48 DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS. 



of the Lucey Act as the importance of the woi-k and public interest in 

 it seem to require unless some ai)proj)riation is made for tlie })urpose. 

 A large appropriation is not necessary at this time if the work is car- 

 ried on in tlie most economical manner in connection with the regular 

 investigations of the Biological Survey. 



In sul)mitting estimates for the next fiscal year the following recom- 

 mendations are therefore made : (1) A slight increase in the salary roll 

 in order to bring the office force to a higher degi*ee of efficiency'' and 

 provide for the increased clerical work; (2) an increase of 810,000 in 

 the fund for biological investigations, to enable the Division to carry 

 on field work on a larger scale and at the same time more economicall}'; 

 to investigate more fully the extermination of prairie dogs; and to col- 

 lect data, prepare reports, and carry into effect regulations for the pro- 

 tection and importation of birds under authority of the act of Congress 

 approved May -5, I'JOO. 



