454 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



formerly, from being pushed about and Avorried by the large ani- 

 mals on the general feeding grounds. 



At the commencement of winter the bureau had on hand a little 

 less than 1,000 tons of hay, of which 686 were raised on the refuge, 

 the remainder being purchased from neighboring ranches. In addi- 

 tion, the grazing privileges were rented on 400 acres of bottom lands. 

 At the end of the season 85 tons of hay remained on hand. 



In order that the refuge may be made to produce the maximum 

 of hay a tractor with plows and other implements has been pur- 

 chased and an increased annual acreage will be tilled until the entire 

 range is producing. 



Much of the fencing about this refuge is now old and in such con- 

 dition that it must be replaced in the near future. Other improve- 

 ments are also greatly needed. 



BIRD REFUGES. 



Flat Creek Bird Refuge. IFyo., covering 40 acres in the valley 

 bottom adjacent to the winter Elk Kefuge at Jackson, was estab- 

 lished by Executive order of September 29, 1922. Although this is 

 a small area it is used extensively by migratory wild fowl not only 

 during the nesting period and migrations but also throughout the 

 winter months. The area contains springs which keep it open 

 throughout the winter and afford plant and insect food which sus- 

 tain the resident ducks during the cold season. Its situation adja- 

 cent to the Elk Refuge adds additional pasture for the elk herds. 



Belle Fourche- Bird Refuge, S. Dak. — Conditions on this refuge 

 were, as formerly, unsatisfactory, owing to the continuous grazing 

 on lands immediately adjacent to the lake shore, without which 

 nesting birds might take advantage of the cover. Fencing has been 

 bui'lt for the purpose of eliminating livestock from this portion of 

 the refuge. The excellent result from this has become apparent and 

 it is planned to increase the protected area in order to attract addi- 

 tional nesting birds. 



Big Lake Bird Refuge., Ark. — This refuge is notable as a resting 

 and feeding place for wild fowl during both spring and fall migra- 

 tions. Through the excellent support given the wardens by the 

 District Court of the Eastern District of Arkansas in the protection 

 of this refuge the people of the region now respect it and look upon 

 it as a distinct local asset. A warden's house has been built on the 

 highest point of the refuge near the principal hunting and trapping 

 grounds, and is an improvement which renders the control of the 

 lake much more effective. In order to prevent undue disturbance of 

 the wild fowl, trapping of fur-bearing animals on this refuge is 

 allowed only under permit, the trappers not being permitted to visit 

 their traps before sunrise or after sunset. Refuges of this character 

 are exceedingly important in giving migratory wild fowl resting 

 places during their journeys north and south. With the drainage 

 of many other water areas such places are becoming more and more 

 valuable for the purpose for which created. 



Lake Malheur Bird Refuge., Oreg. — A compromise agreement pro- 

 posed by representatives of the State of Oregon and of the Biological 

 Survey as to the future status of this refuge was not consummated, 

 and the matter still remains for adjustment. Ravens are so abundant 



