414 University of California Publications in Zoology [VOL. 11 



INSTRUCTIONS TO COLLECT BIRDS FOR SCIENTIFIC INVESTI- 

 GATION OF THEIR RELATION TO AGRICULTURE 

 DEAR SIR: 



In order to obtain material for our field investigation of the relations 

 of game and other birds to agriculture, we propose to collect specimens 

 of all the field and orchard birds in the State other than quail, ducks, 

 geese, and crows during the first and third week of each month. 



We want especially one-half dozen each of meadowlarks, robins, and 

 blackbirds collected during these weeks in grain fields and the same 

 number in vineyards or orchards in sections where there are both. We 

 want, also, two doves from the same section for each of the two weeks 

 mentioned. For the present we will confine our attention to meadowlarks, 

 horned-larks, robins, and blackbirds. Where practicable obtain specimens 

 of each species of your district from the same field or fields of a like 

 character near by, because we wish to show just what they feed upon 

 throughout the year. 



As each bird is killed fill out one of the string record tags furnished 

 you, being careful to note the hour, date, character of field, orchard or 

 vineyard, the location and the name of the owners and the nearest post- 

 office. Then securely fasten a tag to each bird. In writing upon the tags 

 use plain lead pencils only, as the preserving fluid will destroy ink and 

 indelible pencil marks. 



After filling out the tag, attach it to the bird and then record in a 

 notebook devoted to this work a similar record to the one on the tag. 



Upon returning from the field proceed to preserve the specimens as 

 follows: From any drug store purchase a 40 per cent solution of formalin 

 or formaldehyde. Then place in an ordinary two-quart fruit jar one-half 

 pint of the 40 per cent formalin and then fill up that jar with clear water 

 and mark it "Jar No. 1." Then place your specimens in another jar 

 (or jars) and fill it with the liquid from "Jar No. 1," and seal the top 

 to prevent evaporation. Don't place too many specimens in a jar; give 

 them room enough to become thoroughly saturated. Keep the specimens 

 in the solution, for at least a week. See that the tag of each specimen is 

 uninjured. 



At the end of each month take your specimens from the solution and 

 wrap in a cloth wet from the solution in "Jar No. 1" and place in a thin 

 cracker box or a tight wooden box and ship as hereafter directed, together 

 with a copy of the record from your notebook. 



The solution from which you remove your specimens can be used 

 several times, supplying the necessary additional solution from ' ' Jar 

 No. 1." 



Recember that birds have no value unless each is securely tagged with 

 a record of the hour, date, etc.; that our work depends absolutely upon 

 the accuracy and reliability of the record. Send separate bills covering 

 your purchase of shot, formaline, jars, traveling and other expenses con- 

 nected with this work to this office. Do not include them on your regular 

 bills. 



The necessary permit to take these birds throughout the year is fur- 

 nished you herewith. 



