REPORT OF CHIEF OF BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. 



United States Department of Agriculture, 



Bureau of Biological Survey, 

 Washington^ D. C, September 12, 1923. 

 Sir : I have the honor to transmit herewith a report of the work of 

 the Bureau of Biological Survey for the fiscal year ended June 30, 

 1923. 



Respectfully, E. W. Nelson, 



Chief of Bureau. 

 Hon. Henry C. Wallace, 



/Secretary of Agriculture. 



ORGANIZATION OF THE BUREAU. 



In order to conduct the necessary investigations relating to our 

 wild birds and mammals and to promote the conservation of the 

 useful and harmless species and to destroy those that are harmful, 

 the Biological Survey is organized under the following divisions : 



1. Economic Investigations, Dr. A. K. Fisher in charge. De- 

 velops methods of control and cooperates in campaigns for the 

 destruction of predatory animals and injurious rodents. Has super- 

 vision also of an experimental fur farm and cooperates in foster- 

 ing the fur-farming industry and in the conservation of fur-bearing 

 animals. 



2. Food Habits Research, "VV. L. McAtee in charge. Investigates 

 the food habits and ecjpnomic relations of birds, reptiles, and 

 amphibians. Makes studies of the food resources of water areas for 

 migratory wild fowl, to improve production, and devises practical 

 methods of control for injurious birds. 



3. Biological Investigations, E. A. Goldman in charge. Investi- 

 gates the distribution, migration, and other habits of wild birds and 

 mammals and the distribution of wild plant and animal life in 

 relation to climate for the purpose of mapping the life zones of 

 North America. Makes technical laboratory and field studies of 

 birds and mammals. The scientific results of the work of this 

 division form the basis for the increasing economic activities of the 

 bureau. 



4. Alaska Reindeer and Fur Bearers, E. W. Nelson and W. F. 

 Bancroft in charge. Investigates diseases and parasites of reindeer 

 and studies forage plants, grazing areas, herd management, and 

 other problems relating to the upbuilding of the reindeer industry. 

 Administers the law protecting Alaskan land fur animals and makes 

 investigations to assist in developing fur farming in the Territory. 



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