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REPORT OF CHIEF OF BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY.

Unirep States DeparrMeNT or AGRICULTURE,
Bureau or BrowocicaL Survey,
Washington, D. C., August 20, 1917.
Sm: I have the honor to submit herewith a report on the work of
the Bureau of Biological Survey for the fiscal year ended June 30,
51917.
Respectfully,
EK. W. NeEtson,
Chief, Biological Survey.
Hon. D. F. Houston,
Secretary of Agriculture.

WORK OF THE BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY.

__ The work of the Bureau of Biological Survey is conducted along
five principal lines: (1) Investigations of the food habits of North
American birds and mammals in relation to agriculture, in charge
of Dr. A. K. Fisher; (2) biological investigations with special ref-
erence to the geographic distr ibution of native animals and plants, in
charge of E. W. Nelson; (3) supervision of national mammal and
bird reservations, in charge of G. W. Field; (4) enforcement of the
Lacey Act regulating the importation of birds and interstate ship-
ment of game, in charge of W. F. Bancroft; (5) administration of
the Federal migratory-bird law, in charge of George A. Lawyer.

ECONOMIC INVESTIGATIONS.
PREDATORY ANIMALS AND RABIES.

_ The larger part of the work of this section of the Bureau has a
direct practical bearing on the increased production and conser-
‘vation of the Nation’s food supply. It is effective in decreasing the
“great losses of live stock which occur through the ravages of pred-
atory animals and in the reduction of still greater losses of grain
‘and other crops due to noxious rodents. About $287,000 was avail-
able during the year for the destruction of wolves, coyotes, bobcats,
Mountain lions, and other stock-killing predatory animals on the
public domain, and for the suppression of rabies widely prevalent in
everal of the western and northwestern States. This work, already
im progress, was expanded and perfected under the original organi-
zation, by districts, as follows: (1) Arizona and New Mexico; (2)
California and Nevada; (3) Oregon and Washington; (4) Color ado;
5) Idaho; (6) Montana; (7) Utah; (8) Wyoming; (9) Texas.
1052717

2 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

Each district is in charge of an inspector aided in some cases by an
assistant inspector.

The force of hunters and trappers employed has varied according
to the season, from 175 to 300 men, who receive salaries for their
services and are not permitted to accept bounties from any source.
All the skins of animals taken became the property of the Govern-
ment and were sent to Washington for disposal. Many of these were
added to the zoological collection of the United States National
Museum and the remainder were sold as other Government property,
the net proceeds, amounting to approximately $36,000, beg turned
into the Treasury.

Trapping, poisoning, and shooting, supplemented by den-hunting
during the breeding season, have proved to be the most effective
means of reducing the numbers of these animals. Marked improve-
ments in the preparation and distribution of poisoned baits, as well
as in scent-baiting traps, have been made during the year. All
improvements in methods are at once made known to the entire
force of official trappers and widely demonstrated among interested
stockmen.

During the year 30,512 predatory animals were taken, including
556 wolves, 22,342 coyotes, 107 mountain lions, 3,053 bobcats, and
60 bears. Bears are generally considered game animals and are not
molested by the predatory-animal hunters except in cases of indi-
viduals known to have the habit of killing stock. Tn addition to the
capture of animals by means of traps and shooting, extensive poison-
ing campaigns were conducted, and it is conservatively estimated
that at least 75,000 predatory animals wer? destroyed in this manner.

As a result of this destruction of stock-killing animals a large
saving of cattle, sheep, goats, horses, swine, and poultry has been
effected. in addition to reducing greatly the danger to human life
from rabies. Stockmen have shown much interest in the work and
in numerous instances have contributed funds for cooperation. The
States of Nevada, Utah, and Washington are also cooperating, hav-
ing appropriated substantial sums for the purpose.

Few people except those directly affected realize the extent of the
losses of stock by predatory wild‘animals and the necessity for their
control. In Colorado a single wolf took a toll of nearly $3,000 worth
of cattle in one year; in Texas 2 wolves killed 72 sheep valued at
$9 each during a period of two weeks; 1 wolf in New Mexico killed
25 head of cattle in two months; in Oregon 4 coyotes in two nights
killed 15 pure-bred rams valued at $20 each; one bobeat in Texas
killed over $300 worth of Angora goats, and another, taken at Ozona,
N. Mex.. in a month had killed 53 lambs, 1 ewe, and 1 goat belonging
to a single ranchman.

The damage done by predatory animals has been vastly increased
by the prevalence among them of rabies. This disease spread from
the point of origin in Oregon into the States of Nevada, California,
Tdaho, and Utah. Cattle and sheep were destroyed in large numbers
and hundreds of persons were bitten. Asa result of the campaign
conducted by this bureau in cooperation with local authorities and
stockmen, the spread of the disease has been checked and conditions
have been greatly improved. It is believed that with a continuance
of the work complete eradication of this alarming disease among the
wild animals of the affected States can be accomplished.

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. 3
GROUND SQUIRRELS.

The work of exterminating ground squirrels on Government lands
within the Fort Totten Indian Reservation, North Dakota, and the
Sequoia and California National Forests of California, has been
continued, and 208,553 acres have been practically cleared of these
destructive pests. The result has been increased productiveness of
the lands treated, and also the protection of the crops on adjacent
areas. The total cost of this work, including labor, has been ap-
proximately 5 cents per acre in North Dakota, and 6 to 7 cents in
California.

The methods employed by the bureau have been demonstrated
among farmers, who have cooperated in poisoning ground squirrels
on holdings adjacent to the public lands treated. In North Dakota
organized campaigns against ground squirrels in cooperation with the
State Extension Service have continued with increased vigor and
thoroughness. The squirrels on about 4,500,000 acres were poisoned
during the year by 16,000 cooperating farmers. This resulted in the
practical extermination of the pest on the areas treated and a saving
in this year’s crops valued at more than $1,000,000. Similar savings
may readily be effected elsewhere in the vast areas infested by these
animals.

Campaigns along the same lines, under project agreements, have
been started in Montana, Idaho, and Oregon in cooperation with
State extension services and are being planned for other States.
Demonstrations of methods have been made on a large scale in
Nevada and California, where increasing interest is being developed
in organizing systematic campaigns for the extermination of ground

squirrels.
RABBITS.

Serious depredations by jack rabbits upon wheat, barley, oats,
alfalfa, and other growing crops and stacked hay necessitated con-
tinued efforts for their control in eastern Oregon, California, Idaho,
Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. Effective methods
of poisoning the animals were demonstrated and successful cam-
paigns in farming communities organized against them. This work
Was very successful and enormous numbers of animals were killed.
In a single county in Oregon about 75,000 were poisoned at a cost of
less than one-tenth of a cent each.

Cottontail rabbits have damaged orchards, grain, and truck farms,

especially in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and New
Jersey, and advice and demonstrations have been given for protection
against them.
_ The European hare, introduced into New York some years ago, has
mereased and is spreading rapidly in southern New York and adja-
cent States, where it has done extensive damage to orchards. Investi-
gations have been started to discover methods for the control of this
animal, which threatens to become a dangerous pest.

PRAIRIE-DOGS.

Campaigns against prairie-dogs upon national forests and other
public lands have been prosecuted vigorously in Arizona, New
Mexico, Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana. The first poisoning of

4, ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

the animals has been completed on about 1,000,000 acres at an average
cost of from 5 to 10 cents an acre, resulting in the destruction of about
90 per cent of the animals. In addition 289,000 acres on which the
first poisoning had already been done were given a second treatment,
resulting in the practical extermination of the pests. As many as
300 dead prairie-dogs have been counted in an alfalfa field within
24 hours as a result of distributing grain poisoned with only one
ounce of strychnin. The importance of this work is made evident by
an estimate of the Forest Service that the range for live stock im-
proves 50 per cent after the prairie-dogs have been destroyed.

The success of this work on public lands has induced extensive
cooperation by private owners. Farmers and stockmen have been
aided by demonstrations and have been assisted in organizing, direct-
ing, and supervising comprehensive campaigns. As a result a large
saving has been effected in growing crops and good yields have been
secured on large areas where in many cases the prairie-dog infestation
had previously rendered the production of crops an almost hopeless
undertaking. Arrangements have been made to increase this work
through cooperation with the extension services of several States.

POCKET GOPHERS.

The elimination of pocket gophers from the Ochoco National
Forest of Oregon was continued during the fall, and 95 per cent of
the animals were destroyed from about 13,000 acres which had been
heavily infested. Extensive demonstrations of methods of poisoning
were held among the farmers in California, Washington, Oregon,
and Idaho, resulting in the elimination of these destructive pests
over considerable areas of orchard and other farm lands.

NATIVE MICE AND RATS.

Pine mice, meadow mice, and deer mice have wrought serious
havoc in orchards, gardens, and truck and potato farms, as well as
in melon-producing districts throughout extensive areas, especially
in the Eastern States. Investigations have been conducted and
demonstrations of effective methods for the eradication of these pests
have been given in Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland,
Ohio, Indiana, and Iowa, and advice for protection against them has
been given on request in many other States. In one county in Vir-
ginia the horticultural commissioner estimated a loss of $100,000 to
orchardists from apple trees killed by pine mice during the year.

Investigation of damage to forest nursery stock by wood rats has
been conducted on the planting areas of the Converse Experiment
Station of the Forest Service in California. Many facts of im-
portance relating to their habits and depredations have been deter-
mined and advances made in the methods for their control.

HOUSE RATS AND MICE.

The initial steps have been taken to launch a nation-wide campaign
for the more adequate control of house rats and mice, notorious de-
stroyers of field crops, stored products, and poultry. Many data rela-
tive to damage by them have been assembled, and present conditions
in many localities were ascertained by direct inspection. Efforts —

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. 5

have been made to acquaint people with the seriousness of the losses
“and with simple and effective means of preventing them.

MOLES.

Through investigation of the Townsend mole, a serious farm pest
in western Washington, Oregon, and northern California, effective
methods for trapping it have been devised, and the fact that its fur
possesses a good market value has been demonstrated. Through the
efforts of this bureau a market has been found for the fur, and
demonstrations throughout the infested area have resulted in ex-
tended campaigns for the destruction of these animals and the utili-
zation of their skins. The value of the fur probably will pay for the
cost of eliminating the pest.

MOUNTAIN-BEAVERS.

The mountain-beaver, or sewellel, an animal hitherto confined to
the forests of Washington and Oregon, and of little economic im-
portance, has recently spread into cultivated fields and caused ex-
tensive damage to small fruits and market produce. In response to
requests for assistance investigations have been conducted and re-
sults obtained which indicate that this rodent may be successfully
controlled.

FUR-BEARING ANIMALS.

Studies of the adaptability of native fur bearers to domestication
have been continued at the Experimental Fur Farm, in Essex County,
New York. The animals now confined there comprise blue foxes,
minks, martens, fishers, and skunks. Experiments are being made
concerning the feeding, housing, and general management of these
animals. Inclosures for the blue foxes, martens, minks, and skunks
have been constructed and a fisher yard is now building. Other
equipment completed during the year includes an ice- -pond, ice-house,
and refrigerator, a meat drier, and a workshop.

In addition to the information gathered at the Experimental Fur
Farm, an effort has been made to keep in close touch with all phases
of the fur industry, from the care of animals to methods of dressing,
dyeing, cleaning, and storing furs, in order to make this information
available to many inquirers.

The edition of the department bulletin on “ Silver Fox Farming ”
published last year was quickly exhausted and a new Farmers’ Bul-
letin based upon it has been issued. Two other papers—a yearbook
article entitled “ Fur Farming as a Side Line” and a Farmers’ Bul-
letin containing a summary of laws governing the capture, protection,
and propagation of fur animals in the United States and Canada—
were published during the year.

FOOD FOR WILD DUCKS.

The extended investigations by the bureau of the food habits of
wild ducks are beginning to bear fruit in the form of reports for
publication. During the fiscal year there were completed accounts
of the feeding habits of three groups—the mallard, the teal, and the
gadwall and baldpate. The studies necessary to the- production of

6 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

these reports have been the basis also of publications on the propaga-
tion of wild-duck foods, four of which have been issued, one during
the present year. This latest bulletin treats in detail eight groups of
wild-duck food plants and recommends 40 others in the hope that
dealers may be induced to put them upon the market. Sportsmen are
showing a lively interest in this part of our work, owing to its direct
practical bearing on the perpetuation of our migratory waterfowl.

STARLING STUDIES.

Field investigation of the economic status of the introduced star-
ling, begun in April, 1916, was continued until the middle of October
in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island,
and Massachusetts. Subsequently, most of the stomachs collected
were examined in the laboratory and the resulting information placed
in tabular form.

The starling has been found destructive to cherries and, to a much
less degree, to late fruits, but the bird has been proved also to have
many redeeming qualities. While the exact extent of its insect-
eating habits can not be established until all the material is exam-
ined, enough has been iearned to warrant the statement that it is one
of the most effective bird enemies of ground-insect pests, in this
respect ranking much higher than some of our common native birds.

Reports that starlings are driving out native species are frequently
exaggerated, and, when considered from a purely economic stand-
point, should cause no alarm, as the starling must be considered
at least equal, if not superior, to two of the species most frequently
molested, namely, the flicker and the robin. The latter, especially,
is proving to be a distinct menace to the raiser of small fruits in some
sections of the Northeast. Experiments were conducted to perfect
methods for eradicating starling roosts where these are established
in residential sections of cities.

‘
ECONOMIC STATUS OF OTHER BIRDS.

Examination of bird stomachs by groups was continued to the
extent permitted by other assignments of the staff. The principal
work along this line was analysis of pellets of owls, and of the
stomach contents of hawks and owls. Studies of the wood duck
were completed, and a large number of stomachs of cowbirds,
red-winged and crow blackbirds, and robins collected during the
starling investigation were examined, to supply data for compari-
son between the economic tendencies of these birds and the starling.
A Farmers’ Bulletin entitled “Common Birds of Southeastern
United States in Relation to Agriculture” was published during the
year. It shows the food habits of 23 species of that region and gives
a general account of the relations of birds to the insect pests of the
South. A report on “The Crow and Its Relation to Man” and on
“ Food Habits of the Swallows: A Family of Valuable Native Birds”
have been submitted for publication.

INFORMATION ON ATTRACTING BIRDS.

By means of a series of publications information has been dis-
seminated on methods of attracting birds and increasing their num-_
: : ;
bers. Most of the species which are susceptible of approach along

i

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. i

these lines are chiefly beneficial to man, and increasing their numbers
is equivalent to decreasing losses by injurious insects. The problem
of attracting such birds has been treated by sections of the United
States, and publications on the Northeastern and Northwestern States
have been issued. One relating to the Middle Atlantic States is in
press and one for the East Central States has been prepared for
publication. A further manuscript in this series, entitled “Attract-
ing Birds to Public and Semipublic Reservations” also has been

completed.
THE CARE OF CAGE BIRDS.

In response to a large and growing correspondence relating to
canary birds, a Farmers’ Bulletin entitled “Canaries: Their Care
and Management ” has been issued. In it the history of the domes-
tication of this bird is touched upon, and a brief account is given,
with illustrations, of the common and fancy varieties, which are dis-
tinguished by shape and color. The chief usefulness of the bulletin
is in its discussion of practical problems on the care and breeding of
these popular cage birds.

DISEASES OF WILD DUCKS IN UTAH.

The investigations of the conditions that cause the death of enor-
mous numbers of wild ducks and other waterfowl around Great Salt
Lake, Utah, were completed at the close of the field season of 1916.
An assistant engaged in this work was stationed in the marshes in
the Bear River delta, at the northern end of Great Salt Lake, from
May until October. Experimental work and field observations were
carried on there at a temporary field laboratory, and the cause of
the main trouble was definitely established as due to chlorides present
in the alkaline waters and in the efflorescences on the mud flats. A
report, embodying the results of this work has been prepared for
publication.

It was learned in 1915 that a considerable number of waterfowl
of various species die in different parts of the country every year
from lead poisoning caused by eating the scattered shot that accumu-
late at the bottom of the water about shooting blinds. Further
‘investigations into this trouble were made during 1916, and a report
thereon completed.

During the course of these investigations much information was
gathered concerning the breeding, summer and fall movements, and
habits of wild ducks in the great marsh areas at the mouth of Bear
River, Utah. A study was m: nade of the available natural food supply
for waterfowl, and in 1916 a count was made of the breeding ducks
of that region. A report covering these observations is in course of
preparation.

BIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS.

Field investigations of the distribution, abundance, and habits of
birds and mammals have been carried on in various parts of the
United States, and the work of collating published information on
the same subjects has been continued. The information gathered has
been of use in the other activities of the bureau, concerned with the
administration of the Federal migratory-bird law, the enforcement

8 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

of the Lacey Act, the regulation of importations and interstate ship-
inents of birds, the maintenance of bird and mammal reservations,
and investigations of the economic relations of birds and mammals.

DISTRIBUTION AND MIGRATION OF BIRDS.

Reports on the migration of birds were received, as in past years,
from more than 300 volunteer observers located throughout the United
States, in many parts of Canada, and in Alaska. Information re-
garding the distribution and migration of birds was gathered from
many published sources as well. ‘The data secured from these various
sources were tabulated on about 100,000 cards, which were added to
a file system already containing more than 1,000,000 cards. Progress
was made in the preparation of reports on the distribution and migra-
tion of several families of ater foul

BIRD COUNTS.

The second annual report of bird counts in the United States,
with discussion of results, was published. Results of the third count,
made in the summer of 1916 by about 200 volunteer observers, have
been partly tabulated. The fourth annual count was made by about
the same number of observers during the summer of 1917, and many
reports have been received. These bird counts throw much light on
the conditions most favorable for useful species, and show that the
numbers of such species on the farms of the United States may be
largely increased by furnishing them protection and food. Results
of great interest and value already have been obtained from these
counts, and others doubtless will be brought to light as the investiga-
tions are continued. After a few years we shall have from these
counts the first fairly accurate basis for an estimate as to the increase
or decrease of useful birds in certain parts of the country.

BIOLOGICAL SURVEYS.

Progress was made in the biological surveys of Arizona, Cali-
fornia, and Montana, and field work on the survey of Oregon was
finished. A report on the life zones of Wyoming is now in press,
and one on the mammals of that State has been completed. Reports °
on the birds of New Mexico, mammals of New Mexico, and birds of
Texas are reacly for publication. Field work on the survey of Ala-
bama was completed and the report on the birds brought up to date.
Arrangements have been made with the State of Alabama for co-
operation in the publication of this report. A report has been pre-
pared on the mammals of the Canal Zone, forming a part of the
results of a biological survey of that region undertaken in cooperation
with the Smithsonian Institution in 1911 and 1912. A reconnaissance
of the Okefenokee Swamp region of southeastern Georgia was under-
taken in the winter, preliminary to a biological survey of the State.
Preliminary work also was begun on biological surveys of Washing-
ton and Wisconsin.

MIGRATORY WILD FOWL.

During July, 1916, in continuation of work begun in June, an in-
vestigation of the principal areas within which migratory waterfowl
breed was carried on in various parts of the eastern half of North

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. 9

Dakota. In the winter field investigations were made on the num-
bers, distribution, and habits of waterfowl wintering in southeastern
Georgia and central and eastern Florida.

TECHNICAL STUDIES.

Technical revisions of the flying squirrels and rice rats were com-
pleted and are ready for publication. A revision of the so-called
mountain-beavers (genus Aplodontia) was finished and arrange-
ments made with the University of California for its publication.
Studies of the grizzly and big brown bears were revised and the
results are now in press.

As in previous years, a large number of specimens of mammals and
birds have been identified for public institutions and individuals,
and considerable progress has been made in mapping the distribu-
tions of both mammals and birds.

MAMMAL AND BIRD RESERVATIONS.

The section of mammal and bird reservations is charged with the
maintenance of 74 national reservations, of which 5, including the
Niobrara, originally created as a bird reservation, are big game pre-
serves and 69 are bird reservations; and with the supervision of
transfers of game. In the big-game reservations at the end of the
fiscal year there were 246 head of buffalo, 184 of elk, and 49 of
antelope.

GAME PRESERVES.

Natronau Bison Rance, Montana.—The bison herd on the range
came through the winter in very sAtisfactory condition. Thirty
calves born in the spring increased the number of buffalo on the
range to 194. The losses during the year included 3 adult animals,
a bull and a cow that died in the fall of 1916 and a cow that was un-
able to give birth to her calf. The nucleus of this herd, 37 animals,
was placed on the range in the fall of 1909, and 3 others the follow-
ing year. Only 5 bison have died since the herd was established.

The 75 elk and 26 antelope on the range wintered well, but com-
plete returns on the number of young born to these herds have not
yet been received. |
_A mile of the boundary fence running through the Jocko River
Swamp, which was subject to overflow, was rebuilt on higher ground,
eliminating a serious danger of animals escaping from the reserva-
tion.

Winp Cave Nationat GAME Preserve, Sourn Daxora.—With 7
calves born this year the total number of buffalo on this preserve is
34. Animals lost during the year include 1 crippled buffalo, which
it became necessary to kill, 2 elk, and 3 antelope. There are 61 elk
and 23 antelope on this refuge, exclusive of the young born this year.
Antelope born on the range are wilder and apparently hardier than
those transferred to the refuge, and it is believed that in time a satis-
factory herd of these beautiful and rapidly disappearing animals will
be built up.

Winter Evx Reruce, Wromrne.—Owing to an unusually severe
winter the losses of elk were somewhat larger than usual. During

-

10 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

the spring alarming reports as to the excessive losses of elk in both
the northern (Y ellowstone) and the southern (Jackson Hole) herds
gained circulation, but careful investigation on the ground by em-
ployees of the National Park Service, Forest Ser vice, “and Biological
Survey proved these statements to be unwarranted.

From the investigations and counts conducted by our representa-
tives, together with other reliable information at hand, it is prob-
able that not more than 1,500 elk died because of snow and lack of
food in the 240 square miles which constitute the principal winter
elk range in the Jackson Hole region. Of this number, approxi-
mately 70 per cent were calves, 25 per cent cows, and 5 per cent bulls.
Including ee snowbound animals legally killed by tusk hunters and
poachers, 2 ,000 elk are regarded as a close approximation of the total
mortality in the region. The great number of deaths along the
roads, at feeding places, and at river crossings gave the impressions
earher in the season which were responsible for overestimating the
losses.

The total number of elk fed at the Jackson Hole refuge was
approximately 6,000. Feeding began on January 15, and the hay
was practically exhausted by “April 5 Of the 900 elk which died
on the feeding grounds this winter, "794 were calves. About 250
calves came from the foothills to the feeding grounds in the latter
part of February and nearly all perished. ‘Experience has proved
that it is almost impossible to save young elk by feeding hay after
they have reached a seriously emaciated condition, and chances for
succoring them are greatly lessened where fed with a great band
in which older and stronger animals predominate. Experiments will
be conducted in fencing off feeding lots where the smaller animals
may be fed without interference from the larger and stronger elk,
in order to lessen losses in the calf crop.

During the year, 588 rods of fencing have been constructed, pro-
tecting about 800 acres of grazing land for the elk. Additional
equipment has been purchased, including a team of horses, haying
machinery, and other agricultural implements required to insure a
larger yield of hay from the reservation through the extension of
the irrigation system and the plowing and seeding of certaim areas
to tame grasses.

In addition to 660 tons of hay harvested on the refuge and fed to
the animals, about 400 tons were purchased and fed by the Wyoming
State officials.

Nroprara Reservation, Nepraska.—The small herd of buffalo on
this reservatien is increasing steadily, as evidenced by 4 calves born
this year, making a total of 18 animals in the herd. The 34 elk
wintered without losses, but no report on the calf crop has been
received. Lack of range faciJities in the present small inclosure pre-
cludes bringing additional animals to the reservation.

Sutiys Hirn Game Preserve, Norra Daxora.—With the com-
pletion of the six miles of 88- inch woven-wire fence on Sullys Hull,
this game preserve was made ready for stocking early in the year.
Contracts have been let for the construction of a 5-room frame cot-
tage as headquarters, together with a frame barn, and these improve-
ments were nearly completed at the close of the fiscal year.

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY, 11

Fifteen elk transferred from Yellowstone National Park (Gardi-
ner, Mont.) in March arrived in good condition, with the excep-
tion of 1 animal, which died a few days afterward. Four deer, 3 of
which were does, secured from the North Dakota Agricultural Ex-
periment Station at Fargo, were transferred to Sullys Hill, but 1
of the does, injured in crating, died shortly after being liberated.

Arrangements are being made for placing a small herd of buffalo
on the reservation in the near future.

TRANSFER OF GAME.

Through cooperation with the Department of the Interior and
the Forest Service 90 head of elk were transferred from Yellow-
stone National Park. Fifty of these were taken to national forests
in Colorado, 25 to the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina,
and 15 to the Sullys Hill Game Preserve in North Dakota. No elk
were transferred from Jackson Hole.

NATIONAL BIRD RESERVATIONS.

Two new national bird reservations, the San Francisco Bay Reser-
vation in California, and the North Platte Reservation in Nebraska,
were created and set aside by Executive order in August, 1916, thus
increasing to 70 the number of bird reservations administered by
this bureau. This includes the Niobrara, now used also as a big game
preserve.

Kramaru Lake, Orscon.—Owing to plans for lowering the water
level and reclaiming certain of the marsh lands within the reserva-
tion, conditions in general have not been entirely satisfactory. Bird
life has been normal, but because of the late spring in the region,
nesting and brooding has been later than usual. The Government-
owned launch has been placed in first-class repair and is now avail-
able for patrolling the reservation north of the railroad embankment.
A new launch, provided by the National Association of Audubon
Societies, for patrolling the southern portion of the lake, was com-
pleted and placed on the lake June 30, 1917.

Matyevur Laks, Orrcon.—As at the Klamath Lake Reservation,
conditions at Malheur Lake have been unsettled, owing to the agita-
tion of a plan to reclaim the marsh lands within the reservation by
deepening the channel between Malheur and Harney Lakes, and shut-
ting off the intake of water from the Blitzen and Silvie Rivers. To
date, no actual work has been undertaken on this project. If it should
be carried out it would result in the destruction of one of the greatest
breeding grounds for waterfowl remaining in the United States, and
would deprive the State of a valuable natural asset.

Bie Lake Reservation, ArKANsAs.—Temporary warden service
has been maintained on this reservation since October, with very
gratifying results. The Arkansas Fish and Game Commission
placed a motor boat on the lake at the disposal of the warden patrol-
ling the reservation, and this greatly improves the efficiency of the
supervision exercised. The illegal practice of killing ducks and other
waterfowl on and in the vicinity of the reservation and removing
them by motor boats and automobiles across the Missouri boundary,

\A\7

oa

12 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

for transportation to the markets of the Middle West, has been broken
up through cooperation of Federal agencies and State officials.

Ina cyclone which crossed the reservation at Cotton Wood Point
on May 27, seven persons were killed, two were seriously injured,
and considerable damage was done to the cabins and house boats in
the vicinity.

Hawaran Istanps Reservation.—Reports from several sources
indicate that foreign fishing parties and other poachers have been
robbing the nests of birds on numerous islands of this reservation and
elsewhere in the Territory. A report from Lieut. Wm. Todd, of a
United States naval party which on May 24 visited the reservation,
states that some ten or twelve thousand birds nest on Bird Island
and that all the nests on the eastern slope and most of those on the
top of the island have been robbed of eggs.

Laysan Island has not been visited during the year, but it is feared
that the rabbits on this island will become so numerous as to denude
it of vegetation. Undoubtedly it will be necessary to dispatch a
party in the near future to exterminate these rodents, for through
their destruction of the vegetation they seriously menace the existence
of several species of land birds on the island.

INTERSTATE COMMERCE IN GAME.

Forty-five violations of sections 242, 248, and 244 of the Penal Code
of the United States, known as the Lacey Act, were reported to the
solicitor during the year. These cases included the interstate ship-
ment of wild ducks, partridges (ruffed grouse), quail, prairie
chickens, venison, squirrels, and the hides of fur-bearing animals
illegally killed in or illegally shipped from the States of Colorado,
Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Mis-
souri, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah,
and Wisconsin. Four of the cases were for knowingly receiving
game illegally shipped in interstate commerce. One of these has
already been disposed of with a fine of $400 and costs, the maximum
of $200 on each of two counts. This is one of the heaviest fines ever
imposed for an offense of this character.

Thirty-two cases, including a few reported in the previous fiscal
year, were disposed of by the courts, as follows: Twenty-nine by
convictions and the impositions of fines and costs amounting in all to
$1,522, and one by a jail sentence of 30 days. One case was dismissed
for lack of sufficient evidence and in one a verdict of not guilty was
returned.

Two additional inspectors were appointed on May 1, making five
now engaged in investigating violations of the Lacey Act. ‘The
country has been divided into five districts, each in charge of an
inspector, and the bureau is thus able to investigate more promptly
reported violations. Special attention has been given to illegal ship-
ments of quail from a number of the Middle Western States, and 22
cases have been reported. Violations of the Lacey Act are becoming
fewer each year as a result of the increased activities of the bureau
and the closer cooperation of State game officials and others inter-
ested in game conservation. Only two States now permit hunting
for the market—Louisiana and South Carolina.

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. 13

IMPORTATION OF BIRDS AND MAMMALS,

War conditions in Europe have had a marked effect on the
importation of birds and mammals during the year. The total sus-
pension of importations from central Europe and the prohibition
of the exportation of birds by Great Britain has compelled importers
in the United States to rely almost entirely on South America and
the Orient for live animals and birds. During the year, 413 permits
were issued, as compared with 411 in 1916. Inspections numbered
112, as compared with 163 in 1916, and 97,993 birds and 4,135 mam-
mals were imported under permits. Among these were 16,471
canaries, 35,507 miscellaneous game birds, and 46,015 nongame birds.
Besides these, 7,007 birds and 839 mammals requiring no permits
were admitted to entry. At Honolulu only 16 permits were issued,
for the entry of 515 birds, principally pheasants. So far as known
no prohibited species were brought in during the year. Many foxes
for fur farming purposes have been imported from Canada, par-
ticularly from the Maritime Provinces, but the total number is less
than last year.

The number of pheasants imported has reached the lowest point
in 15 years, having declined from 15,412 in 1912 to 832 in 1917.
European partridges are conspicuous by their absence, practically

none having been imported during the year, and apparently few

waterfowl are included among the entries. Canaries have decreased
from 392,422 imported in 1916 to less than one-fourth of this num-
ber, and as a result the prices of these popular and formerly cheap
cage birds have risen so high as to be almost prohibitive.

Traftic from the Orient has caused the port of San Francisco to
assume almost as much importance as a receiving port for birds and
mammals as that of New York, and most of the rare species have
come through the west coast. An unusually large shipment of rare
mammals and birds from Australia reached Seattle on November 9,
and the specimens were ultimately distributed to several zoological
parks in the East and West. The most noteworthy mammals im-
ported were several rare kangaroos, including the island, Parry, and
tree kangaroos, and black swamp wallabies; among the birds were
two keas, or sheep-eating parrots (Nestor notabilis), from New
Zealand, the first imported since 1906; and the ocellated Mallee fowl
(Alectura ocellata). Of the species of birds imported for the first
time into the United States were a pair each of the Australian white

ibis (/bis m. strictipennis) and straw-necked ibis (Carphibis spini-

collis), and a New Zealand giant petrel (Macronectes giganteus
albus) from the Australian and New Zealand seas. Among other
interesting importations were two bell birds (Chasmorhynchus nudi-
collis) from Brazil; a babbling thrush (/coterus komadori) from the
Liu Kiu Islands; and several species of Philippine birds, including
the spotted button quail (Zurnix ocellata) and the Philippine rail
(Hypotenidia torquata).

IMPORTATION OF QUAIL FROM MEXICO.

Joint regulations governing the importation of quail from Mexico
were issued by the Treasury Department and the Department of

14 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

Agriculture under date of November 13, 1916. For the first time
these regulations prescribed the use of standard crates to prevent
crowding the birds while in quarantine and to insure proper ventila-
tion and sanitation. As in the previous year the ports of entry were
Eagle Pass, Tex., and New York City, but all entries were made at
Eagle Pass. Through cooperation with the Bureau of Animal In-
dustry a careful and thorough inspection of the birds was made dur-
ing the 10-day period of quarantine. The first permit was issued
November 27, 1916, and the issue of permits was suspended on Feb-
ruary 15,1917. The number of quail for which permits were issued
during the two months and a half was 42,973, and the number re-
leased from quarantine 32,814; as compared with permits issued for

2,989, and the importations of 8,000 in 1916. The total number
brought in last season was much larger than in any previous year,
and special efforts were made by some of the importers to facilitate
in every possible way the handling of the birds prior to quarantine
and to insure prompt shipment after release. In two cases, State
game commissioners arranged for the shipment of their birds from
Eagle Pass in special cars in charge of their own employees. While
the losses during quarantine were small and only a few cases of quail
disease were detected near the close of the season, heavy losses from
other causes were reported after the birds reached their destination.
Two States which received nearly half the total number of quail
reported losses of about 50 per cent. Attempts to handle quail in
carload lots can hardly be considered successful as yet, although the
losses en route are very small.

At the rate importations were made last season the available sup-
ply of Mexican quail in the region adjoining the Rio Grande will
probably last but a few years. Under the circumstances, it is a serious
question whether better results will not ‘be secured and more actual
progress made in restocking if the birds are handled in smaller lots
and given more careful attention after arrival than if they continue
to be handled in shipments of several thousand each.

INFORMATION CONCERNING GAME LAWS AND GAME.

The regular annual publications, including a directory of game
officials, the seventeenth annual summary of game laws, and a general
poster showing open seasons for game, were issued, and the demand
for them continues to be large. New game laws passed by the vari-
ous States have been carded and the index of game legislation has
been kept up to date as fast as the new laws are received; under the
latter head is included the preparation of a subject index and mem-
oranda on some of the more important phases.

Investigations were begun the last part of the year to determine
the value of game as a national asset. No comprehensive informa-
tion on this subject is now available and the need for it has become
increasingly evident. The work is being done with great care, and
the data already gathered indicate that the results will prove of much
importance not only to hunters but to State officials and to the States,
as showing the necessity for better laws and better enforcement in
conserving one of our important national resources.

>

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. 15

FEDERAL MIGRATORY-BIRD LAW.

As experience has been gained in the administration of the migra-
tory-bird law, act of March 4,1913 (87 Stat., 828, 847), it has become
necessary to readj ust some of the preser ibed seasons under the regu-
lations first adopted by the department on October 1, 1918. Amended
regulations were prepared and promulgated October 1, 1914, and
again on August 21, 1916. These amendments eliminated certain
provisions which exper ience proved were not essential for the conser-
vation of migratory birds and prescribed seasons which were gen-
erally more satisfactory to State game officials and sportsmen, ‘and
at the same time gave the birds adequate protection.

For administrative purposes the United States is divided into
13 districts, now under the supervision of 16 inspectors, who, with
the assistance of 186 Federal war dens, enforce the regulations in the
various States. During the year the commissions of 33 Federal
wardens were ter minated and 29 new wardens were appointed.

The district inspectors and Federal wardens reported 208 cases of
violation of the regulations, which make a total of 859 cases to date.
Since the law became effective prosecutions have been had in 29
cases, resulting in convictions and impositions of penalties in all but
5. Fines were paid in 18 and suspended in 6 cases. Twenty-five
cases are now pending in district courts in various parts of the coun-
try; and the transmission to the Department of Justice of 805 cases,
including those reported this year, is withheld pending the decision
pt the United States Supreme Court in the case of The United States

». Harvey C. Shauver, involving the constitutionality of the law.

That the violations reported by no means approximate the number
that have occurred is to be expected and is due to the impossibility in
many cases under the law of securing evidence suflicient to con-

-vict. Possession of wild fowl during the closed season is not a vio-

lation under the Federal act, and there must be evidence of actual
shooting or capture on which to base a prosecution. Furthermore,
inspectors and wardens appointed under authority of the law have
no power of arrest, and hence many violators escape.

_ Notwithstanding the difficulties attending enforcement, the present
law is very generally observed, and communications received from
game and fish commissioners and other persons contain incontrover-
tible evidence that since the law became effective a very marked in-

crease in the number of waterfowl and shorebirds has been noted

in most of the States; that wild fowl have become unusually tame in
spring; and that many thousands of waterfowl are breeding in cer-
tain loealities where they had not nested for many vears. The
consensus of opinion attributes these greatly improved conditions
to the abolition of spring shooting and the general observance of
the regulations.

Owing to the limited number of inspectors available, it has been
necessary to confine their activities to States where they were most
needed, leaving many States with little or no supervision. In many
instances the State authorities have cooperated and have rendered
efficient assistance. State legislatures have made progress in line
with the Federal law and regulations, and during the year 18 States
amended their laws to the extent of making the open seasons on

16 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

waterfowl conform with the open seasons under the Federal regu-
lations; in 6 other States legislation was enacted to unify the laws,
and practical uniformity with the regulations was thus secured.
A treaty between the United Statés and Great Britain for the
protection of migratory birds was concluded at Washington August
16, 1916, and was ratified by the Senate August 29 and by Great

Britain October 20; ratifications thereof were exchanged December

7 and it was proclaimed by the President December 8, 1916. A bill
to give effect to this treaty was introduced in the short session of
the Sixty-fourth Congress and was reintroduced at the extra session
of the Sixty-fifth Congress, where it is now pending.

That the necessity of Federal protection of migratory birds is now
generally recognized and that the results accomplished under the law
and regulations have been highly satisfactory are demonstrated by
the action of the National Association of Game and Fish Commis-
sioners in endorsing unanimously the bill to give effect to the treaty
and in urging its immediate passage by Congress.

These results following so soon after the enactment of the law
have proved the efficacy of Federal protection of migratory birds
and serve to show what may be accomplished under a law, such as the
treaty enabling act, conferring the additional powers necessary to its
effective enforcement.

WASHINGTON : GOVERNMDNT PRINTING OFFICH : 1917