were on the list at the end of the year, however, 2,290 cooperators as compared with 2,193 a year ago. Four. of the volunteer station operators each reported the banding of more than 10,000 birds, as follows: E. A. McIlhenny, Avery Island, La. Continuation of the W. P. A. proj- ects expedited the work of cleaning, repairing, and rearranging the_ mammal collection and cataloging and assembling data on birds. A survey of big-game mammals in 1937 was completed through cooperation of Federal and State agencies, and the collated results were issued in January in a leaflet (BS—122). Work was in progress for a similar inventory for the year 1938. BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 21 ECONOMIC RESEARCH ON WILDLIFE In the task of rehabilitating the wildlife resources of the coun- try, research plays the fundamental role of providing scientifically tested methods of procedure. Investigations of the food and habitat requirements and of the economic status of wildlife and studies of methods of maintaining and developing desirable food and cover con- ditions for the various species are essential to intelligent game man- agement, practical development of refuges, and efficient land utiliza- tion. Food-habit studies have made important contributions in furthering the restoration of waterfowl, fostering an abundance of upland game and other desirable species of wildlife, and suppress- ing forms that are injurious to man’s interests. WATERFOW L-MANAGEMENT INVESTIGATIONS PROPAGATION OF FOOD AND COVER PLANTS A comprehensive and well-illustrated Technical Bulletin (No. 634), entitled “Food and Game Ducks in the United States and Canada,” was published to assist refuge managers, State conservation agencies, and others seeking to improve waterfowl habitats. In it the fact is stressed that much of the failure and wasteful expenditure that characterized former efforts to improve the food resources of game ducks is avoidable, and that applying information developed by re- search will reduce errors, expense, and disappointment. Plans for improving waterfow!-food rescurces will be aided by a knowledge of the three types of information contained in the bulletin: (1) Relative values to waterfowl of the various marsh and aquatic food plants in different regions; (2) the habitats, ranges, and identifica- tion of the more important species utilized as food; and (8) prin- ciples of plant propagation and marsh management. Recommenda- tions on plantings for waterfowl areas having deficient supplies of natural foods were presented in a leaflet (BS—125) entitled “Natural Plantings for Attracting Waterfowl to Marsh and Other Water Areas. ECOLOGICAL STUDIES OF FOOD AND COVER PLANTS In cooperation with the Fish and Game Commission of Utah, a survey was begun to determine the chemical, physical, and biological conditions of waterfowl areas in the State and the possibilities of the development of these areas. Studies of the physical and chem- ical conditions of soil and water that influence the growth of aquatic duck foods on the Bear River Refuge indicate that the controlling factors are mainly physical (depth, muck deposition, and turbidity). Saline clay soils are not so productive of aquatics, regardless of the depth or turbidity of the water, as saline soils covered with a deposi- » tion of organic muck. Both laboratory experiments and field analyses indicated that this is due to the action of muck as an inhibitor to the infiltration of salt from the subsoil. During the growing seasons of aquatics the turbidity is so great on most of the refuge that light, which is essential to photosynthesis, seldom penetrates beyond 30 inches. Consequently, the best growth is in 1 to 2 feet of water, and 22 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1939 deeper areas, such as channels and borrow pits, are usually without aquatic plants of any sort. Local variations in chemical conditions of the water appear ‘to be relatively unimportant in determining the quantity of aquatic food produced. Intensive studies were conducted of marsh and swamp areas in Louisiana to determine the major vegetational types and their eco- logical relationships. Controlled water impoundment was found important in producing and making available waterfowl foods in certain marsh areas. ‘Controlled burning associated with limited cattle grazing was also found to be a useful management practice. Refuges were inspected and general reconnaissance of wildlife (principally waterfowl) areas was conducted in a number of other States for the purpose of recommending improvements or appraising their suitability for refuge purposes. Botanical discoveri les of interest made during the course of several years of refuge reconnaissance were summarized in an article prepared for outside publication. PREDATOR-WATERFOWL RELATIONSHIPS Observations in waterfowl habitat indicate that under certain con- ditions some of the predatory enemies of ducks and geese may seri- ously affect their abundance. On the Crescent Lake Refuge, Nebr., the hatching success was found to be lower than on any other refuge studied intensively, owing predominantly to bull snakes. Experi- ments were conducted for the control of these reptiles, and some suc- cess was attained in the use of specially designed traps. At the Mal- heur Refuge, Oreg., nesting losses were caused principally by preda- tors, chiefly ravens and coyotes. Studies on the Lower Souris Refuge, N. Dak., for the third successive year indicated that the skunk, still the outstanding predator affecting waterfowl on this area, should probably be further suppressed and that the mink was a more impor- tant factor than formerly. Carefully conducted crow control on this refuge seemed to have beneficial results. The results of various nest-history studies were summarized in a paper presented at the Fourth North American Wildlife Conference, held in Detroit, Mich., in February. Including the histories of more than 7,600 nests of 13 species, the paper disclosed that on areas studied the average degree of nesting success for waterfowl is 60 percent, the chief predators, in order of importance, being skunks, bull snakes, crows, mag*pies, coyotes, and snapping turtles. SUPPRESSION OF WATERCHESTNUT For several years the Bureau has pointed out the necessity of con- trolling waterchestnut, or water caltrop (Zrapa natans), i fresh- water parts of the tidal Potomac River. This Eurasian plant, which is impeding shallow-water navigation, has also destroyed approxi- mately 10 square miles of valuable waterfowl feeding grounds in the © Potomac and is a serious menace to fishing, swimming, and boating. Cooperation of the War Department was obtained in undertaking a 10-year program of eradication. C. C. C. labor was made available and has successfully used manual methods in eradicating the plant from several local areas. The use of certain chemical sprays was found to be effective in control during the 2-week period immediately BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY Diss prior to the earliest maturity of the fruit, which in the vicinity of Washington, D. C., is the first 10 days in July. : Studies were also made to determine the value of various chemical sprays, mowing, and water agitation as means of controlling other undesirable marsh and aquatic plants. ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION OF WATERFOWL Experiments in the artificial propagation of both Canada geese and redhead ducks were undertaken to make available data relative to proper incubation and rearing techniques. Eggs that would nor- mally have been lost in the wild were collected and electrically imcu- bated. Information was obtained on incubation temperatures and relative humidities, stages in the development of embryos and air cells, loss of moisture, and egg anatomy. It was found that both the size of the air cell and the egg weight are good indices to the stage of development. Young birds hatched by artificial incubation were reared, and detailed measurements were taken weekly to determine age indices, which will be of value in management. MOSQUITO CONTROL IN WILDLIFE HABITAT Studies were continued to determine the possibility of employing biological and other methods of controlling mosquito populations in waterfowl habitat. Mosquitoes at times so menace the health and com- fort of man that efforts to control them are imperative. The use of methods that are nondestructive to waterfowl has been found in many instances the best solution of a double problem—that of mosquito control and wildlife conservation. Efforts are being made with some degree of success to control the breeding of mosquitoes in sheet water or in temporary pools by stabiliz- ing water depths, so as to insure at all times the presence of fish and other natural enemies of mosquitoes. This sometimes involves con- necting scattered pools with permanent bodies of water, which is being accomplished in most instances with little or no reduction in water levels. In setting up extensive projects for mosquito control it has become apparent that each area should be treated as an individual problem and control methods should be adapted to local waterfowl conservation or other conditions. Continued quadrat studies in Delaware marshes, particularly in and near the Bombay Hook Refuge, showed that the desirable flora and fauna are decidedly more prevalent on natural marsh areas than on adjacent ones that are ditched. The results so far obtained indicate that drainage in that area is definitely detrimental to wildlife, since it not only removes water but eliminates all forms of life dependent directiy upon it, thus having far-reaching effects on fur animals, migratory birds, and fishes. At the twenty-fifth annual meeting of the New Jersey Mosquito Extermination Association, at Atlantic City, a representative of the Bureau presented a paper on the subject, the text of which was later made available in a leaflet (BS-119). At the North American Wildlife Conference papers were presented by mem- bers of the staff under the titles “Can Mosquito Control Be Correlated with Wildlife Conservation?” and “The Effect of Lowering Water Levels on Marsh Wildlife,” the latter (a technical contribution) con- 24 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1939 taining the results of investigations on the effects of drainage on the basic ecology of marsh areas. LABORATORY RESEARCH IN FOOD HABITS The 6,224 units analyzed in the food-habits research laboratory rep- resented 149 species of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, and included the following: Stomach contents of 3,041 birds (95 species), 2,302 mammals (29 species), 237 snakes (17 species), 3 turtles (1 species), 12 lizards (1 species), and 7 salamanders (1 species); 274 droppings of mammals (6 species), 214 droppings of birds (1 species), and 98 pellets of birds (6 species) ; 30 den-material samples of mam- mals (3 species) and 5 nest-debris samples of birds (8 species) ; and 1 sample of material regurgitated by a bird. Many identifications of plants and seeds, insects, reptiles, bones, and hairs were made for research workers in Federal and State agencies and private institu- tions. Two leaflets, Outline of Procedure for Recording Data Ob- tained in Stomach Examinations (Bi-1515) and Preparation and Identification of Plant Specimens in the Bureau of Biological Survey (Bi-1518), were issued for the guidance of students of food habits. BIRDS An important contribution, Food Habits of North American Diving Ducks, was issued as Technical Bulletin 648. It is based on field studies and on analyses of the stomach contents of 6,665 adults and 140 juveniles of 22 species of inland divers and sea ducks and presents information basic to the conservation and restoration of these species. A paper entitled “Food of Some Uncommon North American Birds,” contributed to The Auk (April), discussed species that: are now extinct or so rare that stomachs will no longer be obtainable for analysis. Among these were the roseate spoonbill, great white heron, trumpeter swan, emperor goose, masked bobwhite, Eskimo curlew, passenger pigeon, ivory-billed woodpecker, and Carolina parakeet. To provide correspondents with an outline of methods of attracting birds about the home grounds and with references to available litera- ture on the subject a leaflet (BS-131) was issued. A manuscript for a Farmers’ Bulletin, Attracting Birds, was returned to the Burean at the close of the year as the publication funds were exhausted. It is planned to issue it early next year as a Conservation Bulletin of the Department of the Interior. MAMMALS The report on a comprehensive food-habits study, of the coyote was prepared, based on the examination of the contents of 14,829 stomachs collected in 17 States over the 5-year period 1931-35. In the West, the coyote is an important predator on livestock, poultry, and desirable forms of wildlife. Offsetting its unfavorable reputa- tion to some extent, the results of this study indicate that more than three-quarters of its feeding (on rodents and carrion) is beneficial or nonharmful to man and about one-fifth involves domestic stock, poultry, deer, and wild birds of direct economic value. At the close of the year there was in press Circular 529 on the food of the prairie BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 25 dog. Progress on a study of the food habits of bobcats was made by the analyses of 797 stomachs at the Denver laboratory. REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS Investigations of the economic status of snakes in the George Wash- ington National Forest, Va. and W. Va., were conducted by a study of 418 specimens of copperheads, timber rattlesnakes, pilot black snakes, common black snakes, hognose snakes, and common water snakes, collected through the cooperation of the Forest Service. The results were made available for publication in the Transactions of the Fourth North American Wildlife Conference. The contents of 50 stomachs of bull snakes were analyzed to determine the predatory relationship of this species to nesting waterfowl. COOPERATIVE FOOD-HABITS RESEARCH COOPERATIVE INVESTIGATIONS WITH WILDLIFE-RESEARCH UNITS Tn cooperative research on the food habits of birds and mammals, conducted jointly with 8 of the 10 cooperative wildlife research units, 1,336 examinations were made of animals of 18 species. Three units (Alabama, Virginia, and Ohio) detailed students to perform analyses in the Bureau’s laboratory at Washington, where they were aided by supervision of the headquarters staff, the central reference collec- tions, and various laboratory facilities. Other units submitted mate- rial for examination. For the Alabama unit, 520 stomachs of 10 bird and 4 mammal species were examined. These included 220 gray foxes, 121 wild turkeys, 67 mourning doves, 27 bobwhite quails, 40 opossums, and smaller numbers of other species. A leaflet (BS-133) was issued, entitled “A Preliminary Investigation of the Food Habits of the Mourning Dove in Alabama,” prepared by the Alabama organ- ization with the aid of the Bureau. For the Virginia unit, 555 stomachs of 4 species of birds, including 269 of the bobwhite quai] and 247 of the wild turkey, were examined. For the Ohio unit, the student cooperator examined 79 fox squirrel stomachs, and a report on plant histology as an aid in squirrel food-habits studies, prepared in cooperation with a staff member, was submitted for outside publi- cation. For the Utah unit, 77 sage-hen stomachs were examined in a preliminary study of the food habits of this bird. Examinations for other units included those of stomachs of 25 ruffed grouse and 7 white-tailed deer for Pennsylvania, of 18 feral house cats and 19 skunks for Oregon, of 9 prairie chickens, 2 wild turkeys, and 7 white- tailed deer for Texas, and those of gullet samples of 15 turkey vultures for Iowa. INVESTIGATIONS ON THE GEORGE WASHINGTON NATIONAL FOREST Studies of ruffed grouse food habits in the mountains of Virginia were summarized in a progress report, Circular 504, entitled “Barly Winter Food of Ruffed Grouse on the George Washington National Forest.” The contents of 185 stomachs collected early in winter dis- closed that about 85 percent of the food at this season was derived 188498—39——_4 26 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1939 from 20 different plants. A study of the habitats and light require- ments of these plants demonstrated that wooded areas with open canopies interspersed with clearings furnish the best feeding grounds. The data obtained will be useful in improving grouse habitats in this and adjacent forests. A related progress report on the early-winter food preferences of the wild turkey on this forest was submitted for publication in the Transactions of the Fourth North American Wildlife Conference. The nomadic feeding habits of this bird take it into diverse environ- ments, and the ideal habitat appears to be a combination of mature forest having relatively close canopy and considerable open woodland with occasional clearings or fallow fields. Much of the good black bear territory in Virginia is now within the boundaries or the George Washington National Forest, an area in which this mammal should be perpetuated. The results of an analysis of the early winter food showed that in this forest during the early winter season this bear is largely vegetarian. Oaks, the dominant tree growth on the forest, apparently contribute an abun- dance of food; deerberry and tupelo are also important. AID TO FEDERAL, STATE, AND OTHER AGENCIES A total of 276 unit examinations were made for the Forest Service, including stomachs of 98 snakes of 12 species, 85 ruffed grouse. 39 white-tailed deer, 16 mule deer, 16 black bears, and smaller numbers of other animals. For the Soil Conservation Service, 88 California quail stomachs, as well as a number of other bird and mammal stomachs and bird pellets, were analyzed, to aid in determining what plants have dual value as food for wildlife and as soil binders. For the National Park Service stomachs of 35 mule deer and 7 Mount Lyell salamanders were examined. ‘To aid the Michigan Commission of Conservation in its wildlife- management studies, 935 otter droppings and 88 stomachs of 8 other mammals, including 45 coyotes, 18 bobcats, and 17 foxes, were ex- amined. For the Texas Game, Fish, and Oyster Commission, 13 raccoon stomachs were examined. A collaborator assigned by. the New York Conservation Department analyzed the food ‘of 89 ruffed grouse and 193 ring-necked pheasants collected in the State. For the California Department of Natural Resources, 37 stomachs of several species, mainly bobcats, were examined; for the Vermont Department of Conservation and Development, 13 bobcat stomachs; and for the New Mexico State Game and: Fish Commission, a number of merganser and antelope stomachs. Cooperation was extended to educational institutions in the analyses of the stomach contents of various birds, as follows: Several series of waterfowl and robins for Cornell University ; ; hawks for the University of Arkansas; flickers for the University of California; 40 jacksnipes for the Illinois Natural History Survey; 26 spruce grouse for the Royal Ontario Museum of Canada; and 6 sooty grouse, 9 black brants, and 2 harlequin ducks for the Golden Gate Museum at San Francisco. Special examinations for anumber of private individuals and agencies were made of 69 stomachs, pellets, and nest-debris samples of 20 species of birds and of 44 stomachs of 3 species of mammals. Nest- BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 7 debris samples of the barred owl were analyzed for the National Asso- ciation of Audubon Societies, and stomachs of 34 mule deer and 9 elk for the Federal aid in wildlife-restoration project in Colorado. FIELD INVESTIGATIONS OF MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS Limits of the nesting period of the white-winged dove in Arizona were investigated for the purpose of determining a suitable open sea- son, and attention was given to the food habits and activities of the band-tailed pigeon. Of the latter, 225 stomachs were examined, bring- ing the available records to 350. In the San Joaquin Valley, Calif., a preliminary study was undertaken of the attack of Protocalliphora larvae on nesting doves, and in the Southeastern States work was con- tinued on the food habits of the mourning dove. STUDIES OF NUTRITION OF UPLAND GAME BIRDS The Bureaus of Biological Survey and Animal Industry cooperated in studies to determine the nutritional requirements of the bobwhite quail and the nutritive qualities of its native foods. More than 100 breeding birds were supplied by the Virginia Commission of Game and Inland Fisheries for the experiments. At the close of the year there was in press, in the Yearbook of Agriculture, 1939, an article prepared by the Bureau on the nutrition of upland game birds. FIELD STUDIES OF INJURIOUS BIRDS AND MAMMALS THE CROW The beneficial and harmful activities of the crow continued to be a controversial subject among farmers, sportsmen, and bird students. In order to obtain added information on its economic status, studies were conducted in various parts of the country. 22is2-=5 To study beaver management and stream run-off. Development-------- To improve waterfowl condi- tions at Ogden Bay. Acquisition __-------- Te purchase winter range for eer.? DOA. 2 Be To purchase experiment station for deer studies.? Vermont ($5,766): Researches. 2. 26a To study bird migrations, food and cover needs, and protec- tive Measures. Virginia ($19,637): Research __----------- To learn the distribution of wild turkeys and factors influencing their abundance. DOs f= =a ee eS To study the effect of cleared areas on wildlife populations. Development___------ To reestablish deer on and near the Thomas Jefierson and George Washington National Forests. Doss a To restock with wild turkeys___ DD) QSrree 5 = Saas ek. To restore bobwhite quail?______ Washington ($31,253): INeQUISITION == Eo) purchase winter range for eer.? West Virginia ($19,884): Acquisition___-__----- To purchase game-management . : area. Wisconsin ($31,652): Research To learn reasons for fluctuations in quail populations. To purchase demonstration and research area.? Ne quisition==. 222222 Wyoming ($20,934): Research To study factors determining the abundance of Rocky Moun- tain bighorn sheep. 1D Cette sare eas are eee To study moose-management factors in northwestern Wyo- #). ming.? Acquisition__________- To purchase land for game ref- uge.? 1p) Qe eee at To purchase South Park Eik Feeding Ground.? County iWiebeleacs ea 2s = — WHE Gl oe ees Cachest 4 Giles, Smyth___----- Clarke, Loudon, Fauquier. Okanovan= === Nibany = 22 oeese Rheton: ==) = 1 State supplied 25 percent, Federal Government 75 percent. 2 Project under consideration at end of year. ft Cost estimate First year $4, 899 5, 200 3, 500 48, 883 8, 985 575 14, 247 53, 600 10, 702 320 2, 110 31, 248 17, 540 200 31, 452 3, 776 4, 451 12, 000 6, 930 Total 300, 000 9, 000 16, 000 77, 500 2, 000 25, 000 5, 000 7, 575 10, 702 320 2,110 31, 248 17, 540 1, 000 54, 457 25, 000 20, 000 22, 500 6, 930 The 30 research projects were restricted to practical problems of management, including State-wide game surveys on which to base future development and management programs; studies of the rela- 40 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1939 tion of summer and winter ranges of big game; methods of quail, turkey, and deer management; investigations of local migrations of waterfowl; studies of factors influencing turkey populations; coor- dination of game-management and farming practices; management of fur resources; research on factors influencing the population of raccoons; and investigation of factors limiting herds of mountain sheep. Some worth-while results were obtained within the few months the program was under way. The 28 development projects for improving natural conditions for wildlife covered such matters as restoring water facilities for desert game; fencing surrounding lands and developing springs to provide additional food and cover for wildlife as well as to increase the water supply for livestock; propagating food and cover plants to improve wildlife habitat on State and Federal lands; posting and fencing refuges; releasing seed stocks of game on protected areas; trapping and planting live beavers and turkeys; constructing dikes to control water on areas used by migratory birds and fur animals; and pur- chasing deer from States having surpluses and transporting them to protected areas deficient in seed stock. The acquisition projects, involving the purchase or lease of lands, progressed more slowly at the start than projects of other types be- cause of the greater time and effort needed. Of the 28 submitted, substantial progress was made on 13, involving cut-over woodlands to be dedicated to wildlife use in the Eastern and Southern States, winter range for big game in parts of the West, agricultural lands for conducting studies of the relation of farming practices to wildlife populations, and additional lands for increasing research facilities. REFUGE-LAND ACQUISITION Following approval of purchase by the Migratory Bird Conserva- tion Commission, 1 new refuge of 8,000 acres was added to the na- tional wildlife refuge system; 6 new refuges with an aggregate area of 1,521,376 acres were set aside from the public domain; and 22 refuges were enlarged through the acquisition of lands aggregating 18,539 acres. By Executive orders increments to 5 refuges heretofore established in public-domain States were obtained by the inclusion of a total of 21,787 acres; and Executive orders were issued also for the estab- lishment of 59 new refuges, enlargement of 8 existing refuges, and correction or modification of scope of 2 others, including 1,749,163 acres of the public domain and 132,304 acres acquired by purchase. There have also been added to the refuge system 332,438 acres in 7 units, which were acquired by the Farm Security Administration and more recently handled by the Soil Conservation Service. Five of these refuges, namely, Carolina Sandhills, S. C.; Little Pend Oreille, Wash; Piedmont, Ga.; Moosehorn addition, Maine; and Kentucky Woodlands, Ky., aggregating 269,938 acres, are primarily suitable for upland game; while the Necedah, Wis., and St. Marks addition, Fla., containing 62,500 acres, are migratory-waterfowl refuges. Details of the accomplishments in refuge-land acquisition are given in table 3. BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY £62 ai 118 ‘9 CLOSE EAGER or alts ea aida erage SATO 68h 6SPU .. BTC TS Re MC ee ULOYOSOO JT 0ZL 8 oE9 % Sarah Fey a! ot co OB PN Sees MBAS Sofoma| hed eae ect 2£9 PLE Chins! = eae We we EE ETE OUISSGOB'T 008 PE oth G, ella ear ae ete TOSHOT: Cia lesa esieenes 198 ‘OT 260 ‘2 COOL SME: eae ec eee ol 649. 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T Bln cmmgnar ge ng O2h ‘Tree | LIP ‘T g Zk ‘9 ES ‘9 NSO Peel as Seng Ce ees TOATY OFT MA. PUES. |S 000 ‘099 OOOKOOG Ee eee onl to ol Ce eMee ee Gk GUNN. Ob Re 2 || ae Oe BOR) ebiole mal Secon Bit Tee 000 ‘098 OOOROOSR ine lingseac css + el tsa saul mens iipecs Ab Mpicia ime a, Ia y nadie ata | ae jal sentste gn) BOM BZOQGO ree oe 008 ‘Th QOS Te: altri slp e) ar) elon eal eee meme hue ome ke [OTP neo Coe F ela ar ot gp LOL OOULUAN Salo SaLoy Solow saloy Sauoy 800 $aLoy7 $aloy saloy OVUBADA esBlo 90UvAOA eseyo s1eok : [MIOL -u0d of41y | -rnd Aq [810], | -wod e749 | -1nd Aq snows eseyoind Aq sulpueg | pomnboy Surpueg |pounboy ‘ord ut (840. uByy 10440 OBNjOry pounboy permboy | 40V U0lyBA10s spun] 1040 puw AouesIO MIO TT AA -00() pal £10181 31 1epu, ‘d[qB1 JO pud 4B sojOM00F 9eg pp aie ee PG nigel ar a AO19TIBO SS | Loca AP, soulmonbe[g ues eae pisulog 49 pus sourmonbe| gd :BUBISINO'T Tei SOS SSI, pue uoAT :AyonUEyy "44009 pue ‘uosyovr ‘onbnq nq ‘uojUTIO ‘MOJABIO ‘soXemMe[V “Optsoqyig M. pue ‘pue[sy yoo ‘ssoravq or ‘[[o1BoO SE Sy a aa gars ar eae ga a ea WOSBIAL :StOUlTIT it leah ee ie PTE OSC wosioyer :Ouepy Bolphtrls Shee seta OOOO wey sug Sisco Saag Gs ERERES = Me oka eiateet meyyeyO a abt ION Apc tata souor pue Jodser ES Te ores OIB AA PUB ‘YOUTH ‘MO4[AeYyO :BId.100)) San baa Bl[NYBAA pues ‘10[AB], ‘Mosieyor Tan Sina ee = Rachel een oe a OOIMO TAT Tar Satie che aoe iat es Se eae aa Ysno1ogsiley ak Sata aa 2 5 a SBI[OUIT PUB OdSey /BpMOT Src hieneeS wownenemnnne=-=---AOy :O1BMBlOC. “sd iiqd pues ‘eo1m0;y “eysoq ‘sesuvyly :sesuByIy EARLE ET ee, Re Bun x Caan aaah a Odea rt vungz pues Bulg :BuOZIIW ‘ued -I0J. pus ‘MOSIPeYL ‘OUOJSoMI'T :eureqBlV Ajunod pue 048198 dapso aaunooury fig pun ‘sifib fiq ‘spunf sayjo pun houabsawa ym “oy uUor1pasaswop pug hsowubrpyy ay? Mapun 6E6I wvah ywosyf ay) Bburunp uowrsinbovo fo ssav0ud ur wo pasinbov sasn payojas pup sabnfos sof puvT—g WIaV,J, ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1939 42 FOP ‘929 £82 ‘G9 92 ‘LZ CEP saloy -o---------- TL? t Same ah DLP 18 9 Tg iD) ea eons Dees POOMASOT || SG i an see uniets § SLLBADEMOTAT DUCLOM ALLEL es ee ed aie OFS 74 Tir al Mic eae a AON OM SUOM aha) lk tan, AOPPEM Pus Asef ing ae enone ----|--2---------|----------|------ 22 =~ OL OL Set LR To yee aa AEE ep POLLY ONOUL "| Mel) ei Wee Lee Tea ay Gee 97 ee SLUT ------------ 12S z 6% Z8ZS mya oe lees ga OO Lc Caen A eee tel 9 enor DO CIC SOC. | iaeri aL an at mninae ae aera Ueno seek: ee Teor 69 9 I I I I ISIAH OL OL ONVM ONAN POSSE Sn eh O ORIN GENS) 10) 0453 GMUSLO)E | ; “Bjoyed YON pe ie alee | RI Z0L ras oe | (COLNC Pigg tars? geet gy “PURIST eed) |r we eho: ae nies nears ee OLE ri eee | ce ee SIR eRe BIS ee ae 612 et eee | LONG 5 S57 STS= FS = MOSYSNULGIACIN OMG Tela are on an ny eee ODAT. 2CUTfOIeD WON Zp a AD Se To | oer Sa SG ae Toe ‘g 890 ‘E CSSis BASE! 8 ee gUUlNZO UOINs erones eg th we ee fee BooleS ST te ee tel ee ea cemenremes | ae ale Seok ae | Ran I a a ee TOAD, (a0 Re anaes a ho ee ee Oe SLOBUS >yIOX MON oa ee nen nen | nn nna nnn nnn ne 826 % 226 ‘S PEGI 8 0 ALLO LH 4 (2) 9) CAM OISON ST JS SE OH OID) (oo gee ee al eee es ole eee ge alo aoe 5 CIP ‘L CIP ‘2 GES ils ae 7, pe ORATION is |r ae ee eee seen eee wD EO) ; SO0IXOTA, MONT ------------|------------|----------]---------- 000 ‘8 000 ‘8 Saas ita | bm a i de etiti OLE] UL (2c el 1 ee | Vane SOS 10 | ANG NI OO Tite sal lnaie ger awe eam hi ey 692 “ST OF CGZESTE A 7 teacoeoee ge ees eye] anal ae a7 a ee eulg ey M pues oF °(U ------------|------------|----------|---------- 622 ‘C 669 ‘¢ 08 -210 OS[® 98S) MOp[eyg septeyO |~~~~~~~"~" "~~" e0YsBAA PUL SRE AGN, :Bp SSeS SEs Tae Pecesesarel| 5 Drage mal eee gape ean gig Gl eee area ge aay ones ROWLILLO [GAC | | sale aia a main aaa enlace ams gee ALOU (@) mrt] SHIT NI ~ nn --------- 602 ‘2 2 602 ‘2 Sot SSeS Sal pe cas ce OTE a Tae cc es a. s SOIR IES OO TN Te l= cre eee nn See OCP ue Orn SSS SRS 1SL ‘Sz OF ‘Z Tre See se Se EDIT QUANG PO ABE CLOES) [OWT TACO ET :BUBIUOYL ~-2--------- BL 2 aaa Se sl OT, 196 ‘% 18¢ ‘T 028 ‘T a cas sobes bas sag 2 OCI OAL UB ANG "| Sie 0 RE | Se ee TGin TE EE TS O9T ot ar ees | OIE €9I o9L I See re ea Oot RECN Glare a eae Vain nea Ne SEINE LOFT ee ee | ee | i el 000 GZ 000 GZ ES ee ge aS, oR Se wir ne 5 erase eee OOUDTAT SUS SoS Sareea mame OLUAG NAG pues pleppojys STINOSSIJAL *(MISUODSI AA PUB “BMOT ‘STOUIT =----------- PLS ‘T 6 PL8‘T enc orrsren|annnonnnna[ano-nom---[----"---=-1 17 ogre 9es) IddIssissiy] Joddq |--~~~~ suoulA pus ‘eyseqeA, “OJsnoy Sec be see || at eee cce|ace Sosaeee|as- r------| ope % 928 ‘T 0z¢ “HAT GS GEE SAS) SOP AOUIRULGI Te ae a: Gk nen ee ees EONS a SSbaSSoeEe 688 8 698 Bree oe eae as eerie Sn an ellie rae ae Saar ea OS Gael OO TE: Iii | rekeatinan cen aera aan enmeeeierenern 1. OO ANTLOI4 0) BaP RRAeSSa5e $8 ‘Fz eZ1 Tez ‘F £16‘ 0g¢ ‘T 2p ‘T “TET TL SILT aa RS CA CQ I Ces) ii ee Dee ene ee ee NT :B OSOUUITAT ------------ 68 SSSI ECE] AD £2 ‘12 Tee ‘LT 268 ‘6 Pee Seger RT Too Eee AOU OG fl ean eae CLO | OOUOR ea yaa AL *sad100H = 2-2 ---2----|------------|----------]---------- Zep SSP wo crrrsterfoorenesensecaasa--------anexmeg | dU pues jepunty euuy ‘pur[Aleyy Saloy saloy sao SLY SaLay Saloy saloy edUGADA eseyo edUBADA eseyo [e1O.L -109 Off}. | -and Aq 1v10,, | -Wo0o 9[119 | -and Aq aseyoind Aq sulpueg | poumboy sulpueg |po1mboy uvy} 10q40 esnjey Aqun0d pus o3e49 poimboy | _ Eaaih sag ah poimboy Spunj 10430 pus AOUESIOWIO UTM 40V U0I}CAIOS -H0D Plig A1OJVISIPY JopugQ ponuu0g—wapio saunooxy fiq pun ‘s1fib hg ‘spunf sayjo pun howabsawa yqum “joy UolzoALasuody pug hsopoubrpy ay? “apun 6S6L “wah qoosyf ay, burunp uorwrsinbov fo ssov01d ur 10 padynboo sasn paynjad pun sainfa, wof pub yT—g ATA], 43 BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY *S0.10B GPT OF 010B UV JO UOTIOVIJ B UOJ OSUBA SUI0II 0108-[—' ALON "IVOA OY} SULINP POATOATI SVM FIOM DOTPSINDI’ YOIYM WO SosNyor osOY} A[WO AOJ OIG TINO UI SolI}UO SB ‘po}IIUIO [VIOT, gt '8E61 “¢ ANE poep 1opaz0 dATNOOxY AQ pounboes Ajjenjoe ‘ges, wok [eosy AO} yAOdoA UL UMOYS A[Sn oUoIIT 1 *SE6I JO JOV ADUOLOYOC puo0ddg 9y} UI WI0IT o7 “puny osnjory YS PUB OTPILM Joary Iddississtpy todd y 4 ‘418 Aq pornboy ¢ NvOINEG sity} 04 possojsuvsy ynq ‘svore Wo01}e14SuOmOp [VANY[MoWIse IOJ popuoj}Ul Al[VUIsIIO ‘uOMBeINSIUIMIpY AJlIMoeg WBA AQ posByoing , ‘SsoIsMOD JO Joy Aq NvdIINEG 94} 09 1OAO POUIN, 9 ‘sosnyjor QS0Y} WO OSBO[ LOPUN Sd10B [O'PST‘P Sploy nvoing oy) ‘MMOYS 9380108 OY} 04 TOIJIPps UT ¢ ‘PZL9 ‘ON OPIO OAINOOXH OJ OFNIYSQNS B “puny 0N0‘OS6F + "PEGI ‘8% AVIA, JO ‘F719 ‘ON JOPAO OAINOOX Ysnoig} poprAaoid puny 000‘000'TS ¢ ‘SPUN UOMVIYSIUIMIPY JUOUIO[}JOSOY PUB DOTICAYSIUIMIPY Jolpoy ADUISIOMIY [VIOPIT ¢ “HONYBVUIG[IOId 10 JopIO OATJNIOXT, AQ OPISB 49g 1 (1) | 266 821% | 229 ‘886 ‘T | 626 ‘LE OOTEST ce |PEOURO Tene lL HVAC NGS SPT FOO) C7 ale eens snc res Rage terete rs Rel ieee PaaS a ae a T2101, TOF ‘T Qpiae mae Goren ee em smal ier ed tae cae ae CGA oe OPS. pela ear oe Opeee tl cise ca eee © ORS PION" sar > ac ge ee ee Aueqty LL8 61 OO eS nl ca a ee ace ROSES ag ea | coats 002 029 OS) GrGiaee ok aS oe gOSNIOM AT cone a A oe 1090.1, tSUTUIOL AA ; ‘(B4OSOUUIP, puB “eMoOT ‘sIOu ‘uouJ0 A pus ‘neolevodure. ], COG #9 IAS me aa Oe a 1ZE 6 ASAE Oh ata Si 35 5S taerens eal lo aah Mee Sepa a Chae -II[I Os[@ oos) 1ddississtpy Joddy | ‘ossoipey “ueip ‘ploymvVipn ‘oyeyng hee 009 ‘OF 009 ‘OF z eae See S| tees Se ae Rp ear akon eae ees SS ae ae T Sie maine = eae “Sz UG DOOONI |" i pee ay Sain Os co peeet eae OLED SUISMODST A OLL % SOTA bra lier. 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Set -gom [RE cen ee S82 Fo oo eee ae G98 OOR)S muiag i set eeio aa sao Se on ae aria ae SOSUBIYG!|" (Tee fae ee ee ee sesuBly 1SBXO], 02 HIG ST" ses ae. peers 119 ‘Te LTO ele ees ae es eake, eer ae || Doe Paar men eck ea tapes eae ae LOST OS(GA0 ssa nae enn HOIqO PUB OYVB'T :doSSouUd,T, Lag % OC male akon cs aterieg eg ion - we srorely aeiliaae Cao erl|> Saasetc ees OCA we aah lace OZ. ee OS Sie Sen age a BS X01 i, ae asia oe See ale aia OS Avq GOP 61 Le em Ca aa TS8 ¢ 028 DT? Syed peed te sauaad eal MS: Leet ak Rag hte eli emma ee gn ONC PUBS | “7 weaseewes eas oS eee uUMOIg :BjoyVqC YIN, , ‘(813 809 9 LD te ee pee tog lta ene epee | ew Ren eg | (> ye pares TA Yeap ve pe Sar ae ere L119 ~100{) OS]B 00S) JOATYT YVUUBABG [~~~ 770m nnn Jodser r= ee 000 ‘ZOT COOSZOL: va pe aa RES | See era 9S a se lin aes ee a ere cleniees ser malla a grease OTT UUM! 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ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1939 In addition to activities in dedicating land for wildlife refuge purposes, the year was notable for State cooperation, the legislatures of Virginia and Maryland having consented to the segregation as national sanctuaries of water areas important to migratory wild fowl. In Virginia an extensive body of water contiguous to lands heretofore acquired by the Biological Survey in Back Bay was made an inviolate sanctuary, and in Maryland action of the same nature was taken on the Susquehanna Flats, a considerable part of which will later become a Federal refuge. No other bodies of coastal waters in the United States are more important than these as con- centration places for migratory game birds. Increasing land-acquisi- tion effort must be devoted to the procurement of more or less re- stricted bodies of land found to be desirable for rounding out or consolidating areas heretofore brought into Government ownership. Sometimes this can be accomplished by purchase after mutually satis- factory agreements on price have been reached, but in the majority of cases, to establish an equitable compensation, recourse must be had to court proceedings. In 27 condemnation proceedings conducted in Federal courts in 17 States, land-valuation experts of the Bureau appeared as witnesses. Probably the most noteworthy single accomplishment was the favor- able outcome of the condemnation proceedings for the acquisition of lands necessary to complete the Patuxent Research Refuge, Md., thus bringing to a successful conclusion the plans of the Biological Survey for establishing a wildlife research refuge in the East. During the year 374 miles of refuge boundary lines were surveyed, as well as 160 miles of interior or contiguous lines required by reason of lost and obliterated corners; 47 miles of level lines were surveyed and, to define refuge boundaries, 304 miles were marked. Prelimi- nary to fence construction, 120 miles of boundary lines were staked. Survey descriptions necessary for title examinations and preparing deeds of conveyance for 894 tracts were completed, covering approxi- mately 251,624 acres, of which 245 tracts of 4,089 acres with irregular boundaries were surveyed preliminary to the preparation of accurate land descriptions. Topographic surveys of 160 acres were made and maps compiled therefrom. Incident to the national wildlife-refuge program, appraisals were made of 5 proposed refuges in as many States, containing a total of 36,500 acres. RESTORATION OF WILDLIFE HABITAT BY REFUGE DEVELOPMENT With the completion of major development work, many of the bird refuges recently established were given their first real oppor- tunity to prove their worth, and reports from coast to coast indicate more birds on them than for many years. They are justifying the belief that they will aid materially in alleviating the serious condi- tion of the Nation’s wildlife. Development is only beginning on some of the refuges, but on others it has reached the stage of making adjustments and repairs to refuge structures and of biological reconditioning.- As in previous years, assistance was given by the C. C. C., W. P. A., and N. Y. A. BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 45 CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS COOPERATION WORK ACCOMPLISHMENTS Ami average of 32 full-strength C. C. C. camps and 1 side ean was used in construction work on 32 national wildlife refuges in 24 States. Water-impoundment work, which entailed moving millions of eubic yards of earth, and construction of headquarters facilities were in the main a continuation of activities discussed in some detail in previous reports. These are here briefly reviewed, however, to show the purposes, activities, and accomplishments of the C. C. C. in 1,451 camp-months of labor duri ing the 6 vears that its facilities have been available for refuge development. The nature and significance of the operations in refuge development were popularly presented 3 m a Bureau contribution to C. C. C. publications entitled “The C. C. C. and Wildlife.” Since the establishment of the C. C. C. in 1933 the Baalosiedl Survey has added approximately 7,760,000 acres to the national wild- life refuges. These lands compensate in small part for the millions of acres of habitat that necessarily were lost to wildlife through the plow, the ax, and the drainage ditch, but almost all the units acquired were to some extent lacking in the basic wildlife requirements of water, food, and protective cover. Forty-four of the larger and more important refuges have been, or are now being, developed and 1m- proved almost exclusively by. the C. C. C. Mentioning a few of the important details will indicate the type and quantity of the work thus far accomplished. There were 72 large impoundments and diversion dams built and 7,443,416 cubic vards of earth and rock and 238 masonry water-control structures used in the construction of levees, dikes, and jetties to reestablish marshes and impound water. Work preliminary to water impound- ment included the excavation of 2,566,203 cubic yards of earth and rock from canals and ditches, as well as the clearing and cleaning of 3,422,675 square yards of water channels and 4, 852 acres in reser- voir, lake, and pond sites. Deficiencies in vegetation were overcome by planting immense quantities of aquatics for waterfowl, numerous shrubs and trees for upland game, and grasses for soil binding and moisture conservation, and as an erosion-control measure 674 perma- nent check dams were built. Nesting islands were built for the better protection of waterfowl! and shorebirds. Construction work involved the erection of 56 dwellings, 21 overnight cabins, and 195 other build- ings, including offices, laboratories, garages, and storage houses, and the building of 477,050 rods of fences, 1,977 miles of patrol trails, 169 foot and vehicle bridges, and fire- -protection systems that included 47 lookout towers, 600 miles of telephone lines, and several hundred miles of firebreaks. SAFETY PROGRAM The safety of personnel is the most important consideration govern- ing C.C. C. operations. Instruction in the importance of adhering to safe practices has resulted in improving the accident record each year, both with regard to severity and frequency. In 1937 there were 5.82 lost-time accidents per 1,000 enrollees; in 1938, 4.69; and in the current 46 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1939 year, only 2.78. This year, in the 1,061,932 days devoted to project work by the enrollees only 143 lost-time accidents occurred; last year there were 200. Two CoD Tule Lake Camp BF-3, Calif., and Charles Sheldon Camp BF-2, Ney., had no accidents this ye ar, and 5 others had only 1 each. . JOB-TRAINING AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS The diversity of projects in the refuge-development program pro- vides many opportunities for C. C. C. enrollees to learn the fundamen- tals of skilled trades. To construct roads, dams, bridges, and small buildings and other structural improvements necessary for efficient and economical refuge management, workers must have or acquire a knowl- edge of carpentry, concrete work, and operation of equipment. Throughout the 6 years of camp activity, classes in these subjects have been among the most popular of the many available to the enrollees. On the average 269 C. C. C. employees, or approximately 85 percent of all in the Biological Survey camps, conducted on-the-job training courses, and an average of 247, or approximately 78 percent, gave classroom instruction in 76 subjects after working hours, which agere- gated 211,258 hours, or an average of 6,154 per camp. Largely through the instruction given in the classrooms and on the work projects, 395 enrollees obtained private employment during the year. COOPERATION OF WORKS PROGRESS ADMINISTRATION The development of refuges by W. P. A. labor was continued. Al- lotments totaling $1,321, 787 were made to the Biological Survey by transfer from the Werk: A., providing 24,655 man-months of employ- ment for persons in need of relief. This money was expended on 84 refuges in 22 States. In addition, Bureau-sponsored State projects were : approved providing for the expenditure of $955,738 of Federal W. P. A. funds, which were supplemented by the Biological Survey’s contribution of $287,702; these provided 18,669 man- -months of em- ployment. The allocation of these funds enabled the Bureau to continue water and wildlife conservation in connection with national wildlife restora- tion and provided worth-while projects for the employment of relief personnel. The work performed varied with the geographic position of the refuges but consisted chiefly of ditching and of building dams, dikes, and water-control structures to impound water and create marsh areas; planting aquatic and upland vegetation, shrubs, and trees used by wildlife for food and cover; constructing roads and trails, fire lanes, bridges, nesting islands, and upland-game shelters: and posting and fencing boundaries. In several cases, structures necessary for ee proper maintenance and administration of refuges were erected, 1 cluding residences for refuge managers, overnight cabins, honthonees equipment sheds, barns, storage cellars for aquatic seeds and tubers, and lookout towers. Federal W. P. A. funds totaling $93,399 were received and supple- mented by the Biological Survey’s contribution of $41,871 for employ- ing statistical and clerical help to assist in bringing to date the work in the Washington office and in land-acquisition offices in Denver, Colo. a! and Des Moines, Iowa. About 1.250 man-months of employment were thus provided. BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY A7 CORRELATION OF DRAINAGE ACTIVITIES WITH WILDLIFE INTERESTS With the initiation a few years ago of a Federal program to aid unemployment, drainage became an eligible type of project through- out the country. The result of many ill-advised projects was un- warranted destruction of wildlife habitat by the alteration of nat- ural water levels beyond the limits most of the desirable plant and animal forms can tolerate, in many instances eliminating indigenous plant and animal forms and permitting invasion of species that rapidly displaced the food plants of waterfowl and other marsh inhabitants. This unnecessary destruction of wildlife habitat led to many pro- tests by national and local conservation agencies, State conservation commissions, and private individuals against the prosecution of drainage projects in general through the use of Federal funds. These protests resulted in an understanding with the W. P. A. whereby all project applications involving drainage that were sub- mitted to that organization were to be referred to the Biological Survey for review as to their probable effect on wildlife. Cooperating with the W. P. A., the Biological Survey reviewed and made field inspection of 364 drainage projects (many of which were State- or county-wide in character), volving 3,294 work units. One hundred and fifty-one units that threatened to be unnecessarily detrimental to wildlife were disapproved through the Bureau’s rec- ommendations, and 955 units were recommended for partial or con- ditional approval, with the proviso that the plans be so modified as not to menace wildlife. In many cases, such modification resulted in the creation of new habitat to compensate for the unavoidable destruction of adjacent natural wildlife environment. The remain- ine 2,188 units, not Involving wildlife values, were recommended for unconditional approval. Of the 364 projects. 206 (1,812 units) were concerned with mos- quito control and 158 (1,482 units) with land-utilization drainage. In the mosquito-control projects, wherever practicable, methods of larva reduction through water control and impoundment rather than by mechanical drainage were recommended and carried out in the interests of wildlife conservation. NATIONAL YOUTH ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANCE It would be difficult to overestimate the value of the N. Y. A. type of labor to the refuge program, especially in North Dakota. With- out this assistance it would be impossible to obtain accurate data on the 68 widely scattered easement refuges on which permanent per- sonnel is not yet maintained. Members of the N. Y. A. for the most part live on or near the refuges on which they work and serve as official observers. Not only do they supply accurate information to the Biological Survey regarding the condition of the refuges, but they also take an active interest in their upkeep and have created a better local understanding of the refuge program. They noted bird populations, recorded species that could be identified, compiled nest- ing data, made brood counts, and reported instances of predation and damage to structures by rodents or other mammals. They also re- ported weekly on the water level and weather and on the condition of buildings, dams, ditches, dikes, fences, and signs. 48 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1939 In addition to collecting data, these youths did some of the im- provement work, including gathering seeds of desirable plants on areas where abundant to plant on areas where scarce; transplant- ing and caring for trees, shrubs, and aquatic plants; repairing fences and signs; and keeping ditches, dikes, and channels clear of weeds, They also regularly patrolled the refuges, and during the huntine season they acted as Junior game wardens in accordance with a State- wide plan of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, repor:- ing Immediately any law violations observed. Work by the N. Y. A. on the Tamarac Refuge, Minn., included constructing portable boat docks and other equipment from salvaged tumber; landscaping and tree planting; building and placing 50 bird houses; taking a waterfowl census; making picnic tables, benches. poats, ‘and concrete walks: feeding wildlife in winter; improving lawns and roads; and collecting aquatic seeds. Similar work was done on the Waubay Refuge, S. Dak., and the Nine-Pipe and Pablo Refuges, Mont. The activities of these youths are valuable not only to the Biologi- cal Survey but also to themselves. Since this type of labor was first utilized in North Dakota in January 1937, 214 young men have been assigned to the Bureau for work on easement areas. Some of them have been employed for only a short time, but all have learned about conservation and have developed new interests that will aid therm materially in later life. ENGINEERING WORK ON KEFUGES Operating out of offices at Salt Lake City, Utah; Des Moines, lowa: and Washington, D. C., employees of the Bureau of Agricultural Engineering supervised engineering construction on 54 refuges, the work being done in most instances. by C..C: Cotorg Wi. tRack labor. I addition, detailed plans were prepared for engineering work on numerous projects acquired or to be acquired, including, in cooper:- tion with the Bureau of Reclamation, those for the restoration of Lower Klamath Lake, Oreg.; many topographic surveys were ranges contour maps were prepared : and the engineering feasibility of : number of areas proposed for future acquisition as wildlife rete was Investigated. Among the outstanding engineering works supervised by the Bureau of Agricultural Engineering may be mentioned the comple- tion by the C. C. C. of the Jacks Creek dike on the Bull Island unit of the Cape Romain Refuge, S. C., begun by Army engineers; the creation of 2 pools, aggregating 3,000 acres, on Seney Refuge, Mich.; the construction wie ‘water-control works and about 17 miles of likes on Mud Lake Refuge, Minn.; and the beginning of engi- neering work on the Lacassine Refuge, La. ., and the “Aransas Refuge, Tex. One of the district engineers inspected and submitted reports on 67 easement refuges impr oved by W. P. A. labor in North Dakota. One hydraulic engineer employed by the Biological Survey attended to the filing of water rights as required by various State laws and to protecting water supplies. against other claimants. He also conferred with various Federal, State, and private agencies on matters relating to the use of the water on or affecting the refuges. BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 49 BIOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES FOOD AND COVER Changing conditions on refuges resulting from ecological manage- ment are year by year making them more attractive to wildhfe. To expedite improvement, plants high in wildlife food-and-cover values were collected and planted on refuges within their natural range. In the development of water areas more than 85,000 pounds of marsh and aquatic seeds and over 365,000 pounds of plant parts were col- lected on some refuges and distributed to others. Occasionally cli- matic and other factors combine to make available exceptional seed crops of certain desirable food plants. This year prairie bulrush produced such a crop and, as the water receded from the marginal areas, 1t was possible by means of a combine to collect 32,000 pounds of the seed, most of which was distributed to refuges in the North- west. In developing upland areas, about 2,000,000 trees, shrubs, and vines (many obtained through the cooperation of the Soil Conservation Service and the Forest Service) were planted, and more than 4,000 pounds of seeds of trees, shrubs, and vines were collected. As the Biological Survey maintains only two active nurseries, a large part of this seed was turned over to the Soil Conservation Service and the Forest Service for propagation. Nearly 5,000 acres of refuge lands were put under cultivation for green forage and for grain production for supplementary feeding. A large part of this acreage was planted on a sharecropping basis. which relieved the refuge personnel of the tasks of cultivation and harvesting and at the same time improved local economic conditions. More than 220,000 pounds of grain were harvested and used in feed- ing upland game in winter and in providing food for waterfowl where natural foods were depleted. Many areas in the West were seeded with grasses and other plants to improve range and forage conditions for wildlife, the species most widely used being crested wheatgrass, bromegrass, sweetclover, and alfalfa. Cover-type maps, which show the natural vegetation, as well as that resulting from management, and indicate changes that will probably take place, were completed for six refuges and advanced for others, to aid in outlining their development. NESTING AND SHELTER As most of the forested areas on the national wildlife refuges con- sist of cut-over timber or second-growth stands, which are essentially lacking in the hollows used by tree-nesting ducks, more than 1,600 nesting boxes were built to resemble natural tree cavities and placed on refuges that are within the breeding range of the wood duck and the goldeneye. A close check revealed that they were being used extensively by these species and that some had been appropriated by raccoons, squirrels, and opossums. Construction of nesting islands was continued on the waterfowl- breeding refuges, and 175 were completed. They greatly increase the available waterfowl nesting sites and, being islands, are practically free from predators. On the Malheur Refuge, Oreg., large numbers 50 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1939 of Canada geese and Forster’s terns nested on them, and on 1 small island 171 pelican, 14 cormorant, and more than 100 gull nests were located. The upland game-bird shelters previously constructed on refuges were found extremely valuable in maintaining game-bird concentra- tions during periods of severe weather, and this year 150 were added. Feed hoppers are maintained in conjunction with many of them in areas where deep snows tend to cover up natural foods. MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION OF NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES The national wildlife refuges under the jurisdiction of the Bio- logical Survey, with an aggregate acreage of 13,530,160, now number 260. Of these. 16 (4,094,202 acres) are in Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. In addition 14 smaller areas (2791 acres) are maintained for wildlife experimental and administrative purposes, on which wildlife is also protected. The nature and extent of the 260 refuges are shown im table 4. TaBLeE 4.—Nature and extent of national wildlife refuges administered by the Bureau of Biological Survey Character | Number Acres For migratory waterfowl (including easement refuges)____.-___________-___-__ 139 1, 613, 632 Ror othermecratony: binds= sae eta Se ee ae Sn oe 63 951, 812 For wildlife in general (birds, mammals, and other classes)________-__________- | 17 4, 298, 128 Honnongameibirds chiefliyses po. 22252: panne een eee eye ee Se Seeks ee 29 106, 712 HOT D1s-caMeSpecless een sks ee eee ons Re eS ee ae | 12 6, 559, 876 ARS He sles ee A leat OO? LYS EE lend: bit ON Plagne hl 260 | 13, 530, 160 The work of maintaining these refuges has increased with the establishment of new units and the completion of development of many of the older ones. Additional personnel, both permanent and temporary, was employed for general administration; for protection against trespass, vandalism, and fire; for enforcement of laws and regulations: for repair and maintenance of buildings, water -control structures, fences, towers, telephone lines, and other physical equip- ment; and for supervision of grazing, haying, and other farming operations ; disposal of surplus big game: and public recreation. The laws and regulations for the administration of national wild- a refuges were published in Service and Regulatory Announcement S. 90, copies of which may be obtained upon application to the Bioloeiedl Survey. Special regulations were issued from time to time as required. NEW REFUGES BIRD REFUGES The transfer to the Biological Survey of eight former Resettle- ment projects added about 300,000 acres to the national wildlife refuge system. One tract of about 5,500 acres was added to the Moosehorn Refuge, Maine, established primarily for the protection of woodcocks ; and another of about 22 000 acres, to the St. Marks Retuge, Fla., a wintering refuge for thousands of wild geese and BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 51 for many species of ducks. The other six were established as new refuges, as follows: Piedmont Wildlife Refuge, Ga. (about 58,400 acres), by Executive order of January 18, 1939, chiefly for the protection of bobwhite quails and wild turkeys, but also as a wildlife-demonstration area. Kentucky Woodlands Wildlife Refuge, Ky. (48,759 acres), by Executive order of August 30, 1938, as a sanctuary for deer, turkeys, quails, waterfowl, and ‘other wildlife. Noxubee Wildlife Refuge, Miss. (about 40,000 acres), Executive order pending, to protect “wild turkeys, raccoons, minks, muskrats, beavers, and other wildlife, and also to be a demonstration area and a station for wildlife research. Carolina Sandhills Wildlife Refuge, S. C. (50,000 acres), by Execu- tive order of March 17, 1939, primarily to protect quails: and wild turkeys. Little Pend Oreille Wildlife Refuge, Wash. (about 56,600 acres), by Executive order of May 2, 1939, as a sanctuary for Pend Oreille deer (probably the largest species of North American white-tailed deer), three kinds of grouse (ruffed, blue, and Franklin’s), and other wildlife. Necedah Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, Wis. (40,500 acres), by Ex- ecutive order of March 14, 1939, as a refuge for ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, pinnated and sharp-tailed grouse, deer, and other wildlife. Other important bird refuges established by Executive order included Wheeler Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, 41,800 acres, on the Wheeler Reservoir of the Tennessee Valley Authority, Ala.; Ruby Lake Migra- tory Waterfowl Refuge, Nev., 35,712 acres; Montezuma Migratory Bird Refuge, N. Y., 6.232 acres; and Great White Heron Refuge, Fla., 1,000 acres of land, including most of the remaining habitat ‘of the now rare great white heron. BIG-GAME PRESERVES AND RANGES Two new big-game ranges were established, both in Arizona—the Cabeza Prieta Game Range of 860,000 acres, and the Kofa Game Refuge of 660,000 acr es—which are being administered in cooperation with the Gr: azing Service of the Department of the Interior. They were established primarily to protect the Gaillard bighorn sheep, but other species also receive protection, among them the antelope, peccary, mule deer, and Gambel’s quail. Negotiations are pending with the Mexican Government for the establishment of an extensive area south of the Cabeza Prieta Game Range for the protection of bighorn sheep, thus making the project international in character. On the Kofa Game Range is protected also the fan palm (Wash- ingtonia arizonica) , which occurs over an area of about 80 acres in one of the most rugged sections of the Kofa Mountains and is not found elsewhere in the world. It grows in deep canyons in sand accumulated in the pot holes worn by waterfalls, and attains a height of 10 to 30 feet. CONDITIONS ON BIRD REFUGES INCREASED USE BY BIRDS References to conditions on a few of the more than 200 bird ref- uges will indicate the increasing value of the national system for 52 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1939 wildlife conservation and restoration. Various refuges shared in the developmental work already discussed and were thus made increas- ingly attractive to species for which established. The large increases in the number of birds using some of the refuges may be attrib- uted chiefly to greater stabilization of water levels, improvement of habitat as a result of planting operations and restricted or pro- hibited grazing, control of predators, and more adequate protection. Swan Lake Refuge, Mo.—Ducks stopped during the fall migration in larger number than for many years, and thousands of mallards, pintails, teals, baldpates, gadwalls, scaups, and ring-necked ducks concentrated on the refuge, many remaining until January 15. Waubay Refuge, S. Dak.—In addition to at least 100 000 ducks. a flock of whistling swans and hundreds of geese, mostly white-fronted and Canada, but also several large flocks of blue and snow geese, stopped on this refuge during the fall migration, the first time since the refuge was established that the latter two species of geese have stopped in any numbers in fall and that the swans have appeared. Valentine Refuge, Nebr.—The fall flight of the sandhill cranes in the vicinity of this refuge was the largest in years, and for the first time a few alighted—usually they fly high and pass over without stopping. The flight of Franklin’s gulls also was exceptionally large, and it was estimated that on 1 day in October there were about 30,000 on 2 of the lakes. Sacramento Refuge, Calif —During the latter part of November, 1,150,000 pintails, 50,000 mallards, and numerous other waterfowl, including 5 species of geese, were on this refuge. At least three times as many mallards nested in 1939 as in 1938, and there was a large increase in the number of nesting black-necked stilts. A few shovelers and Forster’s terns bred for the first time. Bitter Lakes Refuge, N. Mex—Among the 300,000 wintering waterfowl, mallards were the most numerous, followed by pintails, baldpates, shovelers, and gadwalls. In the latter part of January, there were at least three times as many waterfowl] on the refuge as in the corresponding period in 1938. Bombay Hook Refuge, Del—Willets, which nested on the refuge for the first time in 1938, bred again this year—39 pairs—and the number of nesting shovelers increased to 18 pairs. The 1 brood of coots raised pr ovided the southernmost nesting record of this species on the east coast. A ring-necked duck was seen in the spring, an American goldeneye remained from December 9 to March 6, and a pair of gadwalls nested and reared its brood in the tidal salt marsh in the summer of 1939—3 new records for the refuge. On April 13 a black vulture was identified, one of the few records of this bird in the State. Nine-Pipe, Pablo, and Pishkun Refuges, Mont.—For the first time in many years willets stopped in the fall on these three refuges, marbled godwits on Nine-Pipe, sharp-tailed grouse on Pishkun, and upland plovers on Pablo. During the 1939 spring migration, ‘Hol- boell’s and pied-billed grebes and ring-necked ducks occurred for the first time on Nine-Pipe and Pablo, white-fronted geese on Nine-Pipe, and wood ducks on Pishkun. Lower Souris Refuge, N. Dak.—Geese, mostly blue and snow, but also a few Hutchins’, Canada, and white-fronted, use this refuge in BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 53 increasing numbers each year. During the spring flight at least 15,000 stopped, as compared with 2,000 in 1938. It was estimated that 67,000 ducks were on the refuge in May, as compared with 26,060 the previous year. Redheads and canvasbacks showed outstanding gains. Des Lacs Refuge, N. Dak—The number of breeding ducks in- creased from 5,000 in 1938 to 21,000 this year, and a large hatch was expected. Increases were also noted in western, eared, and pied- billed grebes, coots, rails, bitterns, and black terns. Species seen on the refuge for the first time included the European wigeon, western harlequin duck, and surf scoter. For the first time since the refuge was established, all but one of its water units were filled to capacity. Tule Lake Refuge, Calif—In January, when the annual waterfowl census was taken, there were 20,533 ducks, 3,233 geese, and 366 whis- tling swans, a total of 24,132 waterfowl, on this refuge, more than twice the estimated number for the corresponding period in 19388. The number of waterfowl present during both spring and fall migra- tions showed a marked increase, canvasbacks in particular. Sand Lake Refuge, S. Dak.—More than 20,000 nests of Franklin’s gull were found, as compared with 6,100 in 1938 and about 6,000 in 1937, the first year this species nested on the refuge. Ruddy ducks and redheads also showed substantial increases over previous years. Malheur Refuge, Oreg.—The number of waterfowl has been stead- ily increasing, and it was estimated that in the fall there were a million water birds on the refuge. The annual census in January 1939 revealed almost 12,000 wintering ducks, a vastly increased number over 1938. Cape Romain Refuge, S. C—The number of lesser scaups winter- ing on this waterfowl refuge increased from 5,000 in 1938 to 15,000 this year. Other waterfowl remained in about the same numbers as in previous years or showed a slight decrease. More birds were noted during the hunting season than at any other time, more than 80,000 having been counted. Bear River Refuge, Utah—More waterfow1! were on the Bear River marshes during the fall migration than in any year since the estab- lishment of the refuge; it was estimated that there were at least 2,000,000 ducks at the peak of the migration. Lacassine Refuge, La.—On this migratory-waterfowl refuge, which has been under administration for 1 year, the January waterfowl census showed more than 50,000 wintering ducks and thousands of other birds. During migration, geese, pied-billed grebes, lesser scaup ducks, black-necked stilts, Wilson’s snipes, and sandpipers visited the refuge. A large number of nesting herons began laying eggs on April 1, and the young birds were completely feathered and nearly grown by June 13. EASEMENT REFUGES Only 3 new easement refuges were added, all in South Dakota, namely, the Lake Arconge, 240 acres; Eagle Creek, 1,201 acres; and Quinn Lake, 480 acres. Executive orders establishing 40 North Dakota easement refuges were issued. There are now 81 easement refuges, totaling 185,378 acres, of which 68 (109,924 acres) are in North Dakota (3 North Dakota projects were dropped or combined 54 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1939 with others); 8 (22.931 acres) in Montana: and 5 (2.523 acres) in South Dakota. In South Dakota, easements were also obtained covering important additions to 2 existing refuges—the Lake Andes and Lacreek. In the spring all the North Dakota easement refuges received a good supply of water: the impoundments on 33 reached spillway level, 12 were three-fourths full, 11 were at the halfway mark, 8 had enough water to take care of the birds hatched, and only 4 had insufficient water. All are in better condition than ever before. The Montana refuges that were near enough completion to impound water also received a plentiful supply. During the spring migration, outstanding concentrations occurred on several of the North Dakota refuges. It was estimated that there were at least 500,000 geese in the vicinity of Lac Aux Mortes, Snyder, Brumba, and Rock Lake Refuges, near Devils Lake, surpassing m numbers the goose flight of 1938, reported the largest for many years. The Ardoch Lake Refuge also had a large concentration of geese, variously estimated at 30,000 to 50,000. Lakes Tewaukan, ‘Ardoch, and Elsie were. the nightly resting places for huge flocks of Franklin’s gulls during the fall migration, the Lake Tewaukan nightly concentration totaling from 250,000 to 750,000 for almost a month. In October about 10,000 pelicans concentrated on the Dakota Lake Refuge. There was a small decline in the number of ducks nesting on “the easement refuges and also in the number stopping during spring migration. The Chase Lake Refuge had about 5,000 br eeding ring-billed and California gulls, and the ‘Long Lake Refuge a large colony of Franklin’s gulls, estimated at 20,000 nests. Large numbers of waterfowl and shorebirds used the Lake Thida- deau, Black Coulee. and Hewitt Lake Refuges, Mont., for feeding and resting, and several thousand nested on them. Thousands of ducks, coots, grebes, gulls, and shorebirds also bred on the small Greedmans Coulee Refuge, which was completed only this year. The other Montana projects either are still under construction or were finished too late in the season to be much used. In South Dakota only the Lake Andes Refuge was near enough completion to attract many birds, but thousands of waterfowl and shorebirds nested or fed there during migration. Since there was little acquisition activity on easement refuges, attention was directed principally to completing construction and improvement work and to biological reconditioning. During the year the W. P. A. funds expended on the North Dakota easement refuges totaled $114,060, providing about 1,800 man-months of em- ployment : on the Montana refuges, about $98,700, providing 1,853 man-months: and in South Dakota, about $32,500. The major op- erations included the building of control works; constructing and graveling roads; placing additional riprap to protect various ‘struc- tures: building nesting islands and bridges; drilling wells; repairing dams, ditches, “spillw ays, fences, and signs; planting trees and aquat- ics; and constructing recreational facilities, CONDITIONS ON GAME PRESERVES The numbers of big-game animals on the Bureau’s fenced preserves are given in table 5. 4 BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 5d TABLE 5.—Animals on fenced big-game preserves maintained by the Bureau of Biological Survey (estimated) ANIMALS AS OF JUNE 30, 1939 Deer | Bie. Texas Preserve Bor Elk | ae Hb | | long- | Total ; p BHCen | White- Mule | }orn tailed | ~ National Bison Range, Mont______________- 428 AQ) ea eke 54 47 GLA |e sees Eee 730 Fort Niobrara Game Preserve, Nebr______- 156 0) oe Nes ee 7 5 18 225 Sullys Hill Game Preserve, N. Dak________ 22 SSE hacer pe eres ere Tis eae eSoaahd td Rete alias 68 Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Okla__ 420 202 V5 gee seo. SO ps. eee 149 1, 545 AR SAS Uoeee AR Ee Ee ee) 2 ee 1, 026 312 15 54 - 828 166 167 2, 568 YOUNG BORN IN CALEND AR YEAR 1938 National Bison Range, Mont______________- 1172! eee 13 | Bling Bee | eee 151 Fort Niobrara Game Preserve, Nebr_______| 31 ‘eg Soe ett ia [neat 9 [aa AD. 4 46 Sullys Hill Game Preserve, N. Dak_______-_ 7 Silareak szreews Qi i hey es. PE abe oy a 19 Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Okla__ 74 25 (i eae OOS) een so 22 227 A DRO Fe (ete aU SS Sad St gee EN 181 56 6 13 109 52 26 443 i] Charles Sheldon Refuge, Nev.—Following ample snow and rain on this antelope refuge and range, grass and forage made an excep- tionally fine erowth in the summer of 1938, but as there was not much precipitation during the following winter, the grass started drying early in May. No stock is permitted to graze on the winter range “of the antelope, however, so there will be ample winter forage for all the wildlife there. The antelope returned to their summer range 1n fine condition. At the beginning of the year, 2,500 were estimated to be on the refuge, but when winter storms set in, driving the animals to their winter range, the number increased to about 5,000. Mule deer, definitely on the incre ease, were estimated at 2,000 at least, and the band of wild horses at between 250 and 300. An increase in the number of ducks and geese also was noted. _ Fort Niobrara Preserve, Nebr.—A good hay crop was in prospect on this preserve, and though part of that harvested by shar ecroppers last fall was used for the winter feeding of buffalo, much still remains for next winter. In addition to the big- game animals listed in table 5, numerous birds use this preserve, and this year prairie chickens, pheasants, quails, and grouse were seen and 500 ducks remained all winter. The small trees and shrubs planted around the headquarters building attracted many insectivorous birds, also. Hart Mountain Refuge, Oreg—Plentiful rainfall early in 1938 resulted in greatly improved range conditions on this refuge, but pee precipitation was deficient in 1939. Big-game counts showed 2,000 antelopes on the refuge and about 1.400 on radjacent areas and, in the latter part of December, 2,011 mule deer. A definite increase in the number of sage grouse was shown by the fact that on an area where 4/7 were counted in 1937, there were 440 this year. A shght increase in Hungarian partridges also was observed. As the year closed Miscellaneous Publication 355, describing this refuge, was in press. Desert Game Range, Nev.—Despite little spring rainfall, this game range, which has been greatly overgrazed in the past, 1s improving, 56 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1939 owing to the curtailment of many grazing permits. It was estimated that 300 bighorn sheep were on the range at the close of the year, about 23 percent of which were lambs. Sullys Hill Preserve, N. Dek—About 12 acres of trees were cut by W. P. A. labor last winter on this preserve to provide a growth of sprouts and shrubs for deer and elk browsing, 7 acres of which were fenced to keep animals out and allow the plants to get a tew years’ growth. A good stand of grass provided excellent erazing for the animals. The refuge is much used by birds also. About 2,000 ducks stopped on the lake in the fall and 1,000 in the spring. but few nested, as the lake is surrounded by trees and does not provide good nesting cover. Wichita Mountains Refuge, Okla—tLake levels were too low this year for recreational purposes, but there was ample water for the big game and other wildlife. Approximately 450 wild turkeys were counted during the winter. Bobwhites and doves were present in fair numbers, the former appearing to have become reestablished after being rare for many years, but prairie chickens were scarce, 18 being the largest number counted at any one time. Elk Refuge, Wyo—Owing to considerable rainfall in Jackson Hole last year and a favorable growing season, natural forage was excel- lent on the pasture and range lands of the ‘refuge and elk herds fared well on it until the latter part of February, when a 33-day feeding period began, during which about 18,665 bales, or 849 tons, of hay were fed and 143 tons of loose hay. A total of 37,100 bales was harvested in the summer and early fall of 1938, and the crop on 780 acres was left standing as elk pasturage. About 8,000 elk were fed on the refuge during the winter, 1,800 more than in the previous year, and about 1,000 wintered in the nearby foothills and along the Gros Ventre River. Though more elk were on the refuge, the num- ber in the Jacksen Hole herd remained about the same as in the spring of 1938, when 17,370 were counted. The mule deer seen num- bered 32, and the moose 7. More waterfowl were present during the fall migration than for many years, the increase in Canada geese being at least 50 percent. Nesting species included the sandhill crane and several ducks. Three of the four trumpeter swans that were transferred to the refuge from the Red Rock Lakes Refuge, Mont., last winter were seen daily less than a mile from headquar ters. National Bison Range, Mont—Forage conditions on this range were such that winter feeding of the ‘buffaloes was not necessary, though some hay was put out “for the deer during periods of heavy snow. Late in February and early in March approximately 31 acres each of blue grama and little bluestem grass and 48 acres of crested wheatgrass were sown as an experiment In range revegetation. In cooperation with the University Forestry School at Missoula, test plots of mountain brome, sand dropseed, mountain rice, and native bunch grass also were planted. Ducks and geese were plentiful on the refuge both in spring and fall, and during the local hunting season hundreds of pheasants came to the refuge “and many remained, ECONOMIC USES OF REFUGES Permits to the number of 730 were issued for numerous economic and special uses of wildlife-refuge lands, chief of which were hay BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 57 and timber cutting and livestock grazing. On about 29,475 acres of refuge lands 157 permits were issued for cutting 11,190 tons of various kinds of hay. Grazing permits numbered 117, authorizing approximately 117,350 animal-months’ use by about 17,150 cattle, 12,250 sheep, 300 horses, and 75 hogs, chiefly on the following refuges: Valentine, Nebr.; Aransas, Tex.; Malheur, Oreg.; Bosque del Apache, N. Mex.; and Hart Mountain, Oreg., which provided grazing. Al- though only about 1,800 cords of timber were cut, this use provided much-needed wood for 164 permittees, most of whom were indi- viduals living in the immediate vicinity and requiring fuel wood for personal use only. Another major economic use of the refuges was the cooperative farming of approximately 32,350 acres. For this purpose 172 per- mits were issued to persons who agreed to raise various farm crops and hay for the big-game animals on the refuges. | For miscellaneous uses, 120 permits were issued, authorizing ice cutting; erection, maintenance, and use of buildings and of telephone and power lines; placing stands of bees; picking fruit in orchards; and opening and maintaining stock driveways or lanes for watering cattle. To keep the herds of big game at a level where they will not overgraze their ranges, 1t is necessary each year to dispose of surplus animals. Whenever possible, these are donated to city and State parks and zoos for exhibition purposes; but some are sold or given to various Federal, State, and private agencies for butchering. This year 55 buffaloes, 4 deer, and 29 elk were disposed of. Of the buffaloes, 33 were sold for butchering, 13 were donated for exhibition purposes, and 9 were given to Indian agencies for food. The 4 deer, accidentally killed, were given to a charity organization. Of the 29 elk, 18 were donated tor exhibition purposes, 6 were sold, 2, accidentally killed, were given to charity, and 3 were given to an Indian agency. The total revenue received from the sale of surplus big-game animals and other refuge products and for the use of refuge lands was $45,213.52. In accordance with the law, 25 percent of the total is turned over to the counties in which the refuges are situated and the remainder is deposited in the Federal Treasury. RECREATIONAL USES Tn addition to their agency in increasing the wildlife population, the refuges have other public values. Many of them provide the only recreational facilities within a radius of many miles, and where it has been found that controlled use for public enjoyment will not unduly interfere with the wildlife, fishing, swimming, boating, camp- ing, picnicking, sightseeing, and other recreational uses are permitted to some extent. Hunting during the open season is permitted on spec- ified parts of only six refuges—Tule Lake, Calif.; Bear River, Utah; Red Rock Lakes, Mont.; Lake Bowdoin, Mont.; Upper Mississippi, Towa, UL, Minn., and Wis.; and Mattamuskeet, N. C. Orders designating areas on which fishing is permitted were issued for the following refuges: Savannah River, Ga. and S. C.; Tamarac and Rice Lake, Minn,; Big Lake, Ark.; Kentucky Woodlands, Ky.; Elk Refuge, Wyo.; Seney, Mich.; Lower Souris, N. Dak.; and Wich- / 58 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1939 ita Mountains, Okla. On the Okefenokee Refuge, Ga., under permits issued for 5,319 man-days of fishing, 47,223 fishes were taken. In 4 months, 10,1388 fishermen took 67,239 fishes from the waters of the Chautauqua Refuge, Ill. Permits were issued to 693 persons in 1 month to fish on the Mattamuskeet Refuge, N. C. On the opening day of the fishing season, 8,000 persons fished on the Wichita Moun- tains Refuge, Okla., which supphes some of the best fishing in that State. Picnic facilities, consisting usually of shelters, tables and benches, cutdoor ovens, and toilets, have been constructed on many refuges. Thousands of persons annually visit some of the refuges to view the wildlife, and this year exhibition herds of buffalo, elk, and deer on small Sullys Hill Game Preserve, N. Dak., attracted 22,383 visitors. WILDLIFE-CONSERVATION LAWS ADMINISTERED The principal Federal statutes administered by the Biological Survey for the conservation and restoration of wildlife are (1) the Lacey Act of 1900, as amended June 15, 1935, and June 19, 1939, regulating shipments in interstate and foreign commerce of wild animals, their dead bodies, or parts thereof, and the importation of live birds and mammals from foreign countries; (2) the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, protecting birds that migrate between the United States and Canada, as amended June 20, 1936, to extend its provisions to the treaty concluded March 15, 1937, protecting birds that migrate between the United States and Mexico, and regulating the movement of game mammals and parts thereof between the two countries; (3) the Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929, author- izing the establishment of bird refuges; (4) the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act of 1934, as amended June 15, 1935, to aid in refuge establishment; (5) the Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937; (6) a law (sec. 84, Criminal Code) protecting wildlife and property on national wildlife refuges; and (7), through the Alaska Game Commission, the Alaska Game Law of 1925, as amended June 25, 1938. REGULATORY ACTION The Migratory Bird Treaty Act regulations were amended in 1938 to provide an open season of 45 consecutive shooting days on migratory waterfowl, coot, and Wilson’s snipe, in each of 3 zones, beginning in the northern zone on October 1, in the intermediate zone on October 15, and in the southern zone on November 15. Full protection: was continued on the wood duck, Ross’ goose, and swans throughout the country, and on the snow goose and brant in States bordering on the Atlantic Ocean. A limit of 3 of any one or 3 In the aggregate, of canvasbacks, redheads, buffleheads, and ruddy ducks was permitted in the daily bag limit of 10 ducks of all kinds. The restrictions on taking waterfowl by means of bait or by the use of live decoys, and the three-shell limit on repeating shotguns, remained in effect. The hours for shooting waterfowl and coots were from 7 a. m. to 4 p. m.; for taking Wilson’s snipes, rails, and gal- iinules (other than coots), woodcocks, mourning doves, white-winged doves, and band-tailed pigeons, from 7 a. m. to sunset. The posses- BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 59 sion limit was raised to not more than 2 days’ bag hmits of ducks and geese, including brants, but remained the same as a daily bag limit on all other migratory game birds, as follows: Rails and gal- linules (except poe “and Coots), 15 in the aggregate of all kinds; soras, 15; coots, 25; Wilson’s snipes, 15; woodcocks, 4; and mourning doves and white- winged doves, 15 in the aggregate of both kinds. Band-tailed pigeons remained in their previous status, with a maxi- mum bag of 10. The regulation governing interstate shipment of migratory game birds was ‘amended to per mit shipping the possession limit in 1 calendar week out of the State where taken or from Canada or Mexico into the United States. The regulations for 1938 were published in Service and Regulatory Announcement B. 8. 92; the open-season dates and other information regarding hunting, in poster form (61—Bi). Other publications re- lating to conservation laws included a mimeographed abstract of State fur laws affecting trapping seasons, possession, and the sale and shipment of pelts (Le: aflet BS—118) and Miscellaneous Publication 329, the annual directory of Federal, State, and Canadian game-pro- tection officials. Many press and radio statements on wildlife-conser- vation subjects also were released for educational purposes and to advise the public of the results of law enforcement as well as of changes in the regulations. Amendments to the regulations under the Alaska Game Law were published in Circular 17 of the Alaska Game Commission. Representatives of the State game departments again met with officials of the Bureau to discuss conditions affecting the conservation and hunting of migratory game birds and their pursuit by hunters. Their recommendations were a great aid in drafting the hunting regulations for the 1939 season.* WORK OF GAME-MANAGEMENT AGENTS Working under central direction and the general supervision of regional dir ectors, 42 game-manhagement agents and 13 deputy agents eathered information in cooperation with State officers and deputy game wardens, supplemented evidence, or themselves furnished all the evidence in 2,560 cases of game-law violation prosecuted in State and Federal courts, resulting in 2,444 convictions. In educational work to further game protection, the agents conducted programs by radio and motion pictures, spoke before schools, civic associations, and sportsmen’s clubs, and issued statements through the press. They also worked with farm groups to control birds that were damaging crops. Each spring and summer the agents have inspected nesting areas in their districts to determine the relative abundance of wild fowl. They are looked to by State conservation agencies, sportsmen, nature students, and citizens interested in wildlife for leadership in the enforcement of laws for wildlife conservation. The varied lines of work and responsibilities of Federal personnel engaged in game-law enforcement were set forth in detail in a leaflet (BS- 135) issued in May. $ Regulations for 19389 were adopted by the Secretary of the Interior on August 3, 1939, and were approved and proclaimed by the President on August 11, 1939 (4 F. R. 3621 DI). 6Q ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1939 APPREHENSION OF VIOLATORS The enforcement activities of the game-management agents are exemplified in the following apprehensions: In Ohio, 9 persons apprehended were convicted in Federal court for violating and conspiring to violate the Migratory Bird Treaty Act by hunting wild ducks by aid of feed and live decoys. One was fined $1,500, received a sentence of i year and a day in jail (Suspended upon payment of fine), and placed on probation for 5 years. The others paid fines aggregating $525. In addition, 4 were given suspended jail sentences of 6 months each and placed on probation for 5 years and 2 each were placed on probation for 1 year. In Kentucky. 37 persons accused of hunting mourning doves over baited ground were convicted in Federal court, and each was fined $50 and $20 costs, but payment of the fine was suspended in 3 cases. In Virginia, a defendant charged with killing 2 American egrets was fined $250 in Federal court. In Michigan, a person accused of hunting coots and wild ducks from a motor- boat was sentenced to serve 6 months at the Federal Detention Farm at Milan. In Arizona, of 5 persons apprehenced in possession of 207 white-winged doves and 483 mourning doves, 1 was sentenced to pay a fine of $50 and ito serve 60 days in jail, 2 to pay fines of $100 each, and 2 to pay fines of $50 each. In Maryland, 2 persons arrested for killing mourning doves by aid of feed were fined $100 and costs of $31 each. In Louisiana, for selling wild ducks, 2 defendants were each sentenced to 60 days in jail: for hunting ducks over live decoys, 1 was sentenced to 30 days and 1 to 60 days in jail; for hunting ducks after + p. m., with an un- plugged gun, and for threatening to shoot an agent of the Survey and a State conservation agent, 2 each received a jail sentence of 1 year. In a drive to break up the commercializing of game in California, 12 persons were apprehended for selling wild ducks and geese. Ten convictions were obtained in Federal court, resulting in fines aggregating $750 and the imposi- tion of jail sentences of 3 months for 2 persons and 4 months for 1. In Missouri, 2 culprits convicted of possessing and selling finches and bunt- ings as cage birds were fined $60 and $30, respectively. In Massachusetts, for possessing ducks in closed season and for selling ducks, 2 persons each received a suspended jail sentence of 4 months and were placed on probation for 2 years. 2 Of the 861 new cases filed in the Federal courts, 620 were disposed of with 504 convictions. That more than 81 percent of the 620 prose- cutions resulted in convictions indicates that the agents are not making useless arrests or prosecutions. The same percentage was achieved also in the preceding year. A summary of the year’s prosecutions is given in table 6. TABLE 6.—Summary of prosecutions of game-law violations, fiscal year 1939 Sct Convie- | Fines and | Jail : tions ecsts sentences Number Dollars Days WMisratory Bird "Treaty Act. 2. a ee ee a ee eee 648 | 20,648.63 2 585 Migratory Bird Conservation Act. =.------=------__--- ape Se ee 15 215. 00 300 Mncratony picd Un tEne Scalp Neb ee ee ee ee S87 609. 42 90 Wildlife Refuge Trespass Act _______-_____- cote Pas py Mee as Aah pe 16 221200) eee Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge Act___--_-_____- il 230. 505\- eee Tnicey ‘Ach ers 6 SP ERg st eee See EE Se Pe et Tes ies ie 19 1, 757. 71 2:0 State prosecutions resuiting from Lacey Act investigations _____ 147 5480 19 ea eee eae State laws, cooperative prosecutions_____ _____-____________-- arate ey A, 1,501 42,122. 06 1, 199 Potala Fe 2 ee a 12,444 | _ 71, 284. 36 4, 384 1 In 116 other cases the defendants were found not guilty or the cases were dismissed, bringing the total eases to 2,580. BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 61 UNDERCOVER OPERATIONS In making appropriations for the protection of migratory birds, Congress authorized the expenditure of not to exceed $10,000 in the discretion of the Secretary for the purpose of obtaining information concerning violations of the Federal game laws. This action opened a new avenue of attack against commercialism in waterfowl. Late- ness in promulgating regulations resulted in the expenditure of only ¢9 393.68 for confidential undercover operations, but the evidence and information acquired were presented in courts against 105 defend- ants. ‘These were assessed fines of $4,500 and costs of $780.59, with $900 in fines suspended; in addition, sentences of 740 days in, jail were imposed; sentences of 90 days in jail were suspended; imposi- tion of sentences was suspended for 3 years in each of 8 cases; and an aggregate of 7 years’ probation was imposed in each of 3. MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT CASES There was an increase over the preceding year of 192 Migratory Bird Treaty Act cases reported for Federal prosecution ; an increase in convictions obtained ; and an increase in cases terminated. Fines ranging from $1 to $1,500 and costs aggregating $20,648.63 were imposed in Federal courts; and in 12 cases, fines aggregating $526 were suspended. Jail sentences aggregating 2,585 days were assessed as follows: 5 days, 3 cases; 10 days, 2; 20 days, 1; 30 days, 14; 60 days, 10; 90 days, 4; 120 days, 2; 6 months, 1; 1 year, 2. Sus- ’ pended jail sentences: 6 months, 4; 1 year and 1 day, 1. Probation terms: 6 months, 5; 1 year, 10; 1!8 months, 8; 2 years, 11; 3 years, 2; 5 years, 8. MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION ACT CASES For violations of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act, 30 new cases were submitted and 4 were pending from the previous year; of these 18 were closed as follows: $5 fine, 1 case; $10 fine, 1; $200 fine, 1; 30 days in jail, 1; 60 days in jail 3; 90 days in jail, 1; 1 day probation, 3; 6 months’ probation, 3; 1 year probation, 1; dismissed, 1; closed without prosecution, 2. Cases pending, 16. MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING STAMP ACT CASES New cases submitted for violations of the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act totaled 88; cases pending from the year previous, 45. Of these, 87 were successfully concluded, the fines ranging from $1 to $25, which with costs aggregated $609.42. Sentences were as follows: 30 days in jail, 3 instances; 30 days in jail suspended, 3; 1 year probation, 1. Other cases were disposed of as follows: Dismissed, 12; closed without prosecution, 1; nol-prossed, 1; jury trial, not guilty, 1; grand jury, no true bill, 2. Cases still pending, 30. It is significant of increased law observance that the sales of the $1 migratory- bird hunting stamps increased from $783,039 in 1938 to $1,002,715 in 1939. WILDLIFE REFUGE TRESPASS ACT CASES Under the law protecting wildlife and Government property on national wild- life refuges, 11 new cases were reported and 21' were pending from the previous year. Of these, 16 were closed by fines aggregating $221; in 6, defendants were placed on probation for an aggregate of 8 years; 4 were dismissed; and in 1, a Jury returned a verdict of not guilty. Cases still pending, 5. UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER REFUGE CASES Of 8 cases pending from the preceding year and 26 new cases reported for prosecution, 14 were closed as follows: In 11, fines and costs aggregating $230.35, suspended jail sentences of 40 months, and probations of 6 years were imposed ; 2 were dismissed; and 1 was closed without prosecution. Cases pending, 20. 62 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1939 LACEY ACT CASES For illegal interstate shipment of wild animals or parts thereof, 18 new cases were reported for prosecution in Federal courts and 4 were pending from the year previous. The new cases were disposed of as follows: In Tennessee, 10 persons paid fines and costs amounting to $589.21 for transporting 1,222 dead bobwhites from Mississippi; in New Mexico, 1 was fined $500 and sentenced to 90 days in jail for Shipping out a beaver pelt; in Wisconsin, 2 were fined $200 and $100 respectively for shipping beaver and other furs to Minnesota; in California, 1 was sentenced to 120 days in jail for shipping beaver pelts to Washington and 1 was fined $250 for shipping elk carcasses from Montana; in Texas, 2 were each fined $25 for receiving parts of deer shipped from New Mexico; and in Michigan, 1 was placed on probation for 3 years for shipment of beaver peits to Ohio. Of the 4 pending cases, 2 were undisposed of, 1 was dismissed, and 1 resulted in a fine of $50 and cosis of $22.50 for purchasing furs illegally shipped from Iowa to Nebraska. Agents making inspections under this statute at fur-receiving centers in 18 States discovered information relating to possible infractions of State game laws. Invoices relating to 1,816 shipments of pelts were sent to game-protection officials in 85 States, Alaska, and Canada and disclosed 147 law violations that were terminated in State courts by fines and costs aggregating $5,480.19. OTHER COOPERATION WITH STATES Evidence regarding 1,501 cases involving violations other than illegal interstate shipment of skins of fur animals was handled in 43 States, where fines and costs aggregated $42,122.06 and jail sen- tences in 36 cases totaled 1,199 days. Special investigations by State wardens and Biological Survey agents working together broke up many commercial rings operating unlawfully in furs and game. Coordinated patrols were effective in developing a more wholesome respect for, and a more general observance of, conservation laws. Bureau officers participated as instructors in game-warden schools in several States. In some instances the States and the Bureau em- ployed enforcement officers and operated patrol boats jointly. Such cooperation assures increased protection of wildlife. COURT ACTION ON BAITING CASE In a case involving the hunting of mourning doves by means of feed, in which the issue was whether averment and proof of knowl- edge of baiting is necessary to constitute a cognizable offense under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the regulations thereunder, Judge John D. Martin, Sr., in the United States Court for the West- ern District of Tennessee, on June 13 overruled both the demurrer of the defendant and his motion to quash the information, in the following terms: Nowhere in the statute, or in the regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, will be found, either in express language or by necessary implication, any requirement of averment or proof of knowledge to constitute a punishable viola- tion of the statutory offense charged. * * * The fact that the penalty provided is within the discretion of the trial judge a fine, or an imprisonment, or both, affords adequate protection to an offender unconscious of law violation against punishment more excessive than would be commensurate with the degree of guilt. Conviction does not neces- sarily mean imprisonment. No minimum fine is even required. A nominal, or a small fine may be imposed upon a technical violator, innocent of guilty intent. If justice demands it, the conscious law violator, or the repeater, may be im- prisoned within the limits of the statute. Congress has not placed an unin- tentional law violator in unjust jeopardy of arbitrarily fixed punishment, but BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 63 has confided to the courts the duty and discretion of making the punishment huptheyerime:- 7%) * The conclusion has been reached that, in the instant case, it is unnecessary for the Government either to aver in the information, or to prove at the trial, that the defendant had knowledge of the unlawful baiting of the hunting ground, in order to render him amenable to punishment for a violation of the statute and the regulations promulgated pursuant thereto by the Secretary of Agriculture. IMPORTATION AND OTHER PERMITS ISSUED SPECIES EXCLUDED The Biological Survey prevented on several occasions attempted importations of common mynas, bullfinches, chaffinches, and green- finches, the entry of which is prohibited by joint action of the Secre- tary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Treasury. No attempts to import. mongooses or other prohibited mammals were reported. Since the passage of the Lacey Act on May 25, 1900, pursuant to which the regulations were adopted, no forbidden species of bird or mammal has established a foothold in the United States. Applications continued to be received for permits to import, usualiy from Mexico and the Tropics, mockingbirds, grosbeaks, American goldfinches, indigo and painted buntings, and other migra- tory birds, but all such applications were rejected, On several occa- sions the Bureau’s inspectors intercepted in miscellaneous shipments species of migratory birds that were referred to in applications for permits as canaries or other species of finches that may be lawfully imported. When migratory birds are detected in such cases, they are confiscated and donated to public zoological parks for scientific or educational purposes. By close supervision in this respect, mi- gratory birds of species native to the United States are being ex- cluded from the traffic in imported cage birds. SPECIES ENTERED UNDER PERMIT Including 20 at Honolulu, Hawaii, 1,791 permits were issued for the importation of foreign birds and mammals, and 440 importa- tions were inspected. BIRDS A total of 252,628 foreign birds were imported into continenta! United States, as compared with 270,000 last year. They included 121,024 canaries, 2,799 parrots, 87 ADT Mexican quails, 14,510 Hun- garian partridges, 396 pheasants, and 26,442 miscellaneous birds, decreases being especially notable in canaries and parrots. At Honolulu, 492 foreign birds were entered, as compared with 1,090 last year. Several large shipments of Hungarian partridges were again brought in from Eu irope during January and February by authori- ties in Pennsylvania, although the total number was slightly less than last year, and about 540 individuals were imported from Canada. By order of August 19, 1938, of the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Agriculture, the joint regulations of November 21, 1927, and all amendments thereof, governing the importation of bob- white quails from Mexico were revoked, effective September 1. This 64 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1939 revocation resulted in the elimination of health inspection of quails at the border, a requirement that was found to have survived its necessity, but provision was continued for the issuance of special permits by the Secretary of Agriculture for the importation of such birds, as required by section 241 of the Penal Code. As a conse- quence, importation permits were issued direct from the Washington office during the past season instead of at Texas ports of entry, but only to applicants or their agents who had previously obtained export permits from the Mexican Government. The latest season prescribed by Mexico for the capture of bobwhite quails extended from Decem- ber 1, 1938, to March 31, 1939, but the first shipment of these birds did not arrive in the United States until January 10, when 50 were entered. Thereafter in the month, and during February and March, they continued to come in steadily in larger consignments through ports in Texas. The total number imported was 87,457, compared with 79,465 last year, of which 4,594 were entered at Brownsville, 39,346 at Laredo, and 43,517 at Eagle Pass, Tex. Of those entered at Eagle Pass, 2,782 are reported to have died in the warehouses of the importer and, because of poor condition, 269 were liberated. The rest were distributed as follows: Indiana, 21,412; Texas, 21,325; Mississippi, 15,650; Kentucky, 12,571; West Virginia, 3,550; Florida, 3,192; Oklahoma, 1,225; South Carolina, 1,150; North Carolina, 710; Pennsylvania, 490; District of Columbia, 425; New York, 415; Illinois, 350; Delaware, 250; Tennessee, 200; Hawaii, 200; Massachu- setts, 186; Missouri, 175; Alabama, 173; Louisiana, 100; and several other States, several small shipments of less than 100 each. Among the more interesting pheasants imported were 17 of 5 species as follows: 2 Horsfield pheasants (Gennaeus horsfieldiz), from Italy ; 4 Blyth’s tragopans (T7ragopan blythi) and 4 Satyr tragopans (7. satyra), from France; and 2 Koklass pheasants (Pucrasia macro- lopha) and 5 cheer pheasants (Catreus wallichii), from India. The Public Health Service recently materially revised the regula- tions affecting the importation of birds of the parrot family. A privately owned shipment is now limited to three instead of five par- rots, and it must be accompanied by the owner, who is required to certify that the birds have been in his possession for not less than 2 years and that he has no intention of selling, bartering, giving away, or publicly exhibiting them. Commercial shipments of parrots, or shipments of parrots for exhibition in zoological gardens or parks or for scientific study, now require, in addition to a permit from the Secretary, one from the Surgeon General. The period of quarantine, heretofore 15 days, has been extended to 6 months. Among the more interesting parrots imported were 25 of 10 species as follows: 2 Ceram lories (77ichoglossus haematod or Lorius flavo- palliatus), 1 Australian lorikeet (Lathamus discolor), and 2 Rajah cockatoos (Probosciger aterrimus), from Java; 1 bare-eyed cockatoo (Ducorpsius sanguineus), from the Philippines; 5 king parakeets (Alisterus scapularis), 4 pennant parakeets (Platycercus elegans), 5 Rosella parakeets (P. eatmius), and 3 Brown’s parakeets (P. venus- tus), from Australia; and 1 hawk parrot (Deroptyus accipitrinus) and 1 Finsch’s parrot (Amazona finschi), from Central America. Other interesting birds imported were 1 monkey-eating eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyz), from the Philippines; 1 yellow-striped spar- BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 65 tow (Atlapetes citrinellus) and 20 rufous ovenbirds (Furnarius rufus), trom Argentina; 4 Yuca birds (Notiopsar curaeus), from Peru; 2 Princess Stephanie birds of paradise (Astrapia stephaniae), 1 blue Prince Rudolph bird of paradise (Paradisea rudolphi), 1 Cape York riflebird (Craspedophoro magnifica alberti), and 3 six- plumed birds of paradise (Parotia sefilata), from New Guinea; 3 coneave-crested hornbills (?hytidoceros plicatus), from Singapore; 3 tigrine doves (Spilopelia tigrina), 3 Javan jungle fowl (Gallus gallus bankiva), 1 Javan owl (Huhwa orientalis sumatrana), and 2 Javan coucals (Centropus bengalensis javanicus), from Java and Sumatra: 2 black-throated coachwhip birds (Psophodes nigrogul- aris), 1 spotted bower bird (Chlamydera maculata), 4 rifle birds (Ptiloris victoriae), 1 kagu (Rhinochetus jubatus), and 1 laughing jackass, or brown kingfisher (Vacelo gigas), from Austraha; 2 Chinese mynas (Sturnia turdiformis) and 1 black-throated jay (Garrulus lanceolatus), from India: 3 Brewster’s boobies (Sula leucogastra brewster’), from Central America; 3 black-faced cardi- nals {(Paroaria nigrigenis), from the West Indies;.1 restless fly- catcher (Seisura inguieta), 2 bower birds (Azluroedus melanoti), 1 giant heron (Ardea goliath), 2 sikkim red-headed laughing thrushes (Trochalopteron erythrocephalum nigrimentum), and 2 Argentine pygmy rails (Laterallus leucopyrrhus), in shipments from Germany. A rather definite but as yet restricted trend toward the practice of falconry in a few sections of the country was indicated in some degree by the importation of gyrfalcons from Greenland and gos- hawks from Canada. MAMMALS Importations of black bear cubs from Canada were greater than for several years. The total number brought in was 137, compared with 87 last year. Importations of primates included 2 rare tarsiers (Tarsius spectrum), from the Philippines; several species of anthro- poid apes and larger monkeys, from Africa; gibbons, macaques, and orangutans, from Singapore; and as usual a great variety of the smaller monkeys, including marmosets, capuchins, and spider mon- keys, from Central America and South America. The total number of rhesus monkeys imported was 12,536, as compared with 15,851 last year. Among the more interesting mammals imported were 14 of 10 species as follows: 1 pangolin (Paramanis javanica), from Sumatra, said to be the first of these animals ever brought alive to the United States; 1 “tiglon” (Felis), the offspring of a Siberian tiger and African lioness, in a shipment from Germany for the Central Park Zoo in New York City; 1 giant flying squirrel (Hupetaurus cinereus), also in a shipment from Germany; 1 cuscus (Phalanger sp.), from New Guinea; 1 giant panda (Azluropoda melanoleucus), from China; 1 eyra (Felts yagouaroundi), and 1 Paraguayan opossum (Didelphis paraguayensis), from Brazil; 2 viscachas (Lagostomus trichodac- tylus), and 3 South American foxes (Dusicyon sp.), from Argentina; and 2 Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii), in a shipment from the Netherlands. 66 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1939 PERMITS UNDER THE MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT FOR SCIENTIFIC PURPOSES To take migratory birds or their eggs for scientific purposes, 341 permits (general or under specific limitations) were issued, 83 were revoked, and 1,715 were outstanding at the close of the year. To possess migratory birds or their eggs, lawfully acquired for scientific purposes, 70 permits (under limitations) were issued and 472 were outstanding at the close of the year. For possession of 1 or a few specimens of birds found dead, where the finder was not directly or indirectly implicated in the killing, 198 permits were issued. For banding migratory birds, permits were issued to 167 cooperators of the Bureau. For taking birds and mammals in Alaska for scientific purposes, 32 permits were issued, principally to scientific and educa- tional institutions. FOR PROPAGATION Permits to take migratory waterfowl for propagation were issued to 44 persons, the permits prescribing the species and the number of individuals of each and the time during which they might be taken. To possess migratory waterfowl, lawfully acquired, for propagating purposes, 340 permits were issued. Because of failure of permittees to render the annual reports required by the regulations or to sur- render permits when operations thereunder had been discontinued, 640 propagating permits were recalled, cancelled, or revoked. At the close of the year, 3,500 propagating permits were outstanding. Reports submitted by permittees disclose that 3,493 wild geese and 62,218 wild ducks were reared in captivity, of which 56,352 were mallards, 3,509 black ducks, 863 wood ducks, and the remainder principally teals, ringnecks, wigeons, pintails, and redheads. Sales of propagated migratory waterfowl for food purposes included 13,073 ducks and 502 geese, and for propagation, 5,292 ducks and 1,053 geese. From propagated stock, 6 swans, 107 mourning doves, and 23 band-tailed pigeons also were produced. Of propagated birds, 20,613 ducks and 194 geese were liberated. FOR DEPREDATION CONTROL To enable permittees to protect crops, fishes, and other property from serious depredations by migratory birds, 407 permits were issued (by the Washington office of the Bureau, in a few instances, and by its regional directors). Many complaints of depredations were investigated by field agents of the Bureau and suggestions and aid given for relief without the necessity of killing the birds. In some instances where complaints were found to be without substan- tial foundation, permits were refused. COOPERATIVE PREDATOR AND RODENT CONTROL Cooperative predator and rodent-control operations during the year entailed expenditures of $644.774 from regular departmental appropriations, supplemented by $424,973 from cooperating States, $967,993 from cooperating counties, livestock associations, and others, and about $735,199 from emergency funds for control work con- BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 67 ducted under Bureau supervision. Predatory animals taken in this cooperative program numbered 104,076, exceeding last year’s record by 10,036, and consisted of 93,093 coyotes, 1,214 wolves, 9,033 bob- eats and lynxes, 495 bears, and 241 mountain hons. In rodent-con- trol operations 35,465,078 acres were treated for reducing infestations of prairie dogs, ground squirrels, pocket gophers, jack rabbits, field mice, cotton rats, kangaroo rats, porcupines, and woodchucks. In addition, 212,591 premises were treated in cooperative campaigns for the elimination of common brown rats. A worth-while supplement to regular predator-control operations was made possible in Utah, Tdaho, Wyoming, Montana, and Oregon through W. P. A. coopera- tion. Hunters were employed by that Administration to work, under Bureau supervision, on programs furthering protection to range hvestock. CONTROL OF PREDATORY ANIMALS During the year coyotes held first place among predators of eco- nomic importance. In the range States they contributed heavily to livestock, poultry, and game losses, and in many sections they were more numerous than for many years and because of this increased their depredations. A survey made i Alaska revealed that coyotes and wolves are increasing there and that their depredations on rein- deer herds are becoming more serious. Additional evidence that the coyote is making its appearance in the East was noted; during the fall of 1938 individuals were taken in Pennsylvania and in Maine, the first recorded cases of their presence in these States, and the species was found in new localities in Michigan. A contributing factor to the upward trend in coyote population has been the decreased activ- ity of private trappers who formerly captured carnivorous animals for the cash value of the pelts. This situation is accounted for through the depressed market for the pelts, owing to general economic conditions and shifting demands in fur and fur products. Appreciating the seriousness of the predator situation, New Mexico, Arizona, Oregon, Utah, and Montana, through their respective State legislatures, increased their cooperative funds for control work di- rected by the Bureau and other States maintained their contributions. State fish and game departments, livestock associations, and other agencies and individuals raised additional funds to expand cooper- ative control operations. In Missouri, where wolves and bobcats inflicted heavy losses in game refuges and parks, the State Conserva- tion Council requested aid in alleviating the situation. TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF PREDATION Following are a few specific examples of recent losses caused by predatory wild animals: Coyotes——In the Western States coyotes are a constant menace to the sheep and poultry industries, and their depredations have been more widespread and in the aggregate more severe than those of all other predators. On a ranch in Montrose County, Colo., 40 lambs were killed in 2 weeks by a single two-footed coyote; on a ranch in northwestern Colorado 60 sheep were killed within 20 days; a hunter personally observed the killing of 6 deer and 23 sage chickens in Jackson County, Colo.; in Natrona County, Wyo., a sheepman esti- 68 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1939 mated his loss at $1,000 per band per year; an incorporated ranch in South Dakota offered a $500 reward for the capture of a single destructive coyote; on a ranch at Casa Grande, Ariz., 40 turkeys were killed in 1 night; early in 1939 a rancher near Wilcox, Ariz., lost 32 registered calves; an Arizona rancher lost 15 percent of his sheep while making a drive of 25 miles; a ranching company of Battle Mountain, Nev. reported the loss of 25 to 35 percent of the lamb crop in a band of 5,000 sheep. Wolves—In Atascosa County, Tex., wolves killed 20 goats on 1 ranch and 100 turkeys on another in a period of 20 days; the Cata- houla Division of the Kisatchie National Forest, La., reported 50 cattle, 60 goats, and 150 hogs destroyed during the year; 8 wolves killed more than 50 cattle in Santa Cruz and Pima Counties, Ariz.: a single raid by wolves in another area of Santa Cruz County re- wala in the death of 18 cattle and serious injury of 14 others. Other predators—A mountain lion killed 22 sheep in 1 night in western Juab County, Utah: so many colts were killed by mountain lions on the San Carlos Indian Reservation, Ariz., that the project for the improvement of Indian horses through the purchase of valu- able brood mares and stallions was defeated; herders on the Battle Mountain division of the Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyo., re- ported 30 lambs on 1 bed ground killed by bears in 1 night; reports from 200 representatives of the Idaho Woolgrowers’ Association re- vealed a yearly loss of 100,000 lambs and 40,000 ewes through predatory-animal depredations. SOME RESULTS OF PREDATOR CONTROL In 1930 coyotes were reported in Pearl River County, Miss., and by 1938 the sheep raisers had suffered such reductions in their flocks that the industry was no longer profitable. A Bureau hunter brought the situation under control, and the sheep industry of that county is now making definite strides toward recovery. Previous to 1938 a poultryman in Bee County, Tex., lost 46 of his 48 turkeys and 220 of his 930 chickens to coyotes. After a Bureau _ hunter took 476 predatory animals in the area the farmer again undertook poultry raising, be- ginning with 2 turkeys and a few chickens, and from this small stock has developed flocks without loss. In Washington, coyote con- trol has resulted in a very noticeable increase in the number of game birds in the sagebrush areas, and in the pot-hole district of the State the ducks are no longer molested by predators. In Stephens County. Tex., after 75 days of persistent effort, a Bureau hunter captured a crippled wolf that had killed $1,000 worth of sheep and goats on 1 ranch. When caught the animal had 1 forefoot missing, 2 toes off 1 hind foot, and the other hind foot broken. After Bureau hunters working in Hidalgo County, N. Mex., curtailed wolf migrations from Mexico, | livestock losses in the vicinity were reduced. In the Santa Rita Mountains, near Patagonia, Ariz. a Bureau hunter captured a pair of wolves that had just previously killed a mature cow, 7 yearling cattle, 10 calves, and 4 deer. In Hudspeth County, Tex., a marked increase of black-tailed deer was recorded, owing to previous mountain lion control. In Montrose County, Colo., a bear was taken that had killed 15 cattle in the preceding 2 months. BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 69 CONTROL OF INJURICUS RODENTS Field rodents, including ground squirrels, prairie dogs, kangaroo rats, and pocket gophers, continued to be the cause of serious losses in horticultural and other crops, range vegetation, and silvicultural plantings in the West, while tree-girdling mice raised havoc in rural sections of the East. Rats inflicted their usual heavy losses to grow- ing crops and stored food supplies throughout the country, and dam- age by pocket gopher burrowings to mechanical soil-and-water-con- serving structures continued. Though damage in the aggregate was heavy, yet effective and _per- sistent control measures conducted by various agencies cooperatively with the Bureau aided materially in reducing losses and preventing rodent depredations on many areas. Realizing the importance of rodent control.in the conservation of range forage and water re- sources, users of winter ranges, through advisory boards of the Divi- sion of Grazing of the Department of the Interior, cooperated to a substantial degree in conducting rodent control on grazing areas. Cooperative rodent-control work also was conducted through the medium of C. C. C. camps operating under the jurisdiction ‘of the Forest Service and the Soil Conservation Service of the Department of Agriculture and of the Division of Grazing, Bureau of Reclama- tion, and Office of Indian Affairs of the Department of the Interior. In addition, a number of effective W. P. A. projects were conducted. The work was supervised by trained personnel of the Survey and was undertaken only on areas where it would contribute to range rehabilitation, protection of irrigation and soil-conserving structures, silvicultural plantings, and farm crops. RODENTS IN RELATION TO THE SPREAD OF DISEASE Control work was stressed in areas of sylvatic plague prevalence to aid in stamping out the infection and curtailing its spread. On August 20, 1938, the Public Health Service reported plague infec- tion in prairie dogs and field mice in Catron County, N. Mex., and on May 19 in kangaroo rats in Nona Ana County, N. Mex. During the year plague was found also among prairie dogs in Apache County, Ariz. These are believed to be the first positive findings of the dis- ease in these States. Plague was also discovered among ground squirrels (Citellus armatus) in a new area in Utah, Rich County. INSTANCES OF RODENT DAMAGE Following are a few specific examples of recent damage by the principal species of rodents requiring extensive control: Pocket gophers—tIn Hopkins County, Tex., a farmer lost 10 per- cent of his 7,000-bushel sweetpotato crop through pocket gopher sears; 3 soil-conserving structures on a farm near Choudrant, La., were Seri damaged by washing, because of runways; tunneling through extensive terrace structures, designed to lessen soil erosion and prevent floods on the Wasatch F orest, Utah, became so serious as to defeat the purpose of the terracing; in Titus and Morris Coun- ties, Tex., burrows so undermined the ‘highways that the pavement settled and broke and runways caused erosion in the dirt shoulders. 70 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1939 Ground squirrels——In Moffat County, Colo., the depredations of ground squirrels were so severe that removal of these rodents must precede any land-use program for the area. Meadow mice.—The hurricane and floods of September aggravated the damage inflicted by meadow mice to fruit trees in Rhode Island and Connecticut by uprooting the trees, thus exposing the roots and crowns to field mice and furnishing channels to the lower roots, where severe girdling resulted. In 1 orchard 85 of 105 trees were thus damaged. Floods also forced the mice from the lowlands into the orchards. Damage was especially severe in parts of the Northeastern States where no control work had been done by the Bureau in the previous year. One orchardist near Sodus, N. Y., lost 2,500 apple trees through tree-girdling mice. In Delaware 50 peach trees in 1 orchard were severely damaged by pine mice. Rats—The ever-normal-granary program of the Department in some States was interfered with by rats. Farmers along bottom lands of the Ohio River and its tributaries were forced to replant their crops, some as many as three times; one poultry plant in Massachu- setts reported the annual loss caused by rats as $12,000; near Randall, Tex., a poultry farmer sustained a $75 loss of baby chicks; on a poul- try farm in Leicester, Mass., 600 baby chicks were killed by rats in 1 night; and at Lubbock, Tex., a packing plant suffered a $500 loss to its storage stocks. SOME BENEFITS OF RODENT CONTROL Organized control of ground squirrels conducted during the past 2 years in Grand County, Colo., has resulted in nearly complete sup- pression of these rodents. Range grasses have shown a remarkable recovery, and severe ground squirrel depredations to head lettuce, an important cash crop of the area, have been eliminated. Organized country-wide prairie dog control in Delta and Montrose Counties, Colo., during the last 4 years has made it possible for crops again to grow on many areas, whereas previous rodent infestation had been so severe that on many fertile tracts agriculture had been abandoned. In Moreno Valley in northern New Mexico, prairie dog control on heavily infested lands, conducted during the spring of 1939, allowed farmers to raise crops of potatoes, peas, beans, and oats. After 3 years of prairie dog control on a 40-section ranch in Texas, where 99 percent of the rodents were eliminated, the range so far recovered as to carry 1,000 more cattle and 4,000 more sheep than previously. Pocket gopher-control operations on plantations of the Kisatchie National Forest, La., reduced damage to seedling trees to prac- tically nothing. In March the Galveston (Tex.) Wharf Co. reported only 6 sacks of flour cut into by rats on its wharves, this being the first damage of the kind reported in the approximately 18 months since cooperative rat-control has been underway. Before control measures were insti- tuted it was not uncommon to have as many as 25,000 sacks cut into every month and flour shipping and storage on several piers had had to be abandoned. Cooperative rat control at Port Gibson, Miss., was so effective that in a single grocery store only an occasional sign of rat damage was noticeable, whereas the annual loss to the store through rat damage previously had been estimated at $300. BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 7A In certain orchards of the Northeastern States, where control of meadow mice had been practiced the previous year, damage was re- duced to a negligible figure, whereas in untreated areas losses were extremely heavy. A nurseryman of Stephensville, Tex., reported a $1,000 loss to nursery stock by rabbits before control measures terminated the depredations. Repellent sprays against rabbits, apphed to 4,000,000 slash pine seedlings in the Stuart Nursery of the Kisatchie National Forest, La., resulted in substantially reduced damage, increased sprouting, and greater survival of seedlings. SUPPLY DEPOT AND LABORATORY An addition to the supply depot and laboratory at Pocatello, Idaho, was practically completed by the Bureau in cooperation with the W. P. A. and the Pocatello Chamber of Commerce. The plant now provides additional laboratory facilities for scientifically compound- ing baits and for testing various baits and their toxic ingredients, space for storing rodent-bait materials and field supplies, and facili- ties for preparing special field equipment and pyrotechnic cartridges for use in rodent control. In cooperation with the Pocatello Chamber of Commerce, the supply depot prepared and distributed to coop- erators in the United States 1,774,882 pounds of rodent-bait ma- terials, as well as special bags, predatory-animal traps, and rodent- contro] equipment. RESEARCH IN CONTROL METHODS The Control Methods Research Laboratory, at Denver, Colo., made progress in developing and perfecting methods for the control of field rodents, including repellent sprays for the protection of seed- ling trees in silvicultural plantations. Ecological studies of rodents and predatory animals were continued looking toward the develop- ment of improved control methods; experiments were undertaken for the improvement of traps and trapping technique, as well as other methods of taking predatory animals; and predatory-animal baits for use in cooperative control work were processed and prepared. RODENT CONTROL AND FOREST REGENERATION Ce of heavy pocket gopher, mouse, and rabbit damage, it is impossible on many cut-over and planted areas to get stands of natural reproduction or planted seedlings. In the words of an official of the Southwest Range and Forest Experiment Station: “One might almost say that given average precipitation and a good seed supply, seedlings will become established wherever rodents are excluded, but in no place where they are present.” Research has been conducted on the protection of seeds in spot plantings until they can germinate and grow beyond danger of destruction by small rodents. ; An effec- tive rodent bait was developed that can be used in more extensive silvicultural plantations and natural reproduction areas, and a method of exposure devised that will afford protection to other forms of wildlife. Repellent sprays were developed, and when applied to nursery seedlings, reduced the damage by cottontail rabbits from 40 72 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1939 to 8 percent. Studies are under way for the development of a spray that will be effective in repelling other species of rabbits from seedling stock. STUDIES OF MEADOW AND PINE MICE Methods of controlling meadow and pine mice in the Northeastern States have been improved as to time of year and method of applh- cation of baits, as a result of more detailed studies of the life habits of these rodents. A motion picture was made to demonstrate to orchardists the natural habits of these mice, the type of damage done, and methods of effective control. TOXICITY AND FUMIGANT INVESTIGATIONS Toxicity studies of red squill, an important ingredient of rat baits, progressed, and a standard method of bioassaying the product was further developed. In a cooperative undertaking by the Bureau of Biological Survey, the Bureau of Plant Industry, and the American University of Beirut, a research study was inaugurated at Beirut, Lebanon, Syria, for deter mining the relationships of toxicity of squill bulbs to growing and cultural conditions. Cooperative studies also continued along the line of extracting the toxic principle of red squill. Improvement was made in the development of poison-gas pyro- technic cartridges that can be used readily and safely in the control of burrowing rodents. Studies were also made for perfecting other fumigants and methods of applying them. WILDLIFE CONSERVATION IN ALASKA CHANGES IN REGULATIONS The Secretary’s regulations for 1939-40 relating to game, land fur animals, and birds in Alaska were published in Alaska Game Com- mission Circular No. i7 in June. They provide for a free certifi- cate for native Indians or Eskimos of one-half or more Indian or Eskimo blood, in leu of the $2 resident hunting and trapping li- cense formerly required. To safeguard further the livelihood of the natives and to conserve the fur animals of the Territory, the regula- tions require that applicants for resident-trapping licenses must ‘have resided in Alaska continuously for 3 years to be eligible therefor. Since black bears, including the brown and blue color ‘Variations, are now being sought as trophies of the hunt rather than for their ‘pelt value, the reoulations transferred them from the status of fur ani- mals to that of game. An open season is provided for all fur ani- mals except beavers in fur district 1, which was closed te trapping during the season 1938-39, and an open season on beavers is provided during the spring of 1940 in fur districts 2, 4, and 5. Seasons on martens were also fixed throughout the Territory. LAW ENFORCEMENT Two patrols of outstanding importance in the enforcement of the Alaska Game Law should be mentioned. In the remote headwaters of the Kuskokwim River, an Alaska wildlife agent and his deputy traveled more than 600 miles on snowshoes during the 6 weeks pre- BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY vie ceding the open trapping seasons, undergoing grueling hardships when forced to spend several nights in the open with temperatures ranging from —30° to —60° F. They succeeded in apprehending 65 poachers of long standing and seized the skins of 26 martens and 1 mink. In every case convictions were obtained and substantial fmes and jail sentences were imposed. One violator demanded trial by a jury composed almost entirely of neighboring trappers, which to his surprise quickly brought in a verdict against him. The other 4 then pleaded guilty. In a cooperative patrol with the mounted police of Canada, 2 other wildlife agents covered about 3,500 miles by air in a month and in addition traveled many miles on snowshoes and skis over trap lines along both sides of the Alaska-Yukon boundary. They uncovered evidence that residents of Alaska and Canada were promiscuously trapping in the territory across the boundary. They found and broke up a ring well organized for smuggling wolf and coyote pelts and leg bones into Alaska from Canada for collecting the $20 Terri- torial bounty. In 1 instance, 84 leg bones of wolves and coyotes were seized from a Canadian mail carrier enroute to a trading post in Alaska, and at Dawson he was found guilty on 4 separate counts, involving illegal trading and the possession and use of poison. They apprehended 8 violators and seized large quantities of furs, which were forfeited to the respective Governments. In the possession of 1 trader were found 7 quarters of mountain sheep meat, for which he was recelving 30 cents a pound. The agents also halted consider- able traffic in other kinds of game animals. The air patrol was made extremely hazardous by adverse winter weather and lack of land- ing fields, which necessitated landing on and taking off from frozen rivers, lakes, and open stretches, but it resulted in a better under- standing with Canadian authorities and will have the effect of dis- couraging indiscriminate violations long associated with the wilder- ness section through which the boundary line runs. One wildlife agent of the Alaska Game Commission flew his own airplane extensively along the bleak Arctic coast, low enough to in- spect trap lines and spot evidences of violations. On patrols ranging from Prince William Sound to the Arctic Ocean, he covered approxi- mately 12.000 miles, several times furnishing air transportation to agents in whose districts he was flying. The excellent results ob- tained by this agent, noted in better observance of the game laws, strongly indicate the need of Government-owned and operated air- planes for work in enforcing game and fur laws in Alaska, as under present-day conditions flying is the only effective method of patrolling the vast hunting and trapping areas in the Territory. In all, 252 violations were reported, as compared with 346 during the previous year. These included 33 involving illegal acts by aliens. Fines in the amount of $8,705 were imposed, in addition to jail sen- tences aggregating 3,614 days. The 700 furs seized included 399 beaver, 68 marten, 58 mink, 48 muskrat, 45 weasel, 24 red fox, 20 land otter, 15 white fox, 11 lynx, 5 cross fox, 2 polar bear, 2 wolverine, 2 black bear, and 1 wolf. A total of 25 game animals and 7 game birds illegally taken—namely, 11 deer, 5 caribou, 5 moose, 3 brown and grizzly bears, 1 goat, 6 ducks and 1 swan—and 60 firearms, 66 74 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1939 traps, and 16 snares were seized. The estimated value of the con- fiscated furs, guns, and traps was $8,632. WILDLIFE-RESTOCKING PROJECTS Through the courtesy of the Washington State Game Department, 864 eggs “of Mongolian pheasants and 30 of chukar partridges were received at the Territorial experiment stations at Petersburg and Matanuska, and from those hatched it is hoped to develop adequate breeding stock. Wild wolverines and timber wolves were sent from Alaska to the Wisconsin Conservation Department in exchange for game birds of hardy varieties, including the brown, blue- eared, and cheer pheasants. Population increases demonstrate a growing “need for game birds of this type in Alaska, for although the Ter ritory has an abundance of native ptarmigans- and grouse, epizootics sweep them away at intervals. The plantings of beavers, snowshoe hares, and muskrats on Kodiak Island a few years ago have resulted in gratifying increases, and the 8 elk placed on Afognak Island in 1927 have multiplied to a herd of well over 100. The 19 buffaloes transplanted from Montana to the Big Delta region near Fairbanks in 1928 have now increased to a herd of appr oximately 150, including 1 albino calf. The flock of 18 mountain goats transplanted in 1923 from the mainland near Juneau to Baranof Island near Sitka is also reported to have passed the 100 mark. The initial stock of 34 musk oxen, received at Fairbanks from Greenland in 1929 and transferred to Nunivak Island Wildlife Refuge, has multiphed to more than 60. PREDATOR CONTROL Predatory-animal control was continued in the Territory on a limited scale under Bureau supervision and in cooperation with the Reindeer Service of the Office of Indian Affairs and the Alaska Game Commission. The Bureau’s participation was limited to in- structions to private trappers, distribution of scent materials and trapping equipment, and a general study of the problem. At its last biennial session the Territorial Legislature amended the law provid- ing a $20 bounty on wolves and coyotes so as to require certifica- tion of all bounty claims by wildlife agents of the Commission. Carrying out the provisions of the amended law is expected to develop ‘much information regarding these predators that will have a valuable bearing on future contro] measures. Followmg a com- plaint from Kodiak Island that certain brown bears were killing cattle, two observers, under the direction of a wildlife agent of the Commission, went to the island in March to make a study of the situation, remaining there through June. RESEARCH ON ALASKAN WILDLIFE Bureau studies are being made of the Kenai moose, the largest American hoofed animal, particularly of its abundance and relation to agricultural developments. An estimate in 1933 indicated 1,300 animals, but in the fall of 1938 investigation showed a reduction to 1,033. There seems to be a disproportionate number of bulls to cows BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 15 and a calf crop below normal. On Kodiak Island a preliminary study was made of wildlife problems, particularly of the relation- ships of the brown bear to cattle and of beaver operations to cattle range and fishing interests. A biologist spent 2 months in a recon- naissance of the Aleutian Islands, making representative collections of wildlife and investigations as to proper wildlife use of the various islands. U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1939 For sale by the Supertintendent of Documents, Washington, D. C. - - - - - - Price 15 cents ‘Lae i 4 1 aie 2s) rs ' 7 iy, We ( in 2 B Amy my is mw es rant % ane