DIVISION OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. 159 



ules, and notes received from correspondents ; distribution of several 

 hundred schedules twice each year to migration observers; arrange- 

 ment of reports and notes received from field naturalists; examination 

 and recording of accounts; care of collections; examination and pack- 

 ing of specimens sent in for identification; forwarding supplies to 

 field naturalists; bibliographical work; and preparation of reports for 

 publication. During the past few months the valuable and rapidly- 

 growing collection of photographs taken by members of the various 

 field parties has been rearranged and rendered much more accessible 

 for reference, so that any j^rint and its corresponding negative can be 

 examined at a moment's notice. An important part of the work con- 

 sists of issuing permits for the entry of foreign birds and animals, 

 investigating complaints regarding violations of the Lacey Act, and 

 answering inquiries concerning local game laws. This work is exact- 

 ing, requires prompt and unremitting attention, and is constantly 

 increasing. In the last annual report attention Avas called to the 

 necessity for making some provision for handling the increased cor- 

 respondence, but as yet no addition has been made to the clerical 

 force, and the energy and ingenuity of the present force are frequently 

 taxed to the utmost to meet the current demands promptly. The 

 recommendation is therefore made that two additional assistants (one 

 a stenographer) be provided for in the next appropriations. 



OUTLINE OF WORK FOR THE VeAR 1902. 



FIELD WORK. 



The plans for field work for the current year, at least so far as this 

 summer is concerned, have already been outlined in reviewing the 

 work for the past fiscal year. They comprise a continuation of the 

 biological survey in California in the High Sierra immediately about 

 the Yosemite Valley and in the region farther south on the Kaweah 

 and Kings rivers. In Texas, field work will be continued in the 

 extreme western end of the State, and an effort will be made to pre- 

 pare for i^ublication the results of investigations conducted during 

 the past two or three years. The work thus far outlined for Canada 

 contemplates merelj^ a completion of operations along the route from 

 Edmonton, Alberta, to Great Slave Lake. 



STUDIES OF THE FOOD OF BIRDS. 



The large amount of material collected by Professor Beal in the 

 course of his investigations in the fruit-growing sections of California 

 will be examined in the laboratory, and a report on the results of this 

 examination will be prepared for publication. This report should be 

 of much value in aiding to fix the status of the birds that are charged 

 with damaging California orchards. 



A plan is also in contemplation for undertaking an investigation of 

 the food habits of certain game birds as soon as sufficient material can 

 be brought together. The results will doubtless be of value not only 

 to the farmer, but more especially to persons who are interested in 

 game preserves and in restocking covers or improving breeding 

 grounds for the purpose of increasing the local abundance of game. 



ENFORCEMENT OF THE LACEY ACT. 



The inspection service necessary to prevent im^^ortation of noxious 

 birds or animals will be strengthened and improved so far as means 



