II. Bericht über das perman. intern, ornithol. Comite. 43 



Hart Merriam has been app'ointed as Ornithological Agent 

 to take Charge of this Divisional work. 



The scope of the investigation will cover the entire 

 field of the inter-relation of birds and agriculture, particu- 

 larly from the entomological stand-point. The inquiry will 

 relate primarily to the food-habits of birds, but will include 

 also the collection of data bearing on the migration and 

 geographical distribution of North American species. In 

 this last inquiry the Departement hopes to have the Co- 

 operation of the American Ornithologists' Union, Dr. Merriam 

 being chairman of the Committee on Migrations of said 

 Union. The co-operation of farmers is solicited, and those 

 having knowledge of food - habits which are beneficial or 

 detrimental to agricultural or horticultural interests are 

 requested to communicate the same to Dr. Merriam. 



The assistance of persons willing to aid in the collec- 

 tion of birds' stomachs is particularly desired. 



Information is also wanted concerning the presence 

 and habits of the so-called »English Sparrow« {Passe?' do- 

 mesticus) in the Southern States and in the region west of 

 the Mississippi. 



Dr. Merriam will have his headquarters at Sing Sing, 

 N. Y. until October i, i885, and after that date at this 

 Department, and should be addressed accordingly. 



C. V. RILEY, 



Entomologist. 

 [Division of Entomology, Circular No. 20.] 



U. S. Department of Agriculture, 



Division of Entomology. 



ECONOMIC ORNITHOLOGY. 



Washington, D. C, July ], J885. 



The fact that birds are influential factors in checking 

 the increase of insects injurious to Vegetation has long been 

 recognized, but the extent of the Services thus rendered has 

 never been positively ascertained. Moreover, great difference 

 of opinion exists, particularlv among farmers, as to whether 

 certain well-known species are on the whole beneficial or 



