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U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

\

Reber OLR E

OP “THE

enter OF THE BUREAUGOS

Pi@ibOGciGAl SURVisS

FOR

Cc. HART MERRIAM,

@GERTEVE:

[From ANNUAL REPORTS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. }

WASHINGTON:
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
£90 Se

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CONTE N ES:

Workot the: Biological Survey <_...,2--2.. .v2s..kt oe eee
Heonomic ornitholocy and. mammaloey.!_o_.2..2.2->. eee
Wiolvevandicoyotesa 2.22. A Sok ee ee
HIGH in Geiss io te 2 eee Me Moe aie Ree oe ae er
Pfe@use,rats £52. sss te 25 Sele re ee
Deer dspminio s24) 4 - NF ike Re a ee oe. Bee, ee oi? ate oe ee
HOx@lAPNNINe, 2/5.o 0c. 2S 2 BEL oe eee AS. eee er
dixamination:of bird stomachs. 23222... 5. US. ee ee ee
Relation of birds to the cotton boll weevil............._.----.- | ae Re Dee
California’ birds in relation to the druitandustry 22-25. see
Hood:ofwild ducks: 22.02. 3 ee ee eee
Ropdyok woodpeckers? 2.225.024). oe 2 ee he oe
Mosguito-eatine birds. 2.2. oe ee Se se ee
Birdsanweldtion tovthe codling moth. 22 -525_... 22a |e
crOSNeAkS 2 oa Sor. oo BP Va ee 2 oso ee ee Oe
Spread of the English sparrow in southern California...............----
Means:oratiractine.birds. 2 fy Ss. a. 2 ee ee
Geographic distribntion =< -2 42 ge So ee eee
GAmie mOTOtCeCLIONN Ss. 2 uke Pale ae Aes Sh A! oe eee ee

Importation of foreign mammals and birds.---.--------.-----------
bird reservations *2 .) Lee ee ae
Erotection of game im ‘Alaska 49-25-62 a
Information concerning game, 22.2132 ee ee
Game laws of the United States and Canada.---....------------
Game protection in 1907.0 820 tees te ee
stocking Covers - 22255542328 ole ee eee
Game "preserves... 24 24 (S224. kn 2
Thankseivine same se 2) so 2 Le eee
History of game protection in Michigan—. 2-2 _ .-.-2 502232 See
Quail diseases: 2. 225258202540 see See eee
Cooperative. work. 2.2723 o502- Lon: 5 Sue eee
Tusk hunting in Yellowstone Park and vicinity.-_..-----.---------
RGU FING “"WOLK* so... oh epee ns SLE ee A ee ee

Pallications:..¢ -:se02 2.220 te oe oe Bee ee
Onpumecot work-for 1909: . 2002.0 2s ee ee ee
Heonomic, ornithology and mammalocy=-_._2-2).22- 22 a ee eee
Retation of birds to the boll weewil.J 14 522.40... 2 Se eee
Birds in relation to the fruifindistry— 22 Se _-.- 2 eee ee
inelish' Sparrow. 2.2.0: S22 2205 See es ee eee
Stanrtine 2 5.1. 2L ot. Pes Sees Oa a ek. ee ee
Dikerborens 6352. lo. es I See ee
House fais and mice. -:..¥.2 4a Aes oe NS ee
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Bird reservations. 242: 2 3f.e5 424-2 lee ee ee
Bisonranee. 0: . 522.22 .. p eee eo oe oe ee ee ee
Information concerning, came 2 2. 2-100 2452 es eee

REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF THE BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY.

U. 8. DEPARTMENT oF AGRICULTURE,
Bureau or BiontocicaL SURVEY,
Washington. D. C., September 1, 1908.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a report on the work
of the Biological Survey for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1908,
with outline of work for 1909.
Respectfully, C. Hart Merriam,
Chief, Biological Survey.
Hon. James Wizson,
Secretary of Agriculture.

WORK OF THE BIOLOGICAL SURVEY.

The work of the Biological Survey as laid down by Congress is
conducted under three general heads: (1) Investigation of the
economic relations of birds and mammals to agriculture; (2) investi-
gations concerning the geographic distribution of animals and plants
with reference to the determination of the life and crop belts of the
country; (8) supervision of matters relating to game preservation
and protection, and the importation of foreign birds and animals.

ECONOMIC ORNITHOLOGY AND MAMMALOGY.

The study of birds and mammals in their economic relations assumes
yearly more importance. The extension of agriculture to supply the
needs of a constantly increasing population and to provide foodstuffs
for export, the application of improved irrigation methods for the
utilization of vast tracts of waste land, the introduction of new insect
pests—these and other factors materially affect the distribution of
animal life and disturb the balance of nature. Hence an accurate
knowledge of the food and other habits of birds and mammals is nec-
essary to the end that the beneficial kinds may be protected and the
injurious kinds controlled.

The many problems in economic ornithology calling for investiga-
tion concern a large and increasing class of nature lovers and sports-
men and a still Jarger and vastly more important class, the farmers,
on whose welfare ultimately rests the prosperity of the country.
The various questions relating to the protection of insectivorous and
game birds form important subjects of legislation in every State,

and accurate information must be forthcoming as a basis for the

3

4 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. .
{

enactment of proper laws. So important is the preservation of cer- —
tain species of migratory birds, especially ducks, geese, and shore
birds, that ultimately the several States concerned may deem it expe-
dient to intrust the legislation and police powers necessary for the
protection and preservation of such species to National authority.

Experiments to determine the best and most economical methods
of destroying wolves, coyotes, rabbits, ground squirrels, rats, and
mice have been continued during the year.

WOLVES AND COYOTES.

Wolves and coyotes combined cause an annual loss to the stockmen —
and farmers of this country of several million dollars, and in some
of the Northern States wolves threatened to exterminate the deer over _
considerable areas, both of wild and preserved land. Most of these —
losses are believed to be preventable, provided intelligent and con- —
certed action on the part of farmers and stockmen can be secured. ~
Early in 1907 a bulletin and two circulars containing directions for
trapping and poisoning wolves and coyotes, and for finding their
breeding dens, were widely distributed in the wolf-infested States,
with the result that duri ing the year many more of the animals were —
killed than previously. The total number of wolves killed was over _
1,800, while about 24,000 coyotes were destroyed. The estimated
saving of stock effected is not less than $2,000,000. During the present
year another circular (No. 63), bringing the subject up to date, has
been distributed for the purpose of renewing interest in the work
and still further diminishing the number of the pests. :

It is thought that in some sections at least the surest and most ~
economical method of protecting stock, especially sheep, against the —
assaults of wolves and coyotes is by means of wire fencing, and
several experiments having this end in view have been tried. During ~
the present season, at the request of the Forest Service, specifications
were drawn for a wolf- and coyote-proof fence to inclose an experi- ~
mental sheep pasture in the Imnaha National Forest, Oregon. After —
completion, the fence was inspected by an assistant of the Survey
and found to be well constructed. Reports upon the efficiency of
this experimental fence are about to be published by the Forest _
Service.

FIELD MICE.

During the year an extraordinary infestation of field mice occurred
in the neighborhood of Lovelocks, Nev., recalling in the extent of
damage done the disastrous plagues of field mice in Europe, hitherto
happily absent in this country. The alfalfa crop in the Humboldt
Valley was badly damaged, and i in places absolutely ruined, so as to
necessitate replanting. The mice first ate the stalks and leaves anda |
then devoured the roots. The damage to crops in the region infested
for one year is estimated at some $250,000. This is an earnest of what
may be expected when the irrigation projects now in hand are com-
pleted, and thousands of acres of desert are brought under water _
and made to produce crops. This same species of meadow mouse |
inhabits a wide region, and only awaits favorable opportunity to’ |
multiply and become a scourge. S

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. D

‘When the necessary cooperation of the farmers of a community
can be obtained, prevention is comparatively easy and cheap. Where,
however, field mice are allowed to multiply, as in Nevada, until on
certain ranches they reach the startling total of 10,000 to 12,000 to
the acre, the reduction of their numbers to a point of safety 1s very
difficult and expensive.

The Nevada outbreak furnishes an important object lesson as to
the value of certain birds and mammals to the farmer. As soon as
the mice began to increase markedly, hawks, owls, ravens, gulls, and
herons among birds, and badgers, skunks, weasels, foxes, and coyotes
among mammals hurried to the scene and made the pursuit of mice
the chief object of life, most of them in fact subsisting entirely on

the mice. It was estimated that during the height of the outbreak

the birds and mammals enumerated destroyed some 45,000 mice
daily. Although their combined assaults unaided did ae suffice to
abate the plague, yet when the number of mice was reduced by
poison, and long before it approached the normal, they were able not
only to prevent increase but to cause a rapid decline, which con-
tinued until the mice became so scarce that the predatory birds and
mammals were forced to scatter and look elsewhere for food. It is
fair to infer that had these friends of the farmer been protected in
the beginning they would have been able from the first to hold the
mice in check, preventing the abnormal increase so that there would
have been no plague.

A preliminary report on field mice has been already published.
A special report on the Nevada outbreak will soon be ready, followed
by a general article on field mice, discussing the danger of their
excessive multiplication, the nature of the damage they do to crops,
especially alfalfa, and the best methods of reducing their numbers.

.

HOUSE RATS.

The entire civilized world is awakening to the importance of
waging a war of extermination on rats. Wherever the subject is
investigated the amount of damage done by these rodents is found
to reach an appalling total—a total which ‘justifies the expenditure
of large sums in checking the waste. Accurate statistics of the i injury
done by rats and mice in the United States have heretofore been
wanting. In January and February of the present year careful
investigation was made of the losses in the cities of Washington and
Baltimore. About 600 firms and individuals engaged in handling
foodstuffs or other merchandise were interviewed. In Washington
the losses sustained by merchants; marketmen, grocers, and pro-

a prietors of other business establishments were estimated at $200,000 ;

and the losses to private citizens in residences were found to be
approximately the same, bringing the total, including the sums spent
in fighting the pests, up to $400 000. In the much larger city of
Baltimore conditions proved to be very - Ser and the total loss

there was estimated at $700,000.

_ Assuming the conditions in these two cities to be typical, the losses
mm cities of 100,000 population or upward throughout the United
States reach a total of $20,000,000. This takes no account of the
- losses in towns, villages, and the smaller cities. or of the losses on

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6 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

poultry and eggs and on grain and other crops, which aggregate
fully $30,000,000 more—in all, upward of $50,000,000 a year.

This is serious enough, but it is by no means the most serious aspect
of the rat question, for rats are now known to be active disseminators
of plague and other fatal diseases, and Professor Koch considers
them “the chief agent in the diffusion of plague;” on which account
they are much more to be dreaded than as destroyers of property.

In San Francisco and other maritime cities the boards of health,
assisted by the United States Public Health and Marine-Hospital
Service, are at the present time prosecuting active war against them,
but, unhappily, without marked success. The Biological Survey also
has continued its experiments with various means of destroying rats,

without the discovery, however, of any single agent or method which .

can be recommended as effective under all circumstances. Professor
Kitasato tells us that in Japan, where the number of rats killed each
year sometimes reaches a total of a million, “ nevertheless at the pres-
ent day no appreciable diminution in the number of the rodents can
be noticed. Reproduction keeps pace with destruction, so that we are
at a loss to know how to proceed.” For the present, at least, compara-
tive immunity from these dangerous rodents is to be obtained only
by employing several more or less effective methods, as traps and
poisons, and by continued cooperative effort on the part of communi-
ties.
DEER FARMING.

The game animals of the United States are rapidly diminishing
in numbers, and, whereas venison was formerly abundant and cheap.
to-day it is seldom to be found except on the tables of the wealthy.
This diminished supply is largely the necessary result of the cultiva-
tion of large areas of land not long since inhabited by wild animals.
The setting aside of tracts of the public domain to conserve our
rapidly diminishing forests and as refuges for valuable and interest-
ing forms of animal life is therefore wise and timely. It is evident,
however, that further steps are necessary if venison is to cease to be a
mere luxury and is to become a food available for all.

The rearing of elk and other kinds of deer in confinement for con-
version into venison, and even their domestication, appears to offer no
greater obstacles than the rearing and domestication of cattle. The
most serious impediment to the success of the business is State game
laws. These naturally have been framed for the sole purpose of pro-
tecting wild game; hence the provisions respecting the killing, trans-
portation, and sale of game animals are such as to practically pro-
hibit the raising of deer for venison, and, in some States, even their
sale for purposes of propagation. It is believed. however, that a com-
plete understanding of the purposes of deer farming, especially a
realization of the fact that it is one of the surest methods to insure
the continued existence of the several species of the deer family, will
result in so modifying existing laws as to permit the marketing of
venison raised in confinement under such regulations as in no wise to
jeopardize the safety of wild game.

As a result of investigations by the Survey, including correspond-
ence with persons who have already made a success of raising deer, a
bulletin has been issued setting forth briefly the advantages of deer

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BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. <

farming and giving details necessary for undertaking the business for
profit. Not the least important purpose is the utilization of tracts of
land unsuited to agriculture, but well adapted to deer farming. It is
believed that the dissemination of information on the subject will
result in the establishment of an important industry, profitable alike
to the individual and to the State.

FOX FARMING.

From earliest times fur-bearing animals have formed an important
part of the resources of the United States. Their skins constituted an

essential part of the winter raiment of the aborigines, and later proved ©

no less important to white men, both as wearing apparel and as a
source of profit. So persistently have the fur-bearers been pursued.
and so greatly have their former homes been encroached upon by civi-
lization that they are now comparatively scarce and are constantly
diminishing. The finer furs are already so costly as to be beyond the
reach of the many, and the supply even of the less desirable kinds by
no means equals the demand. Foxes furnish an excellent quality of
fur, that of the silver fox being especially fine and bringing a high
price. Though rearing foxes in confinement can scarcely be said to
have advanced beyond the experimental stage, enough has been done

‘in this direction to prove that under proper conditions and in the

hands of skilled men several kinds, including the silver-black fox and
the blue fox of Alaska, can be reared in captivity profitably and with
little difficulty.

Considerable data in relation to the business have been obtained,
and a bulletin has been issued setting forth the conditions under which
the industry is likely to be successful, and describing the best methods
of pursuing it. It is believed that, without seriously interfering with
their other occupations, many farmers in the northern part of the
country can give sufficient time and care to the raising of foxes to
insure ample returns for the time and capital required.

EXAMINATION OF BIRD STOMACHS.

Field investigations and laboratory examinations of the food of
birds are carried on simultaneously for the double purpose of ascer-
taining exactly what each bird eats and of furnishing field assistants
valuable hints as to the birds most profitable to study.

A few years ago our knowledge of the focd of birds was dependent
almost wholly on field observations. However carefully made, these
prove quite inadequate as a basis to definitely fix the economic status

____ Of a given species, whether beneficial or injurious to agriculture. For

this, careful examination and accurate determination of the contents
of birds’ stomachs are necessary. The present force engaged in this
work is entirely inadequate to the magnitude of the task, and can do
little more than keep abreast of current work, leaving the large
accumulation of past years untouched. The economic status of a given

bird, when once determined for a given region, is fixed for all time, at

_ least in essentials, since changes in the food habits of birds are rare
__ and occur chiefly when new plants and insects find their way into the
_ country. It is hoped that in the near future the force now employed

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| 8 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. \

in this important field may be augmented, so that the large amount of
material now on hand can be studied and the results published for the
benefit of farmers, orchardists, and others. During the past year
3,073 stomachs were received from various sources, and 3,387 (includ-
ing sone already on hand) were examined and their contents deter-
mined.

RELATION OF BIRDS TO THE COTTON BOLL WEEVIL.

Investigations of the relations of birds to the cotton boll weevil

- were continued in Louisiana, and several additional species were
found to feed on the insect, bringing the number of birds now known
to eat the weevil up to 54. Some species appear to eat it only casually,
as it happens to come in their way. Others appear to be fond of the

| beetles and to make special search for them. Thus titlarks prove to

: be active destroyers of the beetle in winter, 34 out of 68 birds ex-
amined having eaten a total of 120. Varying thus in the number

. they destroy, all are important—some more, some less—in checking
the increase of the weevil, which is one of the most noxious of our
insect pests. A supplementary report on the subject has been issued,
which, together with the circulars and reports of previous years, has
been widely distributed in the districts already infested by the weevil,
and also in the region of its probable extension.

Tt is highly probable that ultimately the pest will invade every
foot of the cotton-producing area, and it is important that an accu-
rate knowledge of the part birds play in checking its increase be
i widely disseminated in advance. It is not too much to expect that
the laws of every cotton-producing State shall protect all birds which
‘ eat the boll weevil; and it is of even greater importance that every
) farmer in the cotton States shall be fully informed as to the nature
and extent of the services such birds render, particularly as the num-
| bers of some of the more important species may be increased by
! affording them protection and added opportunity for nestmg. If
their numbers are materially augmented in the territory not yet in-
| vaded by the pest, they may not only to some extent delay the spread
of the insect, but later will permanently keep down its numbers.

i CALIFORNIA BIRDS IN RELATION TO THE FRUIT INDUSTRY.

For several years investigations have been carried on in California
to determine the exact relations of birds to the fruit industry, that
the orchardists may learn to discriminate between the useful and ~
injurious kinds, to the end that they may protect the useful kinds
and adopt preventive measures against the others. Part I of a report
on the subject was completed last year and widely distributed, and
the manuscript of Part IT has been finished and is now nearly ready
for the printer. |

FOOD OF WILD DUCKS.

Investigations of the food of wild ducks continue, with the view of
securing information upon which to base legislation for establishing
a proper open season for this important group of food birds. Great
difficulty is experienced, however, in securing an adequate amount of

67 Ae a! v2e Las 2

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. @g

material. Some ‘progress was made in the work during the year,
and more than 1,100 duck stomachs are now on hand, almost all of
_ which have been examined and the contents identified.

FOOD OF WOODPECKERS.

In 1895 a preliminary report was issued on the food of woodpeckers.
Though the material in hand at that time was far from sufficient,
\ valuable conclusions were reached, the evidence justifying the con-
- clusion that woodpeckers are indispensable in the work of forest
preservation. Since then every effort has been made to secure addi-
- _ tional material, and now nearly five times as many stomachs are on

hand as were available twelve years ago. Examination of the con-
tents of these is now being made with a view to a final report on the
~ subject.
| # MOSQUITO-EATING BIRDS.

The discovery of the part mosquitoes play in spreading such dis-
eases aS malaria and yellow fever has naturally called attention to
these little pests and to economical methods of exterminating them.
That some birds eat mosquitoes has long been known, and recently it
has been found that more species eat them than was formerly sup-
posed, and that certain species eat them in such numbers as to con-
stitute an important check on their increase. Accordingly the sub-
ject is being studied with a view to determining what birds lend the
most valuable aid; among the number are now known to be the chim-
ney swift, nighthawk, northern phalarope, and killdee. Since the
nighthawk and killdee are sometimes shot for food, their mosquito-
eating habits should be widely known so that the birds may be pro-
'* tected. Further investigations in this field will be necessary, particu-
larly in the Southern States, before a report can be made.

BIRDS IN RELATION TO THE CODLING MOTH.

Preliminary data on the relations of birds to the codling moth
show that no fewer than 22 species of our native birds feed on this
destructive insect, to the spread of which they constitute an important
check. Further studies will be made of the part birds play in lessen-
ing the numbers of this pest. oe

GROSBEAKS.

_ Work on the economic relations of the grosbeaks begun in 1905
was completed in 1906, and a report on the subject was issued and
_ distributed during the fiscal year 1908, thus making available for
. ee use a knowledge of the food habits of this group of useful
birds. ;

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SPREAD OF THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.

__ Special work was done in California in checking the spread of the
English sparrow. Prior to 1906 the English sparrow was unknown
~ In southern California, but in the autumn of that year a small colony

was reported at Newhall, Los Angeles County. The five southern

«9950-082

10 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

counties of the State (San Bernardino, Orange, Riverside, Imperial, _
and San Diego) are stiil free from the bird, and the conditions in
Los Angeles County are favorable for its destruction before it has
become established. Taking advantage of a visit to Los Angeles in
August, a representative of the Survey visited Newhall in company
with the county game warden. The colony there proved to be a
small one and all sparrows that were seen were killed. The attention
of several of the residents of the place was called to the presence of
the bird and the necessity for checking its increase.

Later the bird was reported at Lancaster, Palmdale, Saugus, and
one or two other points on the Southern Pacific Railroad north of
Newhall, and at Victorville, in San Bernardino County, on the line
of the Santa Fe road; and on May 31, 1908, the county game warden
found a few English sparrows in the city of Los Angeles. The fol-
lowing day, at the request of the warden, the matter was laid before
the county board of supervisors by the Department’s representative,
and attention was called to the importance of destroying the birds
already in the city before they could spread to the neighboring fruit-
growing districts. An appropriation of $250 was voted immediately
by the board for beginning the work of stamping out the pest.

Considering the interest already aroused in the presence of the bird
in southern California and the prompt action of Los Angeles County,
it should be possible without much difficulty to check the further in-
crease of the species in this region. The western extension of the
Mohave Desert between the parallel ranges of mountains on the north
and south prevents the bird from spreading southward very rapidly
from the San Joaquin Valley, and the rugged ranges of mountains
in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties also tend to check its spread
coastwise. If the small colonies south of Tehachapi and Ventura, less
than half a dozen in number, and the outlying colony reported at
Victorville aré destroyed, the English sparrow can probably be ex-
cluded indefinitely from the great fruit-raismg section of southern
California.

MEANS OF ATTRACTING BIRDS.

The importance of insectivorous birds in the continual warfare
necessary against insect pests is now generally recognized, and most
of them are everywhere protected by law. It is inevitable, however,
that the rapid utilization of our wild land and the consequent diniinu-
tion of our forested areas will result in greatly diminishing the ~
numbers of certain species by destroying their breeding grounds and ~
diminishing their food supply. It is important to counteract these —
and other injurious influences by making other provision for the wel- —
fare of our birds. One of the easiest and most important measures —
is providing an increased food supply by planting about houses and —
gardens fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, such as mulberries, wild —
cherries, and others. Such trees serve a threefold purpose: They ~
are ornamental, provide food for useful species, and serve to protect
valuable fruit from attacks by birds. A report on the subject has —
been delayed by pressure of other work, but, pending publication, —
information as to the best kinds of trees and shrubs for the purpose —
under various climatic conditions will be furnished on application.

iE ROBE Ae so.

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. 18 |

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION.

As in former years the Survey has conducted extensive field work
for the purpose of gathering information concerning the distribu-
tion, abundance, and habits of our native birds and mammals. The
results serve as a basis for mapping the life zones of the United
States and also the distribution of the species. In addition to these
important data the assistants in this branch of work accumulate much
information concerning the food habits and relative abundance of
the various species. This knowledge is essential for a proper classifi-
cation of the species into beneficial and harmful groups. The wide
acquaintance of the field naturalists of the Survey with the animal
life of the country and with the habits of the various species is of
great value in devising means of combating the injury to agriculture
by the noxious species.

The investigations in this branch of the work during the year have
been varied and have covered widely scattered parts of the country.
Dr. C. Hart Merriam continued his work on the life zones of Cali-
fornia and added materially to the data already accumulated. Ver-
non Bailey spent several months in southern California, and visited
Oregon and North Dakota, collecting material for mapping the life
zones of these States, and gathering information on the economic
relations of birds and mammals. He also visited Humboldt Valley,
Nevada, and made a preliminary investigation of the plague of field
mice on the alfalfa ranches of that section, and the damage by bur-
rowing rodents to the irrigation ditches of the Carson-Truckee irriga-
tion project. As a result of this and previous work a bulletin was
prepared on the harmful and beneficial mammals of the Carson and
Humboldt valleys of Nevada. Later Mr. Bailey inspected the ex-
perimental wolf-proof sheep fence built by the Forest Service on the
Imnaha National Forest, Oregon.

Merritt Cary completed the biological survey of Colorado, and his
map and report on the work are nearly ready for publication.

W. H. Osgood spent July and August in northern New England
and eastern Canada, making a survey of that region and gathering
information for a report on fox farming, which has been published
as Farmers’ Bulletin 328. KE. A. Preble completed the report on his
work in Canada, which is now being published as North American
Fauna No. 27. H.C. Oberholser completed for publication a report
on the Economic Relations of the Birds of Texas. A. H. Howell
made a trip to Louisiana to study the relations of birds to the cotton
boll weevil. E. A. Goldman was employed from July, 1907, to Feb-
ruary, 1908, in studying the distribution and economic relations of
birds and mammals in central California. W. W. Cooke continued
his study of the migrations of birds and completed for publication
a bulletin entitled Distribution and Migration of North American
Shore Birds.

During the year the office of Geographic Distribution has made
considerable advance in mapping the distribution of American birds
and mammals, and in getting its accumulated data into shape for con-
venient reference and use.

GAME PROTECTION.

The United States, with its great tracts of wilderness, its large and
diversified supply of game, and its varied climates, furnishes many

12 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

attractive hunting grounds. Its big game embraces deer of several
kinds, moose, elk, caribou, antelope, mountain sheep, and mountain
goats; and its winged game includes the ruffed grouse, blue grouse,
prairie chicken, and several other members of the grouse family,
the quail, the wild turkey, the woodcock, snipe, various shore birds,
and myriads of waterfowl. The pursuit of these numerous and
varied species of game offers to our own citizens a healthful and en-
joyable recreation, and attracts sportsmen from other parts of the
world. The number of hunters annually in the field probably ex-

_ ceeds 3,000,000. With this army of sportsmen scouring the country

and with the wilderness constantly decreasing through the encroach-
ments of ‘civilization, the problem of game preservation becomes
yearly more difficult, and the duties of the office of Game Protection
correspondingly grow in importance and complexity.

Difficult problems attach also to the task of preserving the non-
game birds of the country. Capture of native birds for millinery
purposes and for the cage-bird market is under fairly good control;
but questions that press constantly for settlement arise through ab-
sorption of breeding haunts to meet the needs of spreading civiliza-
tion, the great increase in the number of persons who shoot birds, and
other agencies of depletion resulting from changed conditions.

In dealing with these problems several lines of activity are fol-
lowed. Solutions are sought through enforcement of the Federal
law prohibiting interstate commerce in game and birds which have
been illegally killed, cooperation with State authorities and protective
organizations in securing suitable State laws and enforcing those on
the statute books, acquisition and publication of information bearing
on the needs of game and bird preservation, and the performance of
such other functions, active and advisory, as occasion requires.

Another phase of activity results from the duty imposed by the
Lacey Act of supervising importations of live mammals and birds.
Perpetual vigilance is required to prevent the introduction of species
likely to prove ineradicable pests and so bring about a repetition of
the disastrous results that followed the acclimatization of the English
sparrow. Efforts to import and liberate dangerous species are not
infrequent—several were made during the past year—and the success
of even one attempt would probably entail serious losses, such as
have occurred in other countries less carefully guarded. While, there-
fore, certain branches of the Department add* large sums to the
annual profits of agriculture, the careful check maintained by the
Survey is a service less obvious but no less important, for it prevents
losses amounting to many thousands of dollars a year.

The special work along these various lines during the past year
will be considered under different heads.

IMPORTATION OF FOREIGN MAMMALS AND BIRDS.

In the supervision of importation of mammals and birds into the
United States such consignments as offered opportunity for the entry
of prohibited or dangerous species were closely scrutinized by in-
spectors of the Department stationed at New York and Philadelphia,
the main ports of entry, and, so far as known, no violation of the law
occurred. An attempt was made to import two specimens of mon-
goose (Crossarchus fasciatus) at New York on January 6, but entry
was denied, and the animals were reshipped to Bremen, Germany.
In February an application was received for the entry of 120 Hun- ~

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. 13

garian hares, some of which were intended for crossing with Belgian
hares, while others were to be used in stocking game covers. Many
species intended to be kept in captivity are admitted that are denied
admission when intended to be liberated; Kuropean hares are in this
category; hence the consignment in question was not permitted to
enter until assurance was.given by the importer that none of the hares
would be set free. In the same month entry was denied of a con-
signment of song thrushes which it was designed to liberate on Coney
Island, and also of a shipment of 200 skylarks imported for liberation
in Santa Cruz County, Cal. During the year 103 consignments were
inspected, of which 99 were entered at New York and the remainder
at Philadelphia. An additional inspector was appointed at Hono-
lulu to act during the absence.of the regular inspector, and the inspec-
tion service at that port was placed on : the same basis as that at New
York and Philadelphia, the Department paying a fee of $5 for each
inspection.

The total importations of the year under permit comprised 305,595
canaries, 14,694 game birds, 42,915 miscellaneous birds, 1,520 mam-
mals, and 592 eggs of game birds. The increase in game birds was
4,579, mainly due to the large number of European partridges im-
ported for stocking covers, 7,781 being brought in, as against 3,075
in the preceding year. Among the rare pheasants imported for avia-
ries were 2 Bornean firebacks, 4 Siamese firebacks, 18 tragopans, 2
Formosan pheasants, and 2 “ Sultan ” pheasants (from Turkey and
probably a local variety of the English pheasant, Phasianus colchi-
cus). So far as known to the Department, this is the first time the
Formosan and “ Sultan” pheasants have been imported. The more
important miscellaneous birds included 2 bower birds, 3 brush tur-
keys, 2 crested screamers, 2 drongo-shrikes, and 15 Brazilian bell-
birds. The number of eggs of game birds imported showed a decided
falling off; this year’s importations were exceeded by last year’s by
5,318. During the year there were imported without permit 19,690
canaries, 6,072 parrots, 4,596 miscellaneous birds, and 438 mammals.
The total importations from July 1, 1907, to June 30, 1908, were,
therefore, 325,285 canaries, 68,277 other birds, 1,958 mammals, and
592 eggs of game birds.

Personal examination was made of conditions at the principal ports
on the Pacific coast. Seattle and Tacoma, Wash., now have several
direct steamship lines to the Orient, but the bird trade there is still
inconsiderable. As soon as this trade increases to any extent the
services of a special inspector will be required in one or both of

these cities.
BIRD RESERVATIONS.

Within the year the President has set aside nine additional bird
reservations. ‘The date of establishment, name, and location of each
of these are as follows:

Ase 8, 1907 ——! ‘Dermv island: Reservation ee Louisiana.
tA MOO (RS Shell Keys Reservation_____________ Louisiana.
Oct. 14, 1907____- Three Areh Rocks Reservation______.: Oregon.
Bost OOF 2-2: Copalis Rock Reservation___________ Washington.
POT 2s Quillayute Needles Reservation_____- Washington.
BestOOl = Flattery Rocks Reservation_________. Washington.
Dec. 7,1907____East Timbalier Island Reservation__-Louisiana.
Feb. 24,1908____ Mosquito Inlet Reservation_________. Florida.

April 6, 1908_.-— Tortugas Keys Reservation_________- Plorida.

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14 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

Of these reservations Tern Island, Shell Keys, and East Timbalier
Island consist of small uninhabitable islets along the coast of Loui-
siana, frequented by large numbers of terns, gulls, brown pelicans,
and man-o’-war birds. Three Arch Rocks Reservation comprises a
group of small unsurveyed basaltic islands off the coast of Oregon,
tenanted by gulls, cormorants, puffins, guillemots, and oyster-catchers,
and by dense colonies of murres. In the past, birds on these islets
have been wantonly shot by visiting excursionists, but hereafter
visitors will be allowed only under permit. The Washington reserva-
tions embrace about 130 rocky islets of no agricultural or commercial
value, lying along the coast from Grays Harbor to the Straits of
Juan de Fuca. They are inhabited by such birds as are found on
Three Arch Rocks Reservation and, in addition, a large number of
auklets and petrels. Their total population is estimated to consist of
100,000 petrels and 60,000 other birds. A few small herds of sea
lions add to the attractiveness of the fauna. Mosquito Inlet Reserva-
tion, Florida, is a feeding place for several kinds of birds, including
the pelicans of Pelican Island, a few miles to the north. It is com-
posed of small mangrove and salt grass islets, shoal sand bars, and
sand spits in and near the mouths of the Halifax and Hillsboro
rivers, Florida. Tortugas Keys Reservation comprises the group
known as the Dry Tortugas, near the western extremity of the Florida
Keys, and is a breeding ground of sooty, noddy, and least terns,
frigate birds, and other species. Its designation as a bird reservation
does not interfere with its use for military purposes.

Reports from the warden of Pelican Island Reservation indicate a
steady increase of the bird life of that island. The pelicans began
arriving October 7, a month earlier than usual, and by February
numbered 8,000 adults and 2,000 young. There was considerable
mortality among the latter owing to unfavorable weather, and fully
500 died of cold and exposure. Early in April nesting was resumed,
and a second brood of 600 or more was successfully raised. ‘The
island was visited by seven parties of tourists during the spring.

The attention of the Bureau was called to illegal shooting of birds
on Chandeleur Island, a light-house station near Breton Island
Reservation. The matter was taken up with the Department of
Commerce and Labor, which revoked a permit to fish on Chandeleur
Island, held by the offender, and directed the light-house keeper not
to permit him to land thereafter.

PROTECTION OF GAME IN ALASKA.

A new Alaska game law was passed at the recent session of Con-
gress and was approved by the President on May 11, 1908. The
principal changes provide for hunting licenses, export licenses, and
guide licenses, to be issued by the Governor of Alaska, who reports the
details of the issue of such licenses to the Secretary of Agriculture;
provide for support of the enforcement system by annual appropria-
tions to be made on estimates submitted by the Secretary of Agri-
culture; and authorize the Governor to appoint game wardens.
Under the law as it now stands, the Department continues to issue
permits for scientific collecting and for export of specimens for prop-
egation, exhibition, or scientific purposes, but those who desire to
hunt for sport in Alaska or to export trophies from the District must
apply to the Governor for the necessary license.

rh

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BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. 15

The number of permits issued by the Department for the export of
trophies up to the date of approval of the bill was 34; 16 permits were
also issued during the year for collecting and exporting scientific
specimens, so that the total number of permits was 50.

INFORMATION CONCERNING GAME.

An important feature of the work connected with the preservation
of birds and game is the collection and dissemination of information
concerning game and nongame birds, many requests for which were
received during the year.

Game Laws or THE UNITED States AnD Canapa.—The usual sum-
mary of provisions concerning close seasons, shipment, sale, licenses,
and bag limits was issued as Farmers’ Bulletin 308 and was widely
distributed among sportsmen and others interested, especially in
those States which have no compilation of their game laws. The
great demand for this summary attests its usefulness. The large
posters giving the close seasons in the United States and Canada in
tabulated form were also issued and widely distributed as usual.

Game Protection 1n 1907.—In the résumé in the Yearbook of the
year’s progress in game protection, particular attention was given to
the condition of the game of the country, which, generally speaking,
was very encouraging. The increase in the importation of partridges
and pheasants from Europe was mentioned, and sportsmen were
advised to devote their efforts to increasing native game birds rather
than to importing foreign species, the ultimate value of which is
problematical. Attention was called also to the growing practice of
raising game in confinement and the need of laws permitting the
marketing of such game under restrictions that will prevent the illicit
sale of wild game.

Srock1ne Covers.—Much information was gathered from breeders,
dealers, and game preservers concerning the propagation of game
birds, the number and species of birds raised, the metheds followed,
and the degree of success attained. Importations of eges for hatching
were followed up, and the results obtained through this method of
introducing game birds were ascertained. Such information j is in fre-
quent demand by correspondents and will be needed in the prepara-
tion of publications now in contemplation.

/

Game Presrrves.—The collection of data relating to the private
game preserves of the United States was continued, and much infor-
mation was gathered for future use, especially concerning the numer-
ous duck preserves in California. Attention was paid also to the
game preserves of other countries, from which many useful points of
comparison with our own may be drawn.

THankscivine Game.—Data concerning prices and abundance of
game in the markets immediately preceding Thanksgiving Day were
collected as usual. The material on hand now covers four years, and
furnishes an excellent index to the relative prices and abundance of
game.

History or Game Prorzction 1n Micnican.—Data were gathered
for a résumé of the history of game protection in Michigan from the

al earliest times to date, and this is now being prepared for ‘the press.

4 repre:

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'

16 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

Quait Disrase.—Little additional information has been obtained
regarding the disease which made its appearance two years ago among
quail in transit for restocking covers. ‘This dearth of new knowledge
is due mainly to almost complete discontinuance of such shipments,
chiefly because of laws prohibiting such export from the States which
have been the chief source of supply, but partly because of the uncer-
tainties introduced by the prevalence of the disease. Several reports
of the appearance of disease among wild quail were investigated, but
were found to be without foundation.

COOPERATIVE WORK.

Much work was done as usual in cooperation with other Depart-
ments, State game officials, and game and bird protective organiza-
tions. A meeting of the association of game wardens, held in the
Yellowstone National Park in August, 1907, was attended by the chief
of the office of Game Protection. These gatherings of the chief game
officials of the various States are of great importance to game protec-
tion, and in view of the close relationship between this subject and
forest protection and the present tendency on the part of State legis-
latures to place both under one head, the Forester, at the suggestion
of this office, directed officials of five National Forests to attend as
representatives of the Forest Service. At the instance of this office the
association adopted a resolution looking to cooperation between the
National Association of Game Wardens and the American Breeders’
Association, with a view to facilitating the propagation of game.

In cooperation with the Bureau of Chemistry experiments were
begun to determine the effects of cold storage on certain kinds of

‘game. For this purpose a number of ducks of different species were

obtained from North Carolina, with the aid of the secretary of the
North Carolina Audubon Society, and a few prairie chickens were
secured from Nebraska, through the courtesy of the chief deputy
game and fish commissioner. ;

Two visits were made to Trenton, N. J., by a member of the Survey
for the purpose of giving expert testimony before the Governor and
the Senate committee on fish and game relative to the danger of con-
tinuing the spring shooting of waterfowl and summer shooting of
woodcock, both of which practices are exceedingly detrimental to the
several species concerned.

Aid was rendered game officials in California, Idaho, Illinois,
North Dakota, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming in
various cases arising under the game laws of these States, and the
Virginia Federation of Women’s Clubs was assisted in the prelimi-
nary steps for the organization of a State Audubon society in Virginia.

TUSK HUNTING IN YELLOWSTONE PARK AND VICINITY.

Important cases were referred to in the last report arising from the —
killing of elk for their heads and teeth in the Yellowstone National
Park and vicinity. After their conviction in April, 1907, at Poca-
tello, Idaho, on the charge of shipping heads and horns from Idaho ~
to California in violation of the Lacey Act, two of the hunters, Wil- —
liam Binkley and Charles Purdy, were immediately rearrested and —
held for trial at Fort Yellowstone for violation of the Yellowstone
Park act in killing elk within the park limits. At the trial, which —
was held on September 10 before the United States commissioner, —

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5

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. LF

Binkley and Purdy were convicted and sentenced to pay the costs in
the case, amounting to $933, and to serve three months in jail. On
November 14 indictments were secured at Cheyenne, Wyo., for Oscar
Adams and Charles Isobel, the other two members of this noted gang
of tusk hunters. These two men have not been apprehended, but the
vigorous action of the Government has had the desired effect of
breaking up these poaching operations, previously a menace to the
game of the region.
ROUTINE WORK.

As the field work of the Survey increases and includes new lines
of investigation, the amount of routine work increases correspond-
ingly. This consists of correspondence; the preparation and editing
of reports and bulletins on special subjects for publication; the identi-
fication and labeling of specimens, including those collected by our
own assistants and also those sent in for identification by colleges,
museums, and various individuals; the storage and care of field col-
lections; cataloguing and identifying the contents of bird stomachs;
tabulating field reports; sorting and filing published matter for
future reference; mapping distribution of birds, mammals, and
plants; supplying the needs of field assistants; developing photo-
graphic plates and making prints therefrom; compiling game laws;
issuing permits for the entry of foreign mammals and birds, and for
the export of trophies and specimens from Alaska; and cooperation
in enforcing the various provisions of the act of Congress of May 25,
1900. The letters received during the year numbered about 7,166;
the letters written during the year numbered 6,111, and the migration
schedules sent out to observers, 734. During the year 930 negatives
were made, illustrating and furnishing a most valuable supplementary
record of the field work of the Survey. The series now numbers
about 10,600 negatives.

OUTSIDE DEMANDS.

The above may be considered part of the regular duties of the
Survey. In addition to these are constant demands for financial
statements relative to field and office expenditures, the number and
complexity of which are ever increasing; and requests from other
Government Bureaus, and from special commissions, committees,
and boards for reports on subjects apart from the duties of the Sur-
vey, but more or less distantly connected with them. These two
classes of demands annually require the expenditure of much time
and labor on the part of the Chief and his principal assistants, and
constitute a heavy draft also on the small force of clerks. The sub-
ject is mentioned here in explanation of the fact that much time is
annually consumed in the elaboration of results which do not appear
as part of the output of the Survey. As no extra clerical assistance
is provided, and no appropriation made for the expenses attendant
on this extra service, it constitutes a heavy tax on the regular funds
and necessitates the curtailment of other important work.

PUBLICATIONS.

The publications for the year include 5 bulletins, 1 Farmers’ Bul-
letin, 4 Yearbook articles, 4 circulars, the Report of the Chief for

—— ee Ts POC Te POE ~— as
ih a /

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18 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

1907, and reprints of former publications. The bulletins are: No.
28, Game Commissions and Wardens, by R. W. Williams, jr.; No.
29, Relation of Birds to the Cotton Boll Weevil, by Arthur H.
Howell; No. 30, Birds of California in Relation to the Fruit Indus-
try, by FE. L. Beal: No. 31, An Economic Study of Field Mice,
by David E. Lantz; No. 32, Food Habits of the Grosbeaks, by W. L.
McAtee. The Farmers’ Bulletin is No. 308, Game Laws for 1907,
by T. S. Palmer, Henry Oldys, and C. E. Brewster. The articles
in the Yearbook for 1907 are entitled: The Rabbit as a Farm and
Orchard Pest, by David E. Lantz; Does it Pay the Farmer to Pro-
tect Birds, by H. W. Henshaw; The = Resources of Alaska, by
Wilt. Osgood ; and Game Protection for 1907, by Henry Oldys.
The titles of circulars are: No. 61, Hawks and Owls from the Stand-
point cf the Farmer, by A. K. Fisher; No. 62, Directory of Officials
and Organizations Concerned with the Protection of Birds and
Game, by T. S. Palmer; No. 63, Destruction of Wolves and Coyotes,
Results Obtained during 1907, by Vernon Bailey; No. 64, Destruction
of the Cotton Boll Weevil by Birds in Winter, by Arthur H. Howell.

The reprints of former publications issued are as follows: Bulletin
No. 29, Relation of Birds to the Cotton Boll Weevil; Circular No.
32, second edition, revised, Directions for the Destruction of Prairie
Dogs; Circular No. 60, revised, List of Publications of the Biological
Survey.

OUTLINE OF WORK FOR 1909.

ECONOMIC ORNITHOLOGY AND MAMMALOGY.

Work on the food habits of birds and mammals will be continued
along much the same lines as in previous years.

RELATION OF BIRDS TO THE BOLL WEEVIL.

As the boll weevil extends its range eastward from Texas through
Louisiana, Mississippi, and other cotton-producing States, it will
encounter new conditions, and it is important to study the effect of
the insectivorous birds of the regions invaded on its progress.
Accordingly it is intended during the coming season to continue
investigations of the relations of birds to the pest, particularly in
Louisiana, a considerable part of which State has already been
entered by the weevil.

BIRDS IN RELATION TO THE FRUIT INDUSTRY.

Part 2 of a report on the relation of birds to the fruit industry

in California is now nearly ready for the printer. The investigations —

carried on in middle California will be extended northward into the
northern part of the State and into Oregon and Washington. In
both the latter States fruit raising has assumed large proportions,
while comparatively little is known of the birds living in or near
orchards and of the nature of their food.

ENGLISH SPARROW.

Supplemental investigations in relation to the English sparrow are
being carried on and will be continued during the coming year.
Hitherto the pest has not invaded southern California to any extent,

: ELGAR GIP oh igenetowacarsnanaetns ee a

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14
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BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. 19

and an attempt is being made, in conjunction with local and county
officials, to exterminate it in the few places where it now is, with the
purpose of preventing it from gaining a foothold in the fruit-raising
sections of this region, where, if it becomes numerous, it is certain to
do immense damage.

STARLING.

The starling, which was introduced into Central Park, New York,
a number of years ago, has spread from that point as a center south-
ward to northeastern Pennsylvania and northern New Jersey. east-
ward to central Connecticut, and northward up the Hudson River,
thus occupying portions of four States. An attempt will be made
this year to ascertain the exact distribution of this bird, the rapidity
of its spread from New York, its relative aburidance at the various
points it now occupies, and the character of its food habits. This
information is essential to devising means to check further increase
of its range and to eradicate the pest, as far as possible, in the terri-
tory now occupied.

DIKE BORERS.

Experiments undertaken last year in Nevada to check the damage
to irrigation dikes and embankments by burrowing rodents were
highly successful, and the methods developed have been tried and
pronounced by engineers to be simple and effective. It is intended
to continue these in other irrigation districts and where necessary to
send skilled assistants to demonstrate the methods recommended.

HOUSE RATS AND MICE.

World-wide efforts are now being made to abate or greatly lessen
the nuisance of these pests. Though everywhere a steady tax on
almost every product of human industry, their destruction is sought
less on this account than because they constitute a menace to human
health by carrying disease germs. The most effective remedies yet
devised against them are various traps and poisons, which, however,
have the disadvantage of requiring persistent use to be effective.
The superiority of a bacterial preparation which, when fed to the
animals, will cause a contagious disease, may readily be perceived.
Several preparations declared to be of this kind have been placed on
the market. Some of these have already been tested by the Survey
and found wanting in the chief essential—communicability from rat
to rat; others will be experimentally tested in the hope of ultimately
securing a more efficient agent for use against these most noxious

. rodents.

FOX FARMING.

A Farmers’ Bulletin on the subject of the rearing of the silver fox
has been published, and the demand for it, as well as for further
information on the subject, indicates a widespread interest in the
business. So far the few breeders of the silver fox have been actu-
ated solely by a desire for speedy returns from their investment, and
hence have paid little or no attention to the improvement of breeding

stock. Neither have satisfactory experiments been made as to the

best food for foxes in confinement. the best method of handling breed-
ing animals, and kindred subjects.

20 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

It is hoped that funds will be forthcoming to permit the establish-
ment of an experimental farm where the animals may be handled to
the best advantage and scientific methods may be employed in
developing improved stock, not only of this fox but also of other
valuable fur bearers. The information thus obtained will then be
disseminated through publications with a view to instructing small
farmers in the details of a business which, if properly pursued, can
not fail to be remunerative.

DEER FARMING.

A great demand for the Farmers’ Bulletin recently issued by the
Biological Survey on Deer Farming shows the widespread interest
in the subject; and rfumerous letters of inquiry prove the necessity
for additional investigations and experiments. The fact that 20 deer
can be kept at the cost of keeping a single cow, and that waste land
or land now yielding little or no profit may be used for the purpose,
goes far to explain the interest aroused. Further investigation as
to the practical possibilities of the business will be undertaken for
the purpose of preparing a more complete report.

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION.

Tt is hoped to complete the life-zone work in several of the States
where extensive gaps in our information still exist, as in California,
Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, the Dakotas, and
Utah, in order to permit the publication of a life-zone map of the
United States on a much larger scale than the one last issued, which
is Inadequate for detailed information. And it is planned to con-
tinue the more detailed surveys of the Pacific Coast region, the
results to be embodied in a special map of each State.

GAME PROTECTION. ;
INSPECTION.

Efforts will be made to place the inspection service at Philadelphia
on a more satisfactory basis. Most of the consignments to Philadel-
phia arrive by way of New York and have heretofore been inspected
at either port. In future, so far as possible, inspections will be made
at Philadelphia, in order to avoid delays en route and the difficulty
of identifying birds, which can not be readily examined on ship-
board or on the dock. However, importers will have the option of ~
having their birds inspected at either port. -

RECORDING DATA.

The consolidated card index of species imported since the Lacey
Act became effective, May 25, 1900, will be continued. The work of
ascertaining the dates of the first importations of different species
into this country will continue, with special attention to the collec-
tion of data respecting the history of the early importations of the
more important game birds.

PHEASANTS.

We ee ig SELEY

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The material relating to imported pheasants collected by the De-
partment will be prepared for publication in the form of a Farmers’ 3

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:
:

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. 21

Bulletin on Pheasant Breeding in the United States. For the pur- .
pose of securing additional matter the more important pheasantries
and private preserves will be examined.

PRESERVES.

Birp Reservations.—The bird reservations already established by
executive order, or which have been examined with a view to recom-
mendation for establishment, number 20 or more. Of-these, 6 are in
Florida, 4 in Louisiana, 2 in Michigan, 2 in North Dakota, 3 in
Oregon, and 3 in Washington. The protection of the smaller reserva-
tions has been provided for in cooperation with the National Associa-
tion of Audubon Societies, which has defrayed most of the actual
cost of maintenance. Provision must be made for the proper main-
tenance of the larger reservations, however, and it is only proper that
the expense of all these Federal establishments should be borne by
the Government.

Bison Rancr.—Provision is made in the current appropriation bill
for the acquisition and fencing of 12,800 acres of land on the Flathead
Reservation, Mont., for a National Bison Range. This land will prob-
ably be ready by the close of the fiscal year, and it is possible that the
herd offered by the American Bison Society can be delivered soon
after that date. Maintenance of this herd for the year ending June
30, 1910, must therefore be provided for. Estimates for this 1tem
and for the proper maintenance of the bird reservations have been
included in the regular estimates of the Bureau.

INFORMATION CONCERNING GAME.

The plan outlined several years ago of indexing the earlier statutes
relating to game protection has been steadily continued and will be
pressed as rapidly as possible. It has now progressed far enough to

allow the publication of complete indexes of the laws of Michigan,

Alabama, and probably California, during the coming year. It is
probable that indexes of the laws of all the Rocky Mountain States
also will be completed during the year; work on these will have pref-
erence on account of the important bearing the laws of these States
have on the protection of big game. Unforeseen circumstances have
delayed the completion of the index to game decisions, but the work
has been brought down to date and will probably be completed during
the year. :

STATISTICS OF GAME ANIMALS.

It is necessary to effective work to have more exact figures concern-
ing certain features of game protection. Statistics of the number of
hunters in the United States and the amounts derived from fees for
hunting licenses have been secured with some degree of completeness.
It is hoped that during the year some plan can be adopted in coopera-
tion with the several States to ascertain the quantity of big game
killed each season, particularly the number of deer and elk, so as to
secure a basis for an approximate estimate of the value of the big
game of the country.

BIG GAME.

Last year special efforts were made to protect the elk by suppress-
ing tusk and trophy hunting and poaching south of the Yellowstone

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22 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

National Park. During the coming year the question of adequately
protecting antelope will have first consideration. Efforts will be made
to secure close seasons in every State in which antelope occur and to
obtain similar protection in Canada. An attempt will be made also
to ascertain the location of every large band of antelope now remain-
ing in the United States and the approximate number of individuals
in each band.
INTERSTATE COMMERCE IN GAME.

The personal examination of conditions governing illegal ship-
ments of game in the Southwest, unavoidably deferred last year, will
be made in the autumn of 1908. Information obtained in connec-
tion with the prosecution of the Binkley-Purdy case, already referred
to, emphasizes the importance of collecting more complete data re-
specting the traffic in hides, horns, and tusks of big game as a pre-
requisite to successful conduct of similar cases in the future. One or
two of the Western States and Canadian Provinces have adopted a
system of marking heads or horns for shipment or sale, and the
methods in use will be examined with a view to devising, 1f feasible,
a simple and practicable means of so marking horns as to prevent the
disposal of trophies obtained contrary to law.

in previous reports attention has been called to the necessity for
the creation of several districts, each under a special agent or super-
visor, charged with the duty of enforcing the provisions of the Lacey
Act relating to interstate shipments of game. The importance of
having an agent on the ground in close touch with local conditions is
apparent, and it is strongly urged that the necessary funds be placed
at the disposal of this Bureau. If only one such officer can be pro-
vided he should be stationed in the West, with headquarters at Chi-
cago, where he can readily investigate shipments from the Lake re-
gion, the Northwest, and many points in the Southwest. The cost
of this service, including salary and traveling expenses, would be in-
considerable, while the gain in effectiveness of enforcement of the
Federal law would be great.

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