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EPORT OF CHIEF OF BUREAU PoBIOLOGICAL sonvEY.

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Unitep Srares Department oF AGRICULTURE,
Bureau or Broroctcan Survey,
Washington, D. C., September 10, 1921.
‘Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a report of the work
# the Bureau of Biological Survey for the fiscal year ended June

Respectful
i 7 E. W. Netson,
Chief of Bureau.
Hon. Henry C. Wattace,
Secretary of Agriculture.

WORK AND ORGANIZATION OF THE BUREAU.

As in previous years, the work of the Biological Survey has to
lo with the wild life resources and liabilities of the country. The
fame and useful nongame mammals and birds form an asset of
mormous value, and on the other hand the destructive predatory
nimals, such as wolves and mountain lions, and the harmful ro-
ents, such as rats of many kinds, prairie dogs, and ground squirrels,
» pled with certain birds in part or entirely harmful, form a dis-
net hability of no mean importance. ry
To deal with its various problems the bureau is organized under

he following divisions:

1. Economic investigations, in charge of Dr. A. K. Fisher. Inves-
igations cover the control of predatory animals and injurious ro-
lents ; experiments in fur farming; and the food habits of birds
nd methods of control of i injurious species.

Biological investigations, in charge of EK. A. Goldman. Con-

National game and bird reservations, in charge of H. F. Stone.

inistration involves warden patrol service, the building of
neces, houses for wardens, and other improvements on reservations,
1d, on the Elk Refuge, hay farming on a considerable scale.

4. Migratory-bird treaty and Lacey Acts, in charge of G. A.
awyer. Through a nation-wide warden service, administers the
lgratory-bird treaty and the Lacey Acts, the latter covering the
Mawful interstate commerce in game and the importation of liv-
o foreign birds and mammals with a view to preventing the intro-

ion of harmful species.

- 73081—21-—__1

2 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

5. Alaska reindeer and fur bearers, in charge of E. W. Nelson and
W. F. Bancroft. Covers investigations of the diseases, parasites, and
grazing habits of reindeer ; investigations of the grazing possibilities
for reindeer and other stock of the Aleutian Isla nds ; and administra-
tion of laws for the protection of land fur- bearing animals of
Alaska and for the encouragement of fur farming in that Territory.

ECONOMIC INVESTIGATIONS.

Organized cooperative campaigns in most of the States west of
the Mississippi River against predatory animals and injurious
rodents have been continued vigorously with constantly increased
thoroughness, despite a general depression in the farming and live-
stock industries. Reduction in the amount of federal funds avail-
able for this work, coupled with the financial condition of States,
stockmen, and farmers, resulted in a decrease from the previous year
in the amount of money expended in cooperative campaigns to clear
Federal, State, and privately owned lands of the animal pests. This
restriction in funds was offset in part by some reduction in cost of
operations. The demonstrated value of this work, as shown by the
large returns on money expended, which is reported by the cooperat-
ing farmers and stock growers, is responsible for its remarkable
development, its substantial support, and the demand for its exten-
sion. During the year a saving of about $14,000,000 was effected at
a cost of $1: 345,220. Review "of these operations for the last six
years shows an estimated saving of crops and live stock amounting
to more than $74,000,000 at a total cost to the Government, cooperat-
ing States, and landowners of about $6,080,000, an average of ap-
proximately $12 return on each dollar expended. These savings are
cumulative, as the elimination of these pests automatically perpetu-
ates the annual saving from the reduction in their depredations.

Progress has been made i in research work having to do with the
habits of i injurious species and methods of combating them effectively
and economically, and has resulted in great improvements in proc-
esses of preparing special poisons adapted to use in eradication
operations.

In fur-farming investigations, marked advance has been made in
the study of the causation and treatment of diseases to which black
foxes and other fur bearers are subject when reared in captivity,
and in feeding, handling, and housing practices favorable to securing
good litters and maintaining a healthy and vigorous condition of the
stock.

PREDATORY ANIMALS.

When, in 1916, the bureau first began organized operations to re-
duce the depredations on live stock by wolves, coyotes, and other
predatory animals, the losses from this source were estimated at
more than $20,000,000 annually. These operations include carefully
planned trapping, shooting, den hunting, and poisoning campaigns
covering the grazing States of the West and extending eastward to
western Missouri and northern Michigan. The work done is in co-
operation with State departments of agriculture, State live-stock
commissions, stockmen’s associations, and individuals, so that con-
certed action may be taken to clear large units of Federal, State.

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. 3

and private lands of these pests. The Forest Service of the Depart-
ment of Agriculture and the Office of Indian Affairs and the Na-
tional Park Service of the Department of the Interior also cooperate
on lands controlled by them. During the year skilled hunters and
trappers, averaging 246 in number, were employed under bureau
supervision. Part of these men were paid by the Federal Govern-
ment and part by cooperating agencies, the latter having contributed
$213,163 to the work.

The skins or scalps turned in by hunters as evidence of animals
taken show a total destruction of 27,611 stock-destroying animals.
These consisted of 694 timber or gray wolves, 24,234 coyotes, 2,466
bobcats and Canada lynxes, 129 mountain lions, and 88 bears. Exact
returns of animals killed in poisoning campaigns are not obtainable,
but, judging from the number of dead carcasses found and the
marked reduction in the number of coyotes over large areas follow-
ing poisoning operations, it may be conservatively estimated that
from 25,000 to 30,000 coyotes were killed by this means in addition
to the number whose skins or scalps were actually taken, making a
total of more than 50,000 predatory animals destroyed during the

ear.
‘ On the accepted basis of reckoning, the value of live stock saved
by the destruction of these animals would amount to more than
$3,000,000. The skins which have a market value become the prop-
erty of the organization or individual paying the hunter’s salary.
Receipts from skins taken by Federal hunters and sold during the
year amounted to $8,509.54.

The knowledge and experience gained in conducting operations
against predatory animals have enabled the bureau to plan and
direct the work with constantly increasing effectiveness. Through
field investigation and through reports of hunters and stockmen, the
inspectors learn in great detail the localities in which losses are
most serious and the ranges and numbers of destructive animals in
each district. Trapping and poisoning operations are organized
according to carefully projected plans. Skilled trappers are de-
tailed to take especially destructive individuals. Some hunters,
working with motor cycle or automobile, can travel rapidly from
point to point to eliminate unusually destructive animals which are
reported by stockmen. Others, located on ranges where large num-
bers of predatory animals occur, systematically and relentlessly
prosecute the campaign with rifle, trap, and poison.

_ In winter great poisoning campaigns are organized to distribute
over the summer ranges the specially prepared and highly effective
poisoned baits which have been devised by the bureau experts.
‘These campaigns are launched in the fall as the stock begins to
Move out to the winter ranges, the flocks and herds being closely
followed up to destroy animals trailing them. In spring, as the
flocks and herds return to the summer ranges, trappers go ahead to
catch any individuals that may have escaped poisoning. In sim-
ilar fashion the important winter ranges and lambing grounds are
being rid of these stock destroyers. In this way stock losses have
been practically ended over great areas of the most valuable sum-
Mer and winter sheep ranges and reduced in others to very small
amounts compared with losses which occurred before these opera-
tions were organized, and with such losses as continue to occur in

4 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

regions which through limitation of funds it has not yet been pos-
sible to reach.

The clearly apparent results accomplished and the large savings
effected have won the active support and cooperation of stockmen.
Typical of the attitude expressed in a great number of letters re-

ceived from stockmen the following may be quoted:

Your organization has done more in eradicating the wolf and the bobcat
than all the other work that has been done here in the last 25 years.

I believe in the different outfits I am interested in we have saved during
1920 in loss of lambs at least 1,000 head. This is 100 head to the band and at
$6 each would be $6,000. Then we have saved $2,000 in labor since a smaller
number of men were employed on account of not having to watch the sheep
so closely.

Every one of the ranchmen in our club is entirely satisfied with the progress
that is being made in eradicating the wolves here. During the past three or
four years the losses in sheep and goats from wolves had become so heavy
that it was unprofitable to raise that class of stock even with the prevailing
high prices. It had become necessary to employ more herders at higher prices
and to reduce the number of animals in a herd to protect them against the
wolves, and even then many were forced to sell their sheep because there was
no relief from the wolves in sight. But I am glad to say that since you have
taken charge of the situation and sent in a hunter, and the ranchmen saw the
headway he was gaining on the wolves, confidence has been restored on the
ranches, and at this time, with most of the old wolves caught, a good many
flocks are ranging without herders. We were forced to pay amateur trappers
$50 a wolf and at that they were able to catch only the young wolves; the
old sly ones were left to raise the new crop for the next year. Your hunter
has been especially successful against the old cunning ones, and I am glad
to say that he has caught nearly every one of those that have been around

here for over five years.

We feel that the task of controlling predatory animals is not of such a
nature that it can be handled for specific areas such as States. It is a West-
wide job and not one for any State by itself to tackle, and in handling it
on a West-wide basis, it is essential that some uniform plan of operation, such
as that now in force, be adopted and continued with coordination of efforts
and .practices in all sections in a uniform manner. This, in our opinion,
makes it absolutely essential that some agency having authority much broader
than State lines be in charge of the work, an agency which can forget State
lines in its prosecution of the work. We feel in this connection that your
bureau is the proper agency. The live-stock industry, particularly, is stagger-
ing under the burden of many handicaps. It is a fundamentally basic part
of the agricultural industry of the Nation, the industry upon which more than
any other the future welfare of the Nation depends. It must and should be

relieved from every possible handicap if it is to survive without a terrific
setback, and among its handicaps are losses from predatory animals.

Stockmen also maintain that inasmuch as they are paying orazing
fees on the national forests they should have the protection of preda-
tory-animal hunters thereon at Federal expense. Such grazing allot-
ments on national forests for 1921 in districts where this work is
organized provide leased pasturage for 2,322,180 head of cattle and
horses, 36,480 swine, and 8,325,205 sheep and goats. Concrete ey1-
dence of the faith of the stockmen in this work is afforded by the fact
that appropriations made by States where this cooperative work is in
progress for the fiscal year 1922 total $211,700, while in addition the
stockmen as individuals and in their organizations are contributing
more and more largely toward the employment of hunters to operate
under the direction of Biological Survey inspectors.

During the year predatory-animal work has been in progress in the
following States:

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. 5

Arizona. Missouri. Oregon.
Arkansas. Montana. South Dakota.
California. Nevada. Texas.
Colorado. New Mexico. Utah.

Idaho. North Dakota. Washington.
Michigan. Oklahoma, Wyoming.

On appeal of stockmen and State officials an expert was detailed for
a short time to give assistance in Missouri and Michigan, where
wolves and coyotes were destroying much live stock and game, and
in the latter State were practically blocking efforts to utilize the great
areas of cut-over lands for stock-raising purposes. The State Legis-
lature of Michigan promptly enacted a measure which will provide
from $35,000 to "$40, 000 a year for work organized under direction of
a Survey expert. Requests for assistance in controlling losses due to
predatory animals were also received from Minnesota, Wisconsin,
Indiana, Iowa, and Louisiana, where serious damage from this source
was reported. Investigations were begun to learn the conditions in
these States and to devise measures for relief.
The practice followed of devoting special effort to the capture of
notoriously destructive individuals and packs has resulted in many
important kills, among which the following are typical examples:
The “Custer” wolf, mentioned in last. year’s report as having
ranged for six or seven years in the vicinity of Custer, S. Dak., and
during that period to have killed $25,000 worth of cattle, had escaped
all efforts of sportsmen and stockmen to effect his capture, despite a
bounty of $500 placed on his head. Early this year he succumbed to
the skill and marksmanship of a bureau hunter.
A pack of eight wolves that had inflicted losses aggregating $20,000
-on calves’, pigs, and sheep in and around the Arkansas National
Forest were all destroyed by a single bureau hunter between October
31 and November 19. In the worst-infested areas of Arkansas wolves
take as much as 90 per cent of the calf crop, and pigs can not be raised
at all on account of the combined attacks of wolves and bobcats.
In the vicinity of Splitrock, Wyo., a pack of nine wolves, that were
killing about $10,000 worth of cattle each year, was trapped and
poisoned.
All of a pack of five wolves that had ranged in the vicinity of
-Pueblo, Colo., for several years were taken. The last one to fall
victim to the skillfully placed traps was an old renegade that had
been known for at least 12 years and is reported to have killed $6,000
worth of cattle on a single ranch, besides making heavy inroads upon
others, and during the last six weeks of his life to have destroyed nine
yearling cattle.
In the six years that organized cooperative operations have been
conducted under the leadership of the bureau not less than 300,000
predatory animals have been destroyed. Large numbers also have
been killed by the unorganized work of private trappers stimulated
by bounties and the prevailing high prices of furs. A great reduc-
tion in fur values during recent months has removed one of the chief
incentives of private hunters. Especially vigorous prosecution of the

‘systematic organized operations is therefore essential to prevent a
reinfestation of cleared and partly cleared areas from the otherwise
. unchecked breeding and migration of these animals.

6 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
RABIES.

A few cases of rabies, of which coyotes serve as important carriers,
have occurred in Nevada and other States within the original area
of the great outbreak of this disease, but its spread has been effectu-
ally stopped. Where rabies formerly occurred as a highly dangerous
and destructive epizootic, it has been reduced to isolated, sporadic
cases by the prompt and vigorous measures employed by the bureau
in cooperation with State commissions and health officials. Continu-
ance of control measures is required to prevent the disease from again
gaining headway in its original territory and spreading disastrously
throu chout the entire West.

RODENT PESTS.

Increased interest of farmers and stockmen and a more thorough
organization in treating Federal, State, and private lands for the
eradication of destructive rodents have been manifested during the
year. This has resulted from the obvious benefits derived from the
concerted drives under the leadership of the bureau specialists and
from improved methods. In order that all Federal, State, and local
agencies might be united into an effective working force, coopera-
tion has been continued through the States Relations Service with
the State extension organizations, including county agents and farm
bureaus. State departments of agriculture and other agricultural
and live-stock organizations have participated actively. Officials of
the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture, and of the
Office of Indian Affairs and the Reclamation Service of the De-
partment of the Interior also have cooperated effectively in localities:
involving Federal lands under their control. Cooperation with the
U.S. Public Health Service and with State and municipal health or-
ganizations has been obtained where the directly economic problems
merged with considerations of community health, as in bubonic and
pneumonic plague, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and kindred dis-
eases where such agricultural pests as house rats, ground squirrels,
and other rodents serve as carriers of disease- producing organisms.
When such rodents occur commonly in cities and villages as 5 well as
in the adjacent rural sections, such cooperation is essential to a thor-
ough coping with the situation.

The marked success which has attended the work of the bureau in
correlating and guiding local organizations and uniting county and
State movements into great inter-State organized campaigns for the
control of rodent pests has resulted in demands for the extension of
such service. The most pressing demands came originally from the
Western States, where conspicuous damage to crops. and range oc-
curred, due to the larger native rodents, such as prairie dogs, ground
squirrels, pocket gophers, and jack rabbits. More recent recogni-
tion of the serious losses caused by the introduced house rats and
mice and by such small but abundant native species as pine mice and
meadow mice has led to urgent appeals from all over the United
States for assistance in organizing effective campaigns against these
pests, employing the thoroughly — tested methods which have been
devised through the research work of the bureau.

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. 7

PRAIRIE DOGS AND GROUND SQUIRRELS.

Organized campaigns against the highly destructive prairie dogs
and ground squirrels were continued in the following States:

Arizona. Nebraska. Oregon.
California. Nevada. South Dakota.
Colorado. New Mexico. Utah.

Idaho. North Dakota. Washington.
Kansas. Oklahoma. Wyoming.
Montana.

During the year 18,331,861 acres of Federal, State, and private
lands were given a first poison treatment, and follow-up work was
done on 4,402,662 acres. The bureau assumes the cost of operations
on Federal lands, the State officials on State lands, and the farmers
and stockmen pay the cost of work on their holdings. Cooperative
funds contributed through State and county appropriations and
funds expended by landowners amounted to $725,000. Poisoned
grain prepared and distributed under supervision of the bureau
amounted to 1,285 tons, and 104,523 farmers and stockmen took part
in the work. Taking into consideration prevailing prices of farm
and range products, a saving was effected estimated at more than
$11,000,000. A total of 7,714,518 acres of Federal lands and 70,-
113,271 acres of State and private lands have been treated and largely
cleared of these rodents up to the close of the fiscal year. The esti-
mated value of crops and range grasses saved since the work was
undertaken on a large scale in 1916 totals over $54,000,000.

Information from the Forest Service shows that as a direct result
of this work, large areas of national forest land treated for the
eradication of prairie dogs now carry 10 per cent more cattle and
sheep with a corresponding increase in grazing fees. Stockmen who
range their stock upon national forests where prairie dogs and
ground squirrels have been destroyed are greatly pleased by the in-
creased pasturage thus afforded as well as by the fact that this pre-
vents their private holdings, when cleared of these pests, from being
constantly reinfested by animals coming over from adjacent Govern-
ment lands.

Through the cooperative plan of work great units of land, involv-
ing hundreds of thousands of acres each and previously heavily in-
fested, have been cleared to a point where only an occasional animal
can be seen; grass is growing luxuriantly on areas formerly largely
or entirely denuded; and good crops are being produced where
cropping was not attempted or where crops planted were entirely
destroyed by pests. One farmer writes, “I have corn on the prairie-
dog town this year as good as any I have seen. It is the first crop
ever raised on this ground.” The prairie dogs were destroyed dur-
ing the spring. Another states, “From the bitter experience of
previous years I can truthfully say if there had been no poisoning
there would have been no crops or grass. Consequently, I consider
this work worth the value of my whole crop, or about $1,000.” The
manager of a large cattle company writes, “Our entire range has
been cleared of prairie dogs and we now consider this once serious
question a past issue.”

As the eradication campaigns reach a point where these rodents
are no longer regarded as a menace, there is a strong tendency for

8 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

landowners to neglect complete extermination of the few animals
that may remain. Definite effort is being made to have the work
continued to completion in order to insure against the rodents again
increasing to destructive numbers.

POCKET GOPHERS.

Important work was accomplished in Kansas, Nebraska, Okla-
homa, Arizona, New Mexico, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington by
demonstrating effective methods of combating pocket gophers and
organizing campaigns to destroy them. Vigorous poisoning opera-
tions have been conducted in the great alfalfa-producing sections,
where these animals cause damage commonly amounting to $2 or
more an acre and frequently destroy the entire stand by cutting off
the tap roots. Damage to harvesting machinery by the mounds of
dirt thrown up is also a serious item of trouble and expense.

The protection of root crops and citrus orchards has been an im-
portant feature of the work of the year. In the irrigated citrus belt
of the Salt River Valley in the vicinity of Phoenix, Ariz., and Yuma
Valley, many thousands of dollars worth of trees were saved by
organized campaigns against these pests. One orchardist writes,
“Through continual use of poisoned grain and traps I have suc-
ceeded in keeping my 14-acre orange grove free of pocket gophers.
Have not lost a tree since you started this work but others near me
who have not cooperated have experienced a great deal of damage.”

Among the most serious damage by these animals is that due to
their burrowing in the banks of irrigation ditches, causing washouts
and thus flooding and destroying crops with a consequent great loss
of water and expense for repairs; in irrigated lands the burrows
also divert the water, preventing its proper distribution to the grow-
ing crop. Such losses in the vicinity of the Elephant Butte Dam, in
Dona Ana County, N. Mex., are typical of those prevailing widely
in irrigated districts. Here pocket gophers caused seepage damage
estimated at $60,000 a year. Irrigation farmers appealed for prac-
tical help and organized and provided funds to undertake the work
under direction of a bureau specialist. Workmen who patrolled the
banks would set strings of 50 traps at short intervals and, return-
ing a little later, would commonly find pocket gophers in two-thirds
of them. Where the ground was level, poisoned baits were placed
in their holes. A careful survey taken during the spring indicated
that 95 per cent of the pocket gophers had been destroyed in this
brief intensive campaign, practically eliminating this $60,000 annual
damage at a total cost to the farmers of about $3,500.

JACK RABBITS AND COTTONTAILS.

Campaigns for the destruction of jack rabbits were continued on
a considerable scale in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Utah,
and Arizona, being organized along cooperative lines under the lead-
ership of the bureau. Damage was serious to alfalfa, cotton, hay,
cantaloupe, lettuce, and other crops produced in the semiarid and
irrigated regions. Jack rabbits sometimes occur in enormous num-
bers in sagebrush areas and cottontails are very plentiful. When
feed becomes scarce, due to drought, they congregate about alfalfa,

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. 9

wheat, and other growing crops, often clearing a field as clean as
though it had been done with a mower. In winter when heavy snow-
fall occurs jack rabbits congregate about stacks of hay or grain, often
completely undermining and destroying them. In one community in
Arizona where rabbits last year destroyed $40,000 worth of long
staple cotton, no losses occurred this year, due to effective rabbit
drives organized in November in which over 300 persons took part.
A farmer at Casa Grande writes, “ Your poison saved my $1,000
cantaloupe crop from rabbits this year, and I know its value because
I lost my cotton crop last year from rabbits.”

In Lincoln County, Idaho, 168,166 jack rabbits (by actual count)
were killed by the use of 845 ounces of strychnine applied to suitable
bait. In other counties as many as 50,000 jack rabbits were killed by
means of organized drives. In spite of unfavorable winter weather
conditions for the poisoning campaigns planned in Oregon, 25,000
jack rabbits were killed and counted besides many others that were
not found.

Damage to orchards, vineyards, gardens, and truck crops by cotton-
tails was reported from many points throughout the Eastern and
Southern States and practical methods of procedure were recom-
mended.

MICE, WOOD RATS, COTTON RATS, AND KANGAROO RATS.

The less conspicuous but exceedingly abundant and widely dis-
tributed smaller rodents caused considerable losses locally through-
out their respective ranges. Meadow mice and pine mice did much
damage in orchards, gardens, and truck farms. Pine mice live
mainly in underground tunnels and their destructive activities are
usually not observed until irreparable injury has been done; they are
probably the most destructive native animal pest in the Eastern
States, witness their killing of 1,000 18-year-old apple trees as re-
cently reported from a single orchard in West Virginia. Such trees
are commonly valued at $50 each, and losses of this kind are con-
stantly occurring. They are especially serious as the mice destroy
during the productive period the results of long-time investments
and cultivation. Damage to potatoes, bulbs, and root crops is also
extensive.

Kangaroo rats, which occur in large numbers in sandy regions
of the Southwest, interfering with natural reseeding of range areas
by destroying great quantities of the seed of native forage grasses
and by making frequent raids on fields of sprouting grain, greatly
reduce the stand and the value of the crop harvested. Considerable,
assistance has been rendered in the control of these animals through
demonstrations and advising as to practical procedure in combating
them.

BEAVERS AND WOODCHUCKS,

The beaver, which has been protected because of its value as a fur
bearer, has become an intolerable nuisance in some localities by dam-
ming streams and flooding valuable meadows and cultivated lands,
cutting orchard and shade trees even in the farmer’s dooryard, di-
verting natural watercourses through tunneling in creek banks, and
by feeding upon and trampling down growing grain crops and

73081—21——_2

10 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

alfalfa. In cooperation with State game officials demonstrations
were given as to methods of capturing these animals alive and trans-
porting them to national parks or other places where they are
welcome.

Demonstrations and advisory assistance were also given as re-
quired in preventing damage by mountain beavers in Oregon and
Washington, and in destroying woodchucks in localities throughout
the country where they were proving destructive to alfalfa, clover,
and other field and garden crops.

HOUSE RATS AND MICE.

House rats, the most destructive mammal pest in the world, each
year destroy food and other products in field, granary, warehouse,
store, and home to the extent of more than $200,000,000, a sum equal-
ing the economic output of 200,000 men working continuously. In
addition to their destruction of food products, poultry, and other
agricultural property, these pests are carriers of bubonic and pneu-
monic plague and other diseases communicable to man, and of trichi-
nosis in swine; and since rats and mice may contract avian tubercu-
losis, both may have an influence on the spread of this infectious dis-
ease among domestic poultry.

The educational campaign has been continued to acquaint the pub-
lic with the economic losses and menace to health due to the presence
and destructiveness of these pests. Increased interest in effective
measures to combat rats is manifest throughout the country, and the
bureau has furnished to individuals and extensive State organiza-
tions practical, tested methods of poisoning and trapping them and
effective means of excluding them from buildings by rat-proof con-
struction. Emphasis has been placed on means of cutting off their
food supply and eliminating favorable rat harborage. Wherever
health questions have been directly involved, cooperation of Federal,
State, and local health officers has been obtained. The economic
work of the bureau in aiding in the destruction and exclusion of these
pests at all times has an important, indirect effect upon the public
health by reducing the numbers of these potential carriers of dis-
ease and by bringing about more sanitary conditions through the
emphasis placed on proper disposal of garbage and other refuse.

Losses from rats have doubtless been exceptionally heavy during
the past year because of the unusually large quantity of grain and
other agricultural products that have been left in shocks in the fields,
or kept in stacks and farm buildings, and in elevators and warehouses.
The good shelter and the abundance of food thus afforded have given
rats and mice opportunity to multiply rapidly.

There has resulted a constantly growing demand upon the bureau
to provide skilled leaders to coordinate and direct the work of local
organizations. Responding to an appeal from 20 organizations in
Texas, following a series of local and State meetings, an experi-
enced man was provided the latter part of January to head the work.
Effort was concentrated on organized procedure. Campaigns were
launched in counties where suitable organization could be effected,
and as a result 670,000 rats, by actual count, were destroyed in about
four months at a cost of less than $2,000 to the cooperators. Denton
County conducted the most successful campaign, taking 253,000 rats

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. 11

in six weeks. As the number of people living in this county is only
35,000, this catch is of-interest as showing the ratio that may exist
between the human and rat population. A two-weeks’ campaign in
another county netted 70,000 rats. In many other States, notably
North Dakota, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Kansas, Nebraska, Oregon,
and Washington, similarly organized work has been conducted under
the leadership of experienced bureau representatives.

MOLES.

Many complaints of damage by moles to lawns, gardens, and field
crops have been received, and in all such cases information as to
practical methods of combating moles has been furnished through
correspondence, published material, or demonstration.

PRODUCTION OF DOMESTIC RABBITS.

Interest in the production of domestic rabbits as a source of meat
and fur has continued to develop in the United States, and the bu-
reau has kept in close touch with leading rabbit producers and offi-
cials of State organizations of rabbit breeders. Information has
been furnished regarding the care and management of rabbits, and,
in cooperation with the Bureau of Markets, regarding practical
procedure in developing a satisfactory market. Study of the dis-
eases to which domestic rabbits are subject has been continued in
testing the value of serums and bacterins in preventing or curing
infectious diseases of these animals.

FUR-BEARING ANIMALS.

For centuries fur products have been an important factor in
world trade and efforts to open up new sources of supply in Amer-
ica were the stimulus for important exploring expeditions which
increased national territorial possessions. The fur trade, which was
the forerunner of agricultural and other industrial developments, has
now become one of the large and important industries in the busi-
ness world, providing employment for thousands of skilled and
unskilled workers and contributing to the comfort of people who
wear fur garments. North America has been the leading continent
in the natural production of furs and is also the greatest fur con-
suming region in the world. Imports of undressed furs into the
United States during 1920 were valued at over $84,400,000, and of
dressed furs and manufactured garments in which furs are used,
at $9,131,000. Members of the national organization of fur dressers
and dyers dressed during 1920 furs valued at $52,910,589. The rev-
enue derived by the Federal Government from import duties on
articles made of fur amounted to $15,311,214 in 1920. Exports of
furs and manufactures thereof for this period were valued at $32,-
886,995. The approximate turnover in the fur industry of the
United States during 1920 was $352,000,000.

Because of the enormous drain upon the natural source of supply,
the maintenance and stability of the fur business is dependent upon
a far-sighted, constructive program of conservation of native fur
bearers and upon the propagation of certain kinds in captivity or

12 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

under control. Within a few years in the United States and Canada
a growing industry has developed in rearing silver, black, and cross
foxes. In a survey made during the spring of 1921 there were re-
ported to be 340 fox ranchers in the United States having 4,350
breeding animals, their stock and equipment being valued at more
than $4,280,000. The total number of breeding foxes in the United
States will be materially increased by the young of the spring of
1921 which were not reported. Fox ranches were reported in the
following States:

Califernia. Michigan, Oregon.
Colorado. Minnesota. Pennsylvania.
Idaho. Montana. Virginia.
Illinois. New Hampshire. Washington.
Maine. New York. Wisconsin.
Massachusetts. Ohio.

A considerable number of people are also rearing skunks, raccoons,
minks, muskrats, opossums, and beavers.

The bureau has continued its investigations designed to aid the
development of the fur industry. These have included the study of
the feeding, breeding, and management practices followed by those
engaged in the business, and laboratory and other investigations at
the Experimental Fur Farm, near Keeseville, N. Y. Important prog-
ress has been made in determining feeds suitable for maintaining
health, growth, and reproduction among foxes, and in obtaining data
regarding the physiology of these and of other fur bearers, such as
the normal pulse and respiration rate, which are required as a basis
for the detection and diagnosis of disease. Valuable information has
been obtained regarding breeding periods, and the causes of mortality
and the early growth and development of the young.

The most notable advance has been made in the investigation of
diseases to which fur bearers, especially foxes, are subject; the condi-
tions of pens and surroundings favoring contraction and dissemina-
tion of such diseases, and sanitary measures essential to their pre-
vention; also in the determination of safe and effective remedies,
dosage, and methods of administration in cases of disease.

Observations made indicate that the hookworm is one of the most
serious parasites that fox ranchers have to contend with and that its
occurrence is far more widespread than has heretofore been realized.
The unexplained death of many foxes has unquestionably been due
directly or indirectly to such infestation. Losses from this parasitic
disease are not limited to death and impaired health of foxes but are
measured also by reduced commercial value of the pelt produced and
by lowered breeding capacity. There is little superficial evidence of
light hookworm infestation either in appearance of health or quality
of pelt. Foxes so infested, however, are a constant source of danger,
for if kept in undesirable types of pens they will eventually acquire
heavy infestation and be at all times a means of carrying infestation
to all other pens and foxes on a ranch. This feature is brought to
the serious attention of all fox ranchers and particularly those who
are so fortunate as to have stock free of hookworms or are starting
out with a new set of pens and foxes. With the view of bringing this
feature forcefully to the attention of breeders and affording them
much-needed protection, the department recently promulgated quar-
antine orders governing importation into the United States of

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. 13

animals that are or may be infested with these parasites or are af-
fected by other communicable diseases of parasitic or bacterial origin.

Especial emphasis is placed upon the careful selection of healthy,
vigorous stock having high-pelt quality combined with good fertil-
ity and dependable breeding record. That certain breeding strains
will prove of higher pelt quality and be more prolific than others is
evident. As in other lines of live-stock production, the largest meas-
ure of success will be attained by judicious selection of breeding
stock, proper sanitation, regularity and skill in feeding, and the
adoption of other good-management practices.

A discussion of the fur bearers and of fur farming in Alaska is
contained in the information on that Territory at the end of this
report.

ECONOMIC ORNITHOLOGY.

Bird protection has been long established in the United States,
and responding to it, certain species of birds are becoming over-
abundant from an economic point of view. In some cases changes
in feeding habits or simply the multiplication of normal feeding
effects due to increased numbers, have drawn attention in an em-
phatic way to a neglected aspect of economic ornithology, namely,
the damage done by birds and the means of controlling it.

ROBINS.

In the last few annual reports mention has been made of investiga-
tions of depredations by birds protected by the migratory-bird treaty
act and of orders of the Secretary of Agriculture permitting the
destruction of certain birds when actually doing damage. During
the fiscal year covered by this report investigations of the relation
of robins to small fruits were extended to Indiana, Michigan, and
Oregon. There is no question that robins.are much more abundant
than formerly and that they have been taking a heavy toll of small
fruits, in many cases all of small crops; these depredations were
intensified during the latter part of the year by a drought which
reduced the supply of wild fruits. As a result, therefore, of special
and general investigations of the food habits of the robin, and after
consultation with State authorities to learn their attitude in the

matter, an order was issued by the Secretary authorizing land-

holders and their bona fide agents in the States of New Hampshire,
New York, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Oregon to kill robins
by shooting when these birds are actually damaging small fruits.

DAMAGE BY OTHER BIRDS.

During the year the only order modifying the protected status of

_a bird under the migratory-bird treaty act was that issued in the

ease of the robin, but investigations were made of damage by other
species, and it was found necessary to continue them in the hope of
reaching satisfactory findings. These studies included investigations
of damage by wild ducks and blackbirds to grain crops in the Im-
perial Valley, California, and by crows, chiefly to grain crops in
Oregon and Oklahoma. In the case of the crow, work was carried
to the stage of experiments in methods of control. In Oklahoma.

ibs ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

especially, the numbers of crows have increased greatly in recent
years and their winter concentration in that State has resulted in
great losses in grain. Progress was made in developing an efficient,
slow-acting, poisonous bait. Such a bait seems essential in crow-
control work because of the extreme wariness of this bird and its
reluctance to continue feeding in a given area once it has become
alarmed. It is of interest that a slow-acting bait is required for
crows while greatest efficiency in poisoning mammal pests has been
obtained by the most rapidly acting poisons. Tt is doubtful whether
effective measures for the control of crows can be carried out during
the fall and early winter when there is an abundance of food, but it
is believed that successful control campaigns can be conducted in
periods of severe winter weather. Work will be continued at that

season during the coming fiscal year.

SURVEYS OF PLANT LIFE IN WILD-FOWL RESORTS.

Investigation of plant life on the feeding grounds of wild fowl
was confined practically to the State of Missouri, a single hunting
preserve in Illinois also being visited. About 250 lakes and ponds in
Missouri were surveyed and a report upon them prepared for pub-
lication, which discusses in detail the present status of wild-fowl
feeding places in the State and means of their improvement.

BIRDS IN RELATION TO INSECT PESTS.

In the course of spring and fall trips to Massachusetts, an effort
was made to learn the relation of birds to the European corn borer,
a comparatively recent importation which is rapidly developing
into a most serious pest. These borers live in concealment during
practically all the larval stage, and it was found that birds are either
not adapted for feeding upon them or have not yet learned to find
them. Only two species of birds were found to prey upon this pest,
and both of them, like the insect, are introduced—the ring-necked
pheasant and the starling.

Tn another case, however, it was found that native birds were doing
good work against an introduced pest, the Japanese beetle, in New
Jersey. The investigation of this case, begun the previous year, was
completed. Birds were collected over the beetle-infested area through
the period of adult existence of the insect, and field observations
and stomach examinations show that birds play an important role in
combating it. Thirty-one species of birds were collected, and the
majority had fed upon Japanese beetles. The most important bird
enemy proved to be the purple grackle; examination of the stomach
content of all these birds which were collected showed the presence
of these beetles, to an average extent of two-thirds of the total food.
Other birds of importance as enemies of the Japanese beetle, and
the percentage of beetles taken were: Meadowlark. 50.7; starling,
49.3: cardinal, 38.6; catbird, 14.8. Toads also eat the Japanese beetle,
and in the specimens collected this beetle made up 22 per cent of the
total stomach content.

Because birds were suspected of having an entirely different rela-
tion to a pest, namely, that of aiding in its spread, an investigation

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. 15

was made at the request of the office of Cereal Investigations of the
Bureau of Plant Industry of English sparrows as possible distribu-
tors of the wheat-gall nematode. The results indicate that when the
sparrows are feeding on green galls only a very small proportion of
the nematode larvae pass through the alimentary canal alive, and
that these birds must be considered only a minor agent in the dis-
tribution of this nematode. During the early development of these
galls English sparrows seem to have a special liking for them. At
first it was suspected that these sparrows might spread the infesta-
tion in this way, but it was found that their active digestion suf-
ficed to kill nearly all of the nematodes.

MISCELLANEOUS WORK ON THE FOOD HABITS OF BIRDS.

Laboratory study of the food habits of various groups of birds
was carried on more effectively than ever, a larger number of stom-
achs being examined than in any previous year. Work was com-
pleted on the canvas-back, redhead, ring-necked, and scaup ducks,
and work was begun on preparation of a report for publication. Ex-
amination of the stomachs of English sparrows, looking forward
to a modern and thorough study of the birds’ economic status, was
continued. Nearly half of the more than 8,000 stomachs now on
hand have been examined. The contents of nearly 600 stomachs of
hawks and owls also were studied during the year, clearing up accu-
mulations of hawk stomachs to date. Analyses were completed also
of a number of shorebirds, including the willet, dowitchers, robin,
snipe, and godwits. As in previous years examination of special col-
lections for correspondents was conducted; a consignment of stom-
achs of nighthawks and pigmy owls from Oregon may be mentioned
in this connection, and one of merganser stomachs from the Miramichi
and other rivers in New Brunswick; examination of the latter indi-
cates serious destruction of trout by mergansers of the region.

FOOD HABITS OF OTHER ANIMALS.

For many years the facilities of the stomach analysis laboratory
and the experience of the analysts have been utilized incidentally to
develop exact information on the food habits of various vertebrates
other than birds. At the beginning of the year a definite project was
established for the first time for the study of the economic relations
of two of these groups—reptiles and amphibians. There is no ques-
tion that through their destruction of insects these animals have a
relation to agriculture concerning which we should have precise in-

_ formation as a guide to their rational treatment, for it need hardly
_ be stated that public policy toward these animals in the past has
been anything but rational.

The main accomplishment under this new project was the removal
of the contents of approximately 2,400 stomachs of toads from speci-
mens in museum collections. Nearly 2,000 of these were obtained
from specimens in the United States National Museum and the re-
mainder were presented by the University Museum, Ann Arbor,
Mich., and the zoological department of the University of Wisconsin.

Actual examination of the stomachs has been in progress for two

‘months.

16 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

As an aid in replying to correspondence, two mimeographed forms
have been prepared, one on the care of the American chameleon and
the other on North American venomous snakes. The latter is a
résumé of the subject, intended primarily to correct fallacies in
popular beliefs and to have available in brief form the pertinent
facts relating to these snakes; it covers such topics as poisons, poison
apparatus, treatment, mortality, shedding of fangs, rattles, food
habits, suggestions for destruction of the reptiles, snakes swallowing
young, number of young and habits, and a key to venomous snakes.

The collections of both examined and unexamined mammal
stomachs were thoroughly reorganized and catalogued, the collection
of stomach analysis cards put in order, and a considerable number
of new stomach examinations made. Among the latter were a
number of Alaskan reindeer and mountain sheep. Considerable
direct information on the forage of these animals was thus obtained
which was desired in connection with investigations of the reindeer
industry and of the food of game animals now being made by the
bureau.

BIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS.

Although the biological surveys of States have been somewhat
curtailed during this year, notable progress has been made in several
other directions. In general the activities of this division have con-
tinued along the lines previously followed, especially those which
have proved to be of value in relation to various well-established
duties with which the bureau is charged, such as the enforcement of
the migratory-bird treaty act, the Lacey Act, the administration of
mammal and bird reservations, the conservation of game birds and
mammals, and those bearing upon the relations of birds and mam-
mals to agriculture, stock raising, and forestry. The extent and
value of the various files and card indexes on the distribution,
abundance, and habits of North American birds and mammals, par-
ticularly regarding life histories, which have such an intimate and
complex relation to the welfare of man, have continued to grow.
These information files become increasingly useful from year to
year and enable the bureau to respond satisfactorily to inquiries
continually being received from individuals, scientific institutions,
and State and Federal officials throughout the United States, as
well as from foreign countries.

BIOLOGICAL SURVEYS OF STATES.

Field survey work was conducted in Washington and Wisconsin
only, being necessarily confined through lack of funds to those States
in which cooperative arrangements with State institutions were in
effect.

In Washington a field party made an exploratory trip across the
Cascade Mountains just south of the Canadian boundary from Gla-
cier, Whatcom County, to Loomis, Okanogan County, which re-
sulted in the acquisition of considerable valuable data on the fauna
of this interesting and little-known region. Representatives of the
State College of Washington and of the Bellingham State Normal
School cooperated with the Survey party in this work, which con-
tinued from early in July to the end of September. During the

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. 17

- remainder of the year a representative of the bureau was engaged in
similar work in various parts of the State, mainly in the northern
and western counties. ‘

In Wisconsin the field survey continued from July 1 to the middle
of September, mainly in the southwestern part of the State. The
Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey cooperated in this
work, keeping one man in the field, under the direction of the bureau,
during the entire period. Notable progress was thus made in the
study of the distribution of birds and mammals within the State.

Reports based on field work of the survey completed, but not
published, include “ Mammals of New Mexico,” “ Mammals of North
Dakota,” “Mammals of Wyoming,” “ Birds of Alabama,” “ Birds
of New Mexico,” and “ Birds of Texas.” “A Biological Survey of
Alabama,” consisting of a report on the life zones and an annotated
list of the mammals, is in press and will shortly appear as North
American Fauna, No. 45. Progress has been made during the year
in technical studies of mammals, especially the shrews and chip-
munks.

DISTRIBUTION AND MIGRATION OF BIRDS. |

Work on bird migration has progressed essentially the same as
during previous years. Reports from about 275 observers were re-
ceived, an increase over the number sent in last year. Progress
has been made in abstracting records from published sources, in
identifying, carding, and arranging specimens of birds lately ob-
tained, and in copying the field notes of various members of the
Survey. The number of record cards now in the bird files covering
habits, distribution, and migration is nearly 1,450,000.

No general reports on migration have been issued during the year,
but the following are practically completed: “ Distribution and Mi-
gration of North American Terns and Their Allis,” and “ Distribu-
tion and Migration of North American Grebes, Loons, and Auks.”

BIRD COUNTS.

Manuscript reports from the seventh annual series of bird counts
received during the year numbered about 50, a substantial increase
over the preceding year, a result of special efforts to reenlist the serv-
ices of many of the collaborators whose work was interrupted by the
war. Fortunately many of these reports were made on the same

areas as in previous years, and thus will give continuity to an inter-
esting and valuable series of observations that it is hoped will be
maintained through a long period in order to establish facts as to
average as well as varying conditions governing bird life in such
areas. A third report on bird counts in the United States, covering
_ the years that have elapsed since the second report, is being prepared.

BIRD BANDING.

The work of banding birds taken over by the bureau last year has
been organized and the operations extended. At the close of the year
the cooperators enlisted in the undertaking numbered 135, and this

73081—21——3

18 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

number is steadily increasing as the work becomes better known and
its value more appreciated. Accomplishments during the year in-
cluded both the systematic trapping and banding of land birds and
the banding of nestlings, as well.as the banding of waterfowl, for
the purpose of obtaining information concerning the migration of
birds which is of special value in connection with the administration
of the migratory-bird treaty act. Various State organizations, in-
cluding State game commissions, are cooperating in this investiga-
tion. ‘The number of birds banded under the direction of the bureau
during the year was 2,845, and much valuable information was gath-
ered from reports of “return” records (banded birds which were
recaptured), in some cases at a point far distant from that where
they were banded. Plans for the summer of 1921 contemplate the
marking of waterfowl on their breeding grounds in North Dakota,
and later it is hoped to extend operations to some of the more notable
wintering grounds in the Southern States. One publication was is-
sued during the year, a circular of instructions for bird banding.

INVESTIGATIONS OF MIGRATORY WILD FOWL.

Investigations of migratory wild fowl have been carried on by
members of the Survey and in cooperation with State game officers
and others.

The field party, headed by an assistant of the bureau, which was
engaged at the close of the last fiscal year in studying ducks and
other migratory game birds on their breeding grounds on the delta
of the Athabaska River in central Canada, continued these studies
until the departure of the bulk of the birds for the south early
in October. This expedition resulted in the accumulation of a great
quantity of very useful information on the breeding and migration
of these valuable birds on one of the most extensive and important
areas to which they resort, both during the nesting season and while
pn their seasonal journeys north and south.

Near the close of the last fiscal year an assistant of the Survey pro-
ceeded to southern South America to study the conditions governing
the abundance of certain North American shorebirds which resort
to that region to escape our winter. These investigations were un-
dertaken in response to a demand for definite information regarding
the status of these birds as affected by settlement in remote regions
of the Southern Hemisphere, and its bearing on their lessening
abundance in this country; also to provide data for the formulation
of provisions of possible treaties which may be negotiated with coun-
tries lying south of the United States—treaties similar in character
and object to that now in effect between our country and Great
Britain, by which much-needed protection is given these valuable
birds in the United States and Canada.

Our representative, who completed his studies and returned late in
May, 1921, was very successful, having visited some of the more im-

ortant areas most frequented by wild fowl in parts of Argentina,
araguay, Uruguay, and Chile, and secured a mass of first-hand data
of great interest. Besides the value of-this information in relation
to problems of conservation in this country, it will be of material
assistance in formulating agreements to insure the most beneficial
results in case migratory-bird treaties are consummated with any

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. 19

‘South American country. In addition to the data secured on migra-
tory shorebirds, it was found that some of our commoner insectivo-
rous birds winter in those southern countries in considerable num-
bers. A report on the results of this very important expedition, the
first of its kind in South America, is in course of preparation.

WILD LIFE IN NATIONAL PARKS AND NATIONAL FORESTS.

In the early part of July an investigation of the conditions affecting
elk on the Sitgreaves National Forest, Ariz., the descendants of a
small herd brought from the Yellowstone National Park, was made
by an assistant of the bureau, in cooperation with the Forest Service.

The elk, though widely scattered at this season, were found to be
thriving. On the basis of various conditions bearing on the matter,
carefully studied on the ground, boundaries for a proposed State
game refuge were agreed upon which it is believed will admit of a con-
siderable increase in the elk herd and other game without interfering
with present arrangements relative to the grazing of domestic stock.
The recommendations resulting from this work were submitted to
the Governor of Arizona, who has expressed his approval of the plan
and his desire to have the State elk refuge established as early as
may be practicable.

The 1921 edition of the circulars of information concerning Yel-
lowstone National Park and the Mount Rainier National Park,
published in the spring of 1921, contain revised lists of the mammals
and birds of these public recreation areas, contributed in part by
naturalists of the Biological Survey. In addition, a more compre-
hensive treatise on the mammals of the Yellowstone National Park
and a similar work on Mount Rainier National Park, the latter
comprising the results of field studies of the life zones and exten-
sively annotated lists of the birds and mammals, both by assistants
of the bureau, are in the hands of the National Park Service for
publication.

LIFE HABITS OF INJURIOUS ANIMALS.

During the year an assistant has been continuously engaged in
studying the life habits of mammals, with special reference to the
food habits of injurious redents and their general relations to agri-
culture, grazing, and forestry, in North Dakota, Montana, Idaho,
Oregon, California, and Arizona. In Minnesota and Wisconsin
studies of beavers and muskrats were made to supply needed infor-
mation in relation to rearing these animals on fur farms.

Field practice includes the observation of living animals under
normal conditions, the excavation of burrows and dens to ascertain
methods of storage and the kind of food preferred, observation and
feeding of captive individuals, stomach examination of specimens
taken under normal conditions, and studies of breeding habits.
Studies in North Dakota were confined mainly to the two species
-of ground squirrel common there. In parts of the State the few
thirteen-lined ground squirrels which had reinfested certain terri-
tory recently cleared of them were found to be feeding almost ex-
-elusively on the swarms of grasshoppers then doing extensive dam-
age. Work in Oregon involved'studies of such injurious rodents as
ground squirrels, pocket gophers, rabbits, kangaroo rats, and pocket

20 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

mice. In Arizona about six months, including the winter season,
were spent in studying the food habits of rodents, with special ref-
erence to their effect on native forage on stock ranges. Work in
other States included the investigation of special problems—in the
Bitterroot Valley, of the Columbia ground squirrel; in Idaho,- of
certain pocket gophers; and in California, of the wood rats,

The more information that is obtamed concerning the habits of
our native rodents, the more closely they are found to be related
to the prevailing plant life. This gives these individually unimpor-
tant but enormously numerous animals a little-suspected although.’
in the aggregate a very great economic importance. ‘The occupa-
tion of the country for farming and other purposes has very gen-
erally destroyed the original checks and balances which held our
wild birds and mammals at a more or less safe level as to numbers.
The result is that without learning their habits and devising and. .
enforcing methods for their control a number of species of preda-
tory animals and rodents and even some birds would multiply until
in considerable areas successful stock growing and agriculture would
be carried on under severe handicaps and might be impossible.

GAME AND BIRD RESERVATIONS.

This has been one of the most successful years in the history of
the Federal bird reservations. The increase of big game has been
extremely satisfactory and no damage to the reservations or losses
of moment have occurred. A small fire starting in the grass on the-
Montana National Bison Range, which might have developed into a
serious menace, was promptly extinguished. The public is much
interested in the reservations and is more and more respecting these
wild life sanctuaries. Improvements have been made in various
places by growing grain and cover for the use of birds, by the erec-
tion of new and the improvement of old buildings, and by the provi-
sion of new fences, signs, boundary marks, and added facilities for’
motor transportation. As a result of several extended inspection
trips, during which most of the reservations were visited, the assist-
ant in charge was able to suggest a number of improvements in
administration which will undoubtedly be of much benefit. In addi-
tion, he represented the bureau at the national parks conference at
Des Moines, Iowa, January 10 to 12, and inspected and reported
upon a proposed migratory wild-fowl refuge and public shooting
ground on the Bear River marshes, Utah. —

Investigation of Federal bird reservations during the year de-
veloped the fact that the reservations covering irrigation reservoirs
at East Park, Calif.; Keechelus, Kachess, Clealum, and Bumping
Lake, Wash.; and Loch Katrine, Wyo., lack plant food and other
requirements for useful bird reservations and are comparatively
little visited by wild fowl. Recommendation was made accordingly
and, by Executive order dated May 20, the President eliminated them.
from the list, and also San Francisco Bay Reservation, California,
which is no longer useful as a bird reservation. This reduced the
number of game and bird reservations under control of the Biolog-
ical Survey from 74 to 67, but on June 30, 1921, the number was 70,.
the following three having been added during the year: Caloosa-
hatchie, Fla., and Nine-Pipe and Pablo, Mont. Five of these are

q
if
q
,

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. Dil

fenced big-game reservations, three of which were also made bird
reservations in order better to protect the wild bird-life frequenting

them. °
BIG-GAME PRESERVES.

Big game under fence on reservations controlled by the bureau,
including buffalo, elk, antelope, and deer, have increased most satis-
factorily during the year, particularly the antelope, which have at
times suffered serious losses; in fact, at one time it was doubtful
whether it would be possible to maintain antelope herds on the
Federal game preserves. The critical period, however, appears to
have been passed. The following table shows the game animals on
inclosed preserves during the last six years:

Kind of game. 1916 1917 | 1918 | 1919 | 1920

|
| |

ial Sony at eat geet 22h Seb ace ie de ale oc eimeterte tho 305

HICSS eee Race reel ee ee ce creenbic aaialcion ure Ser abs oe | 159 184 | 212 274 384 504
AMUEIO PR ad cee ace oe SRE LEU Se ass 40 49 | 49 54 69 92
eerjmiules ees. oe Celene. OC eee ae See 3 6 | 22 29 27 37
Deere white-fail= cet ates LEAR eb loca lk ec obalee et aes Jesters Bea tt ge 6 5

For some years coyotes or other predatory animals, and possibly
poachers, caused such serious losses among the antelope that their
future within the Federal reservations was extremely doubtful. By
increased vigilance of the wardens in charge and by detailing skilled

- predatory-animal hunters to trap and use poison about the reserva-

tions, a large number of predatory animals have been destroyed and
the death rate among the game much decreased. No violent deaths
appear to have occurred among any of the game animals during the
year and only the few that might be expected from natural causes.
A representative of the Biological Survey and one from the Ameri-
can Bison Society made a reconnaissance during the spring of an
extensive unsurveyed area of country in southwestern Idaho to
ascertain its value as a proposed antelope and sage-hen reservation.
The few stockmen in this area favor such a reservation, which might
be established without interfering with the grazing of the number
of live stock now located there. "This area is one of the few in the
West still containing a considerable number of antelope.

National Bison Range, Mont.—This preserve has had a prosperous
year. The buffalo have increased from 332 to about 388. One sick
buffalo was found and it was necessary to destroy him; there have
been only two other deaths. The elk now number 265 as compared
with 200 a year ago. There were 45 antelope a year ago, 15 have
been born, and none have died, which gives a total of 60 now in this
band. The mule deer show about 35 as against 19 a year ago. There
1s one white-tailed deer on the range. In cooperation with the State,
24 ring-neck pheasants were turned out on the range in Septem-
ber, 1920.

Improvements have been made at the watering places and an un-
satisfactory condition relating to an important spring within the
reservation has been adjusted.

About 300 posts of the game fence have been replaced with new
10-foot posts. A new water system has been installed at the head-

quarters as additional fire protection and for domestic uses; this

22 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

includes a gasoline pump and water-storage tank. Improvements
made on the warden’s house include a kitchen extension and various
fixtures which add to the comfort of the warden’s family.

Wind Cave National Game Preserve, S. Dak—The buffalo herd
has increased from 60 a year ago to malt the elk from 105 to about
150, the antelope from 20 to about 32, and there are still 2 mule deer.
It is particularly gratifying to know that the antelope band has done
extremely well, and the warden in charge is to be commended for
his successful efforts to prevent losses by constant watchfulness and
destruction of coyotes.

Through cooperation with the State wardens, convictions were ob-
tained in the cases of illegal killing of elk in the vicinity of the
preserve.

Concrete basins have been built at watering places to prevent
the springs being tramped into boggy mudholes.

Weabrane Feeser nary Nebr., now has 37 buffalo and 53 elk, as
against 28 buffalo and 47 elk a year ago. A new game fence, greatly
enlar ging the inclosed range, is under construction, all the material
for it having been received. ‘The old military buildings have been
removed, except those needed for reservation purposes. ‘The State,
with the aid of the Bureau of Public Roads, has completed a néw
road leading from Valentine to and through the reservation, and
this should better conditions materially, as in bad weather the old
road was frequently impassible.

Sullys Hill Game Preserve, N. Dak.—The six buffalo presented by
the Portland City Park have become acclimated and one calf was
born in 1919 and two this year, raising this to a herd numbering nine.
The elk have increased here until it is desirable to dispose of. some,
as the preserve has only about 600 acres under fence. In addition
to the buffalo and elk there are about three white-tailed deer. No
losses have occurred among the animals during the year.

Construction work on the new buildings, “roads, and recreation
grounds was carried on through the spring, summer, and early
autumn, but owing to the difficulty of securing mechanics and other
labor and the exhaustion of available funds much yet remains to
be done. The women’s resthouse is nearly finished, the ornamental
iron gates are on hand to be erected, and the new entrance road is
ready for surfacing. This preserve continues to be a very popular
resort for the people of the surrounding region and the improve-
ments being made will add greatly to the comfort of the visitors.

Elk Refuge, Wyo—The mild winter of 1920-21 was of great bene-
fit to the elk herds. The southern, or Jackson Hole, herd, which
winters south of the Yellowstone Park, suffered severely the winter
before when thousands of elk died from starvation despite the fact
that hay was bought in great quantities and fed to them in addi-
tion to the crop harvested on the refuge. Counts during the winter
of 1920-21 show that only about 9,300 elk remained in that region.
Approximately 3,500 was the largest number reported from the
refuge at one time, as in some places the elk maintained themselves
on the range all winter. Not over 75 are reported to have died in
the Jackson Hole Valley during the winter and, with the favorable
spring and summer which have followed, this herd should have
begun to recuperate.

ee ee ee

:
|

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. 2a

About 375 tons of hay are left over from last winter, and as the
prospects point to a good crop this year there should be more than
a thousand tons ready for next winter’s feeding. A new set of hay-
ing machinery has been purchased to replace one of the old sets
which became practically useless last summer.

BIRD RESERVATIONS.

During the year considerable progress was made in posting and
defining boundaries of many of the bird refuges. This is important,
since it facilitates the better guardianship of the refuges, strengthens
the Government’s cases in instances of violations, and is of particular
benefit to sportsmen and others who are interested in maintaining
the reservations. Orders have been placed for metal signs of a dis-
tinctive design, which will be more durable, easier to post, and
cheaper in the end, and in every way an improvement over cloth
signs.

"The planting of grain to provide food and cover for sharp-tailed
grouse and pheasants on the National Bison Range has been con-
tinued on a broader scale. ‘The results have been most gratifying
in increasing the number of grouse and maintaining both them and
the pheasants on the reservation. No disease or unusual loss of birds,
nests, or eggs has been reported and the year appears to have been
a very favorable one for the birds on practically all the reservations.

An Executive order signed in June enlarges the Indian Key Res-
ervation in Florida by the inclusion of Bush Key and three smaller
keys; these are of considerable value to the nesting birds, which are
increasing in this vicinity. It is especially notable that considerable
numbers of roseate spoonbills are congregating about this reserva-
tion. These beautiful birds, among the most interesting and pic-
turesque of all the avian inhabitants of Florida, were nearly exter-
minated years ago by plume hunters. Under protection they are
gradually increasing in numbers and may again become one of the
well-known inhabitants of the State.

The bureau for a number of years has been conducting investiga-
tions concerning the migratory wild fowl which breed in large num-
bers on the Bear River marshes near Great Salt Lake, Utah. In
order that this splendid resort for wild fowl may be maintained for
their benefit, it has been proposed to establish it as a breeding reser-
vation to be utilized in fall as a public shooting ground. It is hoped
that this plan may be carried out, since such favorable breeding
grounds are becoming exceedingly scarce in the United States. A
few interesting facts regarding some of the more important bird
refuges follow:

Lake Malheur, Oreg.—In the spring an unusual quantity of water
raised the level of Lake Malheur, flooding some of the nests, over-
flowing into Mud Lake, and partially filling the dry bed of Harney
Lake. Migratory wild fowl nested in greater numbers than usual
at Malheur, especially Canada geese.

Two extensive irrigation projects menace this great breeding
ground, one in the Blitzen River valley and the other in the Silvies
River drainage area. The latter is the more threatening, as it is
planned to divert all the water of that stream to irrigate lands some

_ distance from the lake. Every effort is being made to safeguard the

24 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

water supply in order that this reservation may continue as a breed-
ing place for migratory wild fowl. It is one of the best, if not the
best, remaining in the United States, and its loss would be a real
calamity.

Klamath Lake, Oreg—TYhe deen of water from this reserva-
tion has greatly decreased its importance as a wild-fowl breeding
place. -

Clear Lake, Calif—This is a Reclamation Service reservoir, the ’
impounded waters of which have not yet been used for irrigation
purposes. As a result there has been an increasing growth of: tules,
and the reservation is now the breeding resort for an abundance of
wild fowl. Large numbers of the birds formerly breeding in Kla-
math Lake now resort to Clear Lake. The Reclamation Service
watchman has been appointed a cooperative warden and keeps the
lake posted and protected. Each spring sheep have done consider-
able damage to the nesting resort on a peninsula in the lake, and
special effort will be made to prevent this in the future. Large num-
bers of geese nest here, in addition to other birds.

Deer Flat, [daho.—The boundary of this reservation lies along sec-
tion lines and it is extremely difficult for the wardens to regulate
trespass. The high-water mark about the lake, however, is clearly
defined along the willows and sage brush. During autumn the water
is low and the gradually sloping land leaves a belt of from a quarter
of a mile to a mile in width between the shore line and high-water
mark. In the fall of 1920 the Secretary issued regulations to permit
the shooting of migratory wild fowl on the reservation outside the
high-water mark. The birds thus have the benefit of an undisturbed
feeding and resting place, while sportsmen may have a certain
amount of shooting on the surrounding lands.

Minidoka, Idaho.—Minidoka is another irrigation reservoir. In
the spring of 1921, 16 acres on an island a few miles above the dam
were planted with wheat, Japanese millet, sweet clover, and blue
duck millet to provide food and cover for the nesting birds. The
outcome of this experiment has not yet been determined.

Nine-Pipe and Pablo, Mont—These two reservations, created by
Executive order dated June 25, 1921, cover the Reclamation reservoirs
of the same names and afford br eeding places for a considerable num-
ber of wild fowl. Nine-Pipe includes 2,019 and Pablo 2,854 acres.
In 1920 a pair of swans (probably trumpeters) raised a brood on
Nine-Pipe Reservoir and a number of swans were seen about these
waters this spring. These two refuges will be under the’ general
supervision of the warden of the Montana National Bison ‘Range,
which is only 12 miles south of Nine-Pipe and 21 miles from Pablo.

Pishkun and Willow Creek, Mont., and Shoshone, Wyo.—Kach of
these reservations is an ir rigation reservoir and will be safeguarded
by men in the Reclamation Service, who are made cooperative
wardens.

Chase Lake, N. Dak.—Warden service has been maintained at this
reservation during the breeding and shooting season. A peninsula
in the lake is a favorite breeding place for “ducks. Special efforts
will be made to protect this area from live stock during the breeding
season in order that the birds may not be molested.

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. 25

Mille Lacs (Spirit Island), Minn., Reservation, enlarged by the
addition of the small Hennepin Island, is a breeding place for gulls
and similar birds. In the autumn considerable numbers of ducks
congregate in the vicinity.

Big Lake, Ark., has had an exceptionally good year. 'Trespassing
on the reservation, which was formerly so common, is rapidly dimin-
ishing. The only serious depredation in 1921 resulted in one offender
being sentenced by the Federal court to pay a fine of $500, his asso-
ciate being fined $50 and sentenced to six months in jail. Wood ducks
are breeding here in greater numbers than formerly and the reserva-
tion is a resting place and sanctuary for vast numbers of other ducks
in autumn and winter. Geese rarely stop here.

Walker Lake, Ark., is now under the supervision of the warden at
Big Lake. A large rookery of egrets and other herons is established
here, motion-picture films of which were made for educational pur-
poses by a photographer from the department.

Reservations in the Gulf of Mexico—These include Petit Bois,
Breton, and Tern Islands and East Timbalier and Shell Keys, lying
along the south shore of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, where
countless thousands of sea birds and a few waders nest each spring
and early summer.

The chief warden at Big Lake was detailed to patrol these gulf
reservations during the spring of 1921 and among other interesting
observations reported that two pairs of white pelicans were nesting
on Kast Timbalier. This is a rare occurrence.

Key West and Tortugas, Fla—Birds continue to nest in large

numbers on Bird Key, of the Tortugas Keys Reservation, and a
_ watchman was stationed there during the nesting season to protect it

————— Lr

from being raided by egging parties.
MIGRATORY-BIRD TREATY AND LACEY ACTS.

Development of the administration of the migratory-bird treaty
and Lacey Acts has been seriously impeded by lack of sufficient
funds for their adequate enforcement. Nevertheless, substantial and
gratifying progress has been made, as is evidenced by the remark-
able increase in the numbers of wild ducks, wild geese, and practi-
cally all species of migratory birds. The increase among the
migratory game birds is attributable almost solely to the elimination
of spring shooting, the nonsale of migratory game birds, and the

_ establishment of a uniform bag limit, the three fundamental restric-

tions made possible by the migratory-bird treaty act. Nearly all
State game commissions and many organizations and individuals

_ have cooperated actively with the bureau in creating an interest in

the proper observance of the law, in checking violations, and in
apprehending persistent violators.

The stopping of spring shooting has had a striking influence in
encouraging the birds to remain within the States and to reoccupy
parts of their former breeding range unfrequented by them for many
years. ~ Records are on file of birds nesting in some places on earlier
dates than heretofore recorded. One noteworthy and unusual in-
stance is the finding of four black ducks’ nests—one with one, one
with four, and two with six eggs—by a Federal game warden on

26 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

March 2, 1921, in New Jersey. The protection of the breeding
grounds of the birds and the extension of their breeding ranges
have greatly improved fall shooting and have more than compen-
sated for the loss of spring shooting. During the last open season
sportsmen enjoyed the best hunting for years, and in many sections
the daily bag limit was easily obtained.

While the bureau has been unable to increase its warden force and
expand the work to meet a widespread demand, the administration

of the law has been systematized and perfected until now the warden °

force is operating in a highly efficient manner and increasingly com-
mands the respect and confidence of the public.

The number of game wardens on duty has varied during the year
from 27 to 31. These men were aided by 27 deputy wardens, who
have rendered valuable services when placed on active duty at vari-
ous times, and also by 326 deputy wardens located throughout the
country, who receive the nominal salary of $1 per annum and co-
operate in reporting violations and in bringing about a better ob-
servance of the law. Most of the Federal deputies are also State
deputy game wardens. The volume of administrative work has in-
creased so rapidly that it became necessary during the year to add
to the force a deputy chief game warden.

The small number of Federal wardens allowed has made it neces-
sary during the spring migration to continue the policy adopted
several years ago of concentrating a number of them in the most
troublesome sections. Many violators were thus apprehended and
a check put on serious violations over large areas. This method of
patrol, while expensive, appears to be the most effective way to
conduct the work in sections where violations are numerous and gen-
erally distributed.

During the year 996 violations of the migratory-bird treaty act
were reported and resulted in 492 convictions, in which fines were
assessed ranging from $1 to $500 each, aggregating more than $9,500.
In addition to fines imposed, a large majority of the violators con-
victed were compelled to pay costs, which in some instances equaled
and in others far exceeded the amount of the fines. Federal judges
dismissed 21 cases, while 56 cases were nolle prossed. Grand juries
returned no bills in 17 cases, and trial juries acquitted 10 defendants.
Prosecutions against 5 persons were terminated by the death of the
accused; and 16 cases of a trivial or technical character were not re-
ported by the bureau for prosecution. About 370 cases are awaiting
action of the courts.

The convictions in Federal courts were distributed as follows:
Alabama, 37; Alaska, 1; Arizona, 16; Arkansas, 17; California, 1;
Delaware, 12; District of Columbia, 1; Florida, 24; Georgia, 36;
Tdaho, 7; Illinois, 44; Indiana, 1; Iowa, 43; Kansas, 8; Kentucky, 2;
Louisiana, 4; Maine, 15; Maryland, 9; Massachusetts, 19; Minnesota,
3; Mississippi, 24; Missouri, 36; Montana, 7; Nebraska, 7; New
Jersey, 2; New Mexico, 7; North Carolina, 5; Ohio, 7; Oklahoma, 6;
Oregon, 2; Rhode Island, 2; South Dakota, 3; Tennessee, 8; Texas,
305 Virginia, 17; Washington, 21; and Wyoming, 1.

Numerous seizures were made of migratory game birds illegally

killed or possessed, and most of these were disposed of by the bureau —

with consent of accused by gift to hospitals or charitable institutions

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. 27

for use as food. Contraband plumes and mounted specimens of
migratory birds of an estimated value of $5,000 were seized during

the year. Most of these were released to the bureau by the accused,

while others were turned over to it by court order.

Many substantial fines were imposed, but in some cases they
were very small. The Federal judge for the eastern district of
Arkansas imposed the maximum penalty of $500 on one persistent
violator charged with selling wild ducks; in passing judgment on
two other offenders similarly charged, the same judge fined one $250
and the other $50, in addition to which the latter was sentenced to six
months in jail. Two of these offenders have been notorious violators
of the game laws, particularly with respect to illegal traffic in wild
ducks, and had previously been in Federal court on at least one oc-
casion for violation of the Federal game laws. Each of two offenders
arraigned in the western district of Missouri on charge of killing
wild ducks in spring, was fined $200 and costs. One offender con-
victed in New Jersey on charge of killing wild geese during the close
season served 10 days in jail, but the court remitted the fine of $200
also imposed. At Santa Fe, New Mexico, a violator was fined $350
and costs on charge of illegally possessing two wild ducks unlawfully
killed; that he was a State deputy game warden may account for the
substantial fine imposed. The illegal sale of wild ducks by a restau-
rant proprietor to his guests resulted in his conviction and the im-
position of a fine of $100 in the Federal court at Beaumont, Tex.
Many other cases netted fines ranging from $25 to $50 each.

The second conviction for hunting wild fowl from an airplane
was obtained in the Federal court at Baltimore, Md., where the
violator, charged with killing a swan, was fined $10. The concerted
efforts of three Federal game wardens on the Missouri River in the
latter part of 1920 resulted in the apprehension and conviction of
approximately 25 violators charged with killing ducks and geese
from motor boats; in most of these cases each offender was fined $25

and costs.

During the fiscal year 886 persons were authorized to collect and
160 to possess migratory birds for scientific purposes; 48 were au-
thorized to capture migratory waterfowl] to assist them in breeding
wild fowl in domestication; and 2,189 were authorized to possess
migratory waterfowl for propagating purposes. Only a small per-
centage of the persons to whom permits to propagate wild fowl were
issued are engaged in breeding the birds for food purposes, many
of the birds possessed being held merely for ornamental purposes
or for use as decoys. Permits were issued to 150 responsible per-
sons, authorizing them to trap, band, and release migratory birds
in cooperation with the efforts of the bureau to obtain scientific data
concerning the distribution, breeding habits, and times and lines of
migratory flight of the birds.

On April 21, 1921, the Secretary issued an order permitting the
destruction of nests and eggs of mergansers on the property of the
Mad River Co., Oswego County, N. Y., to enable the company to
protect trout and other valuable food fishes from depredations of
the birds, but killing of the birds was not permitted.

__ Depredations of robins on cherries and other small fruits resulted
‘in the issuance of an order by the Secretary on April 30, 1921, au-

28 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

thorizing fruit growers, under Federal permit valid when counter-
signed by the chief game official or his duly authorized representa-
tive in the State where effective, to kill robins when necessary to
prevent the fruit from being destroyed, in New Hampshire, New
York, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Oregon.

The order of January 17, 1919, permitting bobolinks, commonly
known as reedbirds or ricebirds, to be killed in certain States from
September 1 to October 30, was rendered ineffective in New Jersey,
which passed a law affording these birds protection throughout the
year.

The annual meeting of the Migratory-Bird Treaty Act Advisory
Board, attended by practically all of its members, was held in Wash-
ington, on January 27. Most of those present were State game com-
missioners, and all commended the bureau for its efforts and gave
it assurances of their hearty cooperation in the administration of
the law.

Amendments of the Federal regulations suggested by the bureau
were concurred in by the board, and these subsequently were adopted
by the Secretary, approved by the President, and became effective
on March 3, and May 17, 1921. The most important of the amend-
ments provided that the daily bag limits obtained by one person shall
inelude all birds taken by any other person who for hire accompanies
or assists him in taking them; another amendment authorized limited
as well as general privileges under permits issued for scientific
purposes.

The effectiveness of the bureau’s work has been greatly augmented
by the hearty cooperation it has received from an ever-increasing
number of State and local organizations of sportsmen and conserva-
tionists. In ‘the important work of creating a healthful public senti-
ment to aid in the enforcement of the law, the bureau has enjoyed
at all times the good will and cooperation of State game officials and
of associations organized for the conservation of wild life. With this
valuable aid it has succeeded:in accomplishing gratifying results,
not only through cooperation of such national organizations as the »
American Game Protective Association, the National Association of
Audubon Societies, the Boone and Crockett Club, the Camp Fire
Club of America, and the Camp Fire Club of Chicago, but of many
of the State game protective associations.

INTERSTATE COMMERCE IN GAME.

A large number of investigations of interstate shipments of wild
animals and parts thereof were made during the year, believed to
have been in violation of sections 242, 243, and 244 of the Penal Code,
commonly referred to as the Lacey Act. Many of these investiga-
tions have been practically completed, and 44 have been reported for
prosecution. These involved mainly the shipment of beaver skins,
although one shipment contained 994 muskrat skins ulegally taken
in Ohio and shipped to Michigan.

Highteen convictions under the Lacey Act resulted in the imposi-
tion of fines and costs amounting to $580, five cases were nolle
prossed, and two were terminated by the death of the accused. In
cases involving 120 shipments, prosecution was deemed to be unwar-
ranted or inadvisable either because they were found to be made by

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. 29

parcel post or because of the fact that sufficient evidence could not
be obtained; 100 shipments are still under investigation.

Investigations by Federal game wardens frequently reveal evidence
of violation of State laws in the killing or shipment of animals or
birds, which can not be prosecuted in Federal court, and during the
year the bureau cooperated with State game authorities in turning
over to them 291 cases of this character, which resulted in the States’
receiving in fines and costs a total of $7,766.31.

Lacey Act cases reported for Federal prosecution originated in
the following States: Arkansas, 2; Colorado, 2; Idaho, 8; Michigan,
1; Nebraska, 1; Nevada, 1; New Mexico, 1; Ohio, 1; Oregon, 11;
Utah, 1; Washington, 7; Wisconsin, 3; Wyoming, 5.

Many important fur dealers, realizing the necessity of conserving
the supply of fur-bearing animals, have continued to extend co-
operation by republishing in their catalogues and in their adver-
tising material information furnished by the bureau concerning
State trapping and shipping laws and by omitting from their price
lists quotations on furs of animals for which no open season is pro-
vided. ‘The number of cases prosecuted under the Lacey Act is no
indication of the widespread deterrent influence extended by the
act against illegal killing and shipment of game and furs. This
law is one of the most helpful conservation acts ever passed by Con-
gress. It is of the greatest assistance to the State game officials in
preventing the illicit destruction and shipment out of the States of
their game and fur resources.

IMPORTATIONS OF FOREIGN BIRDS AND MAMMALS. \421

The number of permits issued during the year for the importa-

_ tion of foreign birds and mammals showed an increase of more

| than 20 per cent, from 453 in 1920 to about 560 in 1921, and the

~ number of shipments inspected increased in the same time from 89
to 155. At Honolulu, Hawaii, additional permits were issued for
the entry of 1,190 miscellaneous birds, chiefly quail, doves, and
pigeons. Altogether there were entered in the United States under
permit 66,793 canaries, 22,209 quail, and various other miscellaneous
birds, making a total of 182,052, of which 129,928 were inspected.
In addition, there were entered at the port of San Francisco, chiefly
as passengers’ baggage without requirement of a permit, 875 par-
rots, 1,740 canaries, 1,989 miscellaneous birds, and 128 mammals.
The permits for mammals authorizing the entry of 5,368 animals
included 1,574 black or silver foxes from Canada. Some of the
permits for foxes were probably not used and a few others covered
the entry of animals brought in for exhibition and later returned.
The number actually entered was probably much less, therefore,
than the figures stated, although larger than the number reported
last year, 805.

On April 7, 1921, new regulations for the entry of black foxes
were issued, effective June 1, which limited the ports of entry to
Boston, Mass.; Calais, Me.; New York and Rouses Point, N. Y.;
Pembina, N. Dak.; Port Huron, Mich.; and Seattle, Wash.; and
required a number of days’ quarantine at the border before entry.

_ Since these regulations went into effect comparatively few permits
have been issued, and during the month of June no foxes were en-

30 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

tered. The object of this quarantine is to prevent the entry of black
foxes suffering from diseases or parasites. Large numbers of these
animals have been imported for fur-farming purposes, some of them
afflicted to such an extent as seriously to endanger the fur farms
where delivered.

Importation of birds from Europe and Australia included several
large miscellaneous consignments for zoological parks including a
number of rare and interesting species. Among these was a ship-
ment from Australia which arrived in November at New York via
the Panama Canal and included 2 blue birds of paradise (Para-
disornis rudolphi), 4 Count Raggi birds of paradise (Paradisea
raggiana), 21 satin bower birds (Ptilonorhyncha violacea), 2 New
Guinea mynahs (Zino dumonti), and many other rare species.

During the year two Hawaiian geese (Vesochen sandvicensis)
have been received, one at New York via Hamburg and one at San
Francisco direct from Honolulu. This species, confined to the Ha-
walian Islands, is seldom seen in captivity and has been imported
previously on only one or two occasions. Several important ship-
ments were received from South American ports and among them
those from La Guaira, Venezuela, and Para, Brazil, included a num-
ber of rare toucans, parrots, and other species which deserve men-
tion. The traffic in Tropical American parrots, which, prior to the
war, had reached considerable proportions, has shown some increase,
and during the spring several large shipments of parrots from Cuba
arrived at New York.

IMPORTATION OF QUAIL FROM MEXICO.

Through the cooperation of the Bureau of Animal Industry, in-
spection and quarantine of quail from Mexico were provided as
heretofore at Brownsville, Laredo, and Eagle Pass, Tex., from No-
vember 1 until April 20. Under date of March 3, 1921, the regula-
tions admitting quail were modified to extend the open season 10
days, until April 20. After March 10 quail examined at the border
and found free from disease were permitted to enter without quaran-
tine. The number released trom quarantine was 18,564 and the
number admitted on inspection after March 10 without quarantine
was 8,645, making a total of 22,209 admitted. Quail disease ap-
peared at Brownsville in December and later at Laredo. The total
number of birds lost from this or other diseases and not included in
the above total was 7,359. Upon the first appearance of the disease
at Brownsville entries at that port were suspended for a period of
about six weeks.

The number of quail imported this year was exceeded only by the
totals of 1917 and 1920 when 32,814 and 27,417, respectively, were
brought in. In all, during the 10 years that quail have been shipped
from Mexico, 119,717 have been imported, about two-thirds of which
arrived during the seasons of 1917, 1920, and 1921. The birds were
sold for $24 or more a dozen.

PROTECTION OF LAND FUR-BEARING ANIMALS IN ALASKA.

Under the appropriation act for the department for the fiscal year
covered by this report, the Secretary of Agriculture was authorized
to exercise jurisdiction heretofore exercised by the Secretary of Com-

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. 31

merce over all land fur-bearing animals in Alaska. The work was
assigned to the Biological Survey, and immediate steps were taken
to carry out the provisions of section 1956 of the Revised Statutes, as
amended, which provides that no otter, mink, marten, or other land
fur-bearing animal shall be killed except under such regulations as
the Secretary may prescribe. On July 1, 1920, regulations were
accordingly promulgated in which open seasons were provided for
killing land fur bearers in the Territory, with the exception of mar-
tens and beavers. On October 25, 1920, these regulations were
amended extending the open season one month for trapping foxes in
the southern part of the Territory.

A chief fur warden was appointed with headquarters at Juneau,
and deputies were stationed at Akhiok, Atka, Fairbanks, Igloo, Kil-
lisnoo, Unalakleet, Unalaska, and Wrangell. Four employees of the
Bureau of Education of the Department of the Interior on the
Seward Peninsula were appointed as cooperating deputy fur
wardens. In connection with the administration of this work, ex-
cellent cooperation has been extended by the Customs Division, Bu-
reau of Education, Department of Justice agents in Alaska, the Coast
Guard Service, and the Bureau of Fisheries. In addition to the fur
wardens in Alaska, a warden and two deputies are stationed in the
United States—at San Francisco, Seattle, and Tacoma—to investi-.
gate illegal shipments from Alaska of furs arriving at these ports.
Although the funds available are inadequate to enforce the laws for
the protection of the land fur bearers of Alaska, it has been possible
to exercise a restraining influence in many parts of the Territory and
thus to lessen greatly the illegal taking of furs.

A serious situation now exists as to the future fur supply of
Alaska through the use of poison in many remote districts and
through overtrapping. These conditions prevail not only because of
the small appropriation available for enforcing the fur law and
reeulations, but because the law is inadequate to effect its purpose.
It is hoped that a new law dealing with the fur bearers may be en-
acted in the near future.

Six seizures of contraband furs were made—one of which was later
released. These included skins of 438 beavers, 13 martens, and 1

land otter. A trapper living near the Canadian boundary line on

Fortymile River was convicted and fined $100 for killing 18 martens.
There are now in possession of the fur warden stationed at Fair-
banks, pending final disposition by the Federal court, 714 marten
and 699 beaver skins, seized at Tanana and Eagle in 1919 by a United
States deputy marshal. The Bureau of Fisheries turned over to the
Biological Survey the proceeds from sales of furs seized by its agents
prior to July 1, 1920, but not sold until after that date, amounting
to $3,820.74.

Through cooperation of the Postmaster General, postmasters in
Alaska were instructed to report to this Bureau all shipments of furs
made by mail, and arrangements were also made with commercial
transportation companies to report fur shipments made by express
and freight. The value of the furs shipped out of Alaska, reported

_ to the bureau for the period from November 16, 1919, to December

1, 1920, amounted to $1,079,668.86, exclusive of pelts of blue and

white foxes from the Pribilof Islands, which are under the exclu-
sive jurisdiction of the Bureau of Fisheries.

Bi ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

While the total number of furs shipped during the period stated
exceeds that of the previous year by 27,680, the value is $299,678.80
less, because of a decrease in prices. The following table shows the
number of the principal pelts shipped and their value:

Kinds of furs. Number.| Value. Kinds of furs. Number.} Value.
138, 443 | $276,886 || Land otter..-.....-.- pie sacra A 3,017 $75, 425
36: 115) ks 24805n|| Blatt once y en see cr eeeeee 569 48, 365
AZ O45) Yt7B4GOSM | Cross tOxe ee ees ee eee 937 49) 165
Rieditoxmen = mass } 6:469.| 97,035 || Silverfox-2-...22-)5222.25222: 328 41; 000:
i
t FUR FARMING IN ALASKA.

The bureau has supervision of the leasing of 10 islands off the
coast of southern Alaska for fox-farming purposes. Originally
12 islands were transferred from the Department of Commerce,
but two of these—Little Naked (Storey) and Carlson (Grafton)
Islands, being situated within the boundaries of the Chugach Na-
tional Forest—were, with the approval of the Secretary, turned over
to the Forest Service. The 10 islands remaining under the jurisdic-
tion of the bureau are as follows:

a
Hameo Location. name of Location.
| as
Wehink, 3502 6) One of the Semidi Islands. belong seathe tere | In Chiniok Bay, east of Kouiak
Chinikofes 2.222 Southwest of Kodiak Island. | Island.
Chowiet.....-. One of the Semidi Islands. le\laTmoteeeeres | Hast of Afognak Island.
Elizabeth..... One of the Chugach Islands. Middleton..... | Gulf of Alaska.
Little Koniuji.| One of the Shumagin Group. lBearlee terrane | One of the Chugach Islands.
| Simeonof.....- | One of the Shumagin Group.

All but the last named of these islands were leased during the
year for fox-farming purposes—under the plan established by the
Bureau of Fisheries prior to July 1, 1920—for periods of five years
to the highest bidder, at about $200 a year. Through a cooperative
arrangement between the Biological Survey and the Forest Serv-
ice, a uniform policy has been adopted to cover the use for fur-
farming purposes of islands in the Aleutian Chain and along the
southern and southeastern coast of Alaska. Under this plan the
rental will be $25 a year during the first three years of occupation,
and at the expiration of this period the occupant of the island will
be given the option of renewal, with a revision of the amount of
rent to be paid according to the value of the location, but in no
case to amount to enough to be burdensome to him. It is believed
that the establishment of a uniform system of permits and rental
rates covering the use of Alaskan islands for fur-farming purposes
will greatiy assist in developing the industry. The islands: vary in
area from 40 acres or less to several thousand acres. Blue foxes are
the principal animals farmed on all these islands, although black-
fox farming is also established on some of them. ‘The blue foxes
are practically running free on the islands, but most of the black
or silver foxes are kept in pens.

BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. oo

In the Aleutian Chain the use of islands for fox-farming pur-
poses is being granted to natives free of charge, owing to the lack
of resources and to the difficulty they have in maintaining them-
selves, but the regular rental is charged for occupation by others.

More than 50 islands are occupied for fur-farming purposes in the
Aleutian Chain. On some of the other islands foxes have been intro-
duced for many years and are being trapped. During the winter
trapping season of 1920 and 1921 the following fox skins of various
kinds were taken in the Aleutian Chain:

COR LORCS2 er awe tee Oe eh LE er ph Yo See ee es 755
CLOSSBLO NCS tennessee been ee eee Ee Ae eee Bee 51
DOUGH TO ReGmere eneterye eh ee Th OO a 43
IBIMEy fORes Sits ren wyls ei Cee ays ei SP es dale ae _. 414
UIT REM EO RES) ae ee eee k Ae a ie eek ee ed As Lh ke 10

PDO hs pm tk RR eel lle OE es ELS Le had ea aE hie Dy Afi,

A new feature of the fur-farming industry in Alaska that is being
observed with much interest is the propagation of martens. Four
permits have been issued to residents of southeastern Alaska to cap-
ture a limited number of these important fur bearers for the pur-
pose of stocking the forests on some of the islands.

Tt is estimated that at the present time about 225 Alaskans are
engaged in the fur-farming industry in the Territory, with a con-
siderable investment of capital. The industry is rapidly growing
and gives indication of becoming an important one. One drawback
to its development is the fact that many islands along the southern
coast lie outside the national forests and the Aleutian Islands Bird
Reservation and remain unoccupied because no legal authority exists
by which they may be leased. It is hoped that legislation may be
enacted shortly which will render these islands similarly available.
This is particularly important in view of the fact that they are of
little or no value for any other purpose.

THE REINDEER INDUSTRY.

From the introduction of the first reindeer in Alaska in 1892 to
June 30, 1920, although these animals had increased to far in excess
of 100,000, no definite expert investigation had been made concerning
the grazing conditions under which the herds were living and the
distribution and supply of available forage plants upon which they
were dependent for both summer and winter feed. Furthermore,
no investigations had been conducted to determine the diseases and
parasites of the reindeer and methods for their control, and no in-
vestigations of methods of handling the herds in order to obtain the
best results.

On July 1, 1920, funds became av milalile for the Biological Survey
to take up these matters. The chief of the bur eau, accompanied by
two grazing experts, a competent field naturalist, and a veterinarian
skilled in the study of animal parasites and diseases and their con-
trol proceeded to Alaska in July and established a well-equipped
reindeer investigational laboratory at Unalakleet. This has become
the headquarters for the grazing and veterinary experts throughout
the year. During the year the staff at this station covered several
thousand miles by dog sled and boat travel. A grazing reconnais-

34 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

sance over thousands of square miles of territory was completed and
substantial progress was made in ascertaining the parasites and
diseases afflicting the reindeer, with experiments to develop methods
for their control.

Great advance has also been made in devising improved methods
of handling the reindeer herds. It is gratifying to know that both
the natives and other herd owners showed from the outset a most
wide-awake interest in the work of the experiment station, giving
every possible cooperation, and before the year was over the herd
owners in many instances began to put into effect recommendations
given by the experts for the better handling of their herds, thus
recognizing the practical value of the suggestions made. One of the
most promising features of the situation has been this interest shown
by the natives and their willingness to accept suggestions for im-
proved methods of handling their herds. As a result, when the in-
vestigations are completed it is anticipated that the industry as a
whole will receive a great impetus which will have a far-reaching
effect.

A field naturalist staticned at Fairbanks spent the year investi-
gating the caribou of that region, particularly the migratory herds,
with a view not only to the conservation and perpetuation of this
important game food supply for the interior, but also for the pur-
pose of determining the most practicable locality and method to se-
cure large caribou bulls to be used in grading up the size and vital-
ity of the existing reindeer herds. These herds, through bad breed-
ing practice, in various instances have shown signs of deterioration.
This investigation has been most successful in developing the desired
facts.

During the coming fiscal year it is planned to publish a bulletin
giving the results of the reindeer investigations, with recommenda-
tions so far as the information obtained will warrant. This should
provide the needed practical information for the development of
the reindeer industry. In this connection it may be stated that the
investigations into the grazing resources available for reindeer in-
dicate that Alaska should provide forage for from 3,000,000 to
4,000,000 reindeer, the annual increase of which will furnish palatable
meat for use both in Alaska and in the United States in such quantity
as to form one of the greatest and most substantial of the Territorial
products.

WASHiNGTON : GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE ! 1021