American Big Game in its Haunts 



them to be. Their transfer to the Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture has been agitated more than 

 once, and is still a result much to be desired. 

 Although acting in this mission as a representative 

 of the Biological Survey under the latter Depart- 

 ment, I bore a circular letter from the Secretary 

 of the Interior, requesting the aid of the superin- 

 tendents and supervisors of the Forest Reserves. 

 Through them I could always rely upon the 

 services of a competent ranger, who acted as guide. 

 Arriving in California in March, I was some- 

 what more than six months engaged in the work; 

 in that time visiting seven reserves in California 

 and one in the State of Washington, involving 

 a cruise of 1,220 miles in the saddle and on foot, 

 within the boundaries of the forest, besides 500 

 miles by wagon and stage. Since the addi- 

 tion of an extra member to the party is ever an 

 added risk of impaired harmony, and since the 

 practice of any art involving skill is always a 

 pleasure, I employed no packer during the entire 

 time of my absence, but did this work myself, 

 assisted on the off-side by Mr. Thurston, who 

 accompanied me, and who helped in every way 

 within his power. May I take this opportunity to 

 thank him for aid of many sorts, and on all occa- 

 sions, and for unflagging interest in the problem 



392 



