BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. 435 



ward individual and community thrift, and a spirit of community 

 teamworlv that is far-reaching in its influence and helpfulness. 



The development of the poultry industry in many sections of the 

 country has brought a realization of the seriousness of the damage 

 Avrought by rats as destroyers of eggs and young chicks, and as pos- 

 sible carriers of avian tuberculosis. Much interest has been mani- 

 fested in rat destruction by poultry producers, and special attention 

 lias been given by the bureau to meeting their requirements. 



Investigations have been continued to improve methods of com- 

 bating rats, including experimental studies of the effectiveness of 

 various rat viruses on the market. Laboratory studies and field 

 trials were made in cooperation with the Bureau of Animal Indus- 

 try, and a number of agricultural college experiment stations also 

 conducted bacteriological studies and laboratory tests of these 

 products, all of which confirmed former conclusions that the use of 

 poisons now available give more economical and effective results. 



MOLES. 



Due to widespread complaints regarding damage by moles in 

 lawns, gardens, truck farms, pastures, and hay meadows, the bureau 

 has continued investigations designed to simplify and make more ef- 

 fective methods for combating these animals. Assistance has been 

 given those who have reported damage due to moles by furnishing 

 them, through correspondence, bulletins, or demonstrations, informa- 

 tion on the most practical known methods for their control. 



PRODUCTION OF DOMESTIC RABBITS. 



Inquiries continually come to the bureau regarding the produc- 

 tion of domestic rabbits as a source of meat and fur. The bureau 

 has kept in touch with officials of National and State organizations 

 of rabbit breeders, and information has been furnished regarding 

 the care, feeding, and management of these animals. Recommenda- 

 tions have been made, in cooperation with the Bureau of Agricul- 

 tural Economics, regarding procedure which would afford the most 

 satisfactory results in developing a market for the animals produced. 



FUR-BEARING ANIMALS. 



Investigations regarding the rearing of fur-bearing animals in 

 captivity have been carried forward vigorously during the past year, 

 and progress of a very fundamental character has been made. The 

 bureau has kept in close touch with those engaged in rearing fur- 

 bearing animals, with dealers in raw furs, and with those engaged in 

 dressing and dyeing furs and manufacturing fur products. 



The formation of State and National organizations designed to 

 serve the interests of the industry, to gather information regarding 

 the progress made, and to establish an adequate system of record and 

 registration has been encouraged. Most gratifying progress has 

 been made along these lines. Encouragement has also been given to 

 the enactment of legislation which would prove effective in the con- 

 servation of fur-bearing animals with a view to maintaining a perma- 

 nent supply. In response to requests, assistance has been given a 



