2 BULLETIN 794, V. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



breeding grounds of waterfowl in various parts of the United States. 

 This is by no means an unimportant part of the inventory of our 

 natural resources which is so necessary if we are to take intelligently 

 directed steps toward passing on what remains of our heritage of 

 natural wealth. 



Efforts to increase the numbers of native waterfowl may be 

 grouped in two main divisions: (1) Protection by legislation, which 

 will save what breeding stock we have and give it a chance to mul- 

 tiply; and (2) bettering conditions on the breeding grounds, includ- 

 ing elimination of natural enemies and improvement in the supply 

 of the vegetation furnishing cover and food. The Biological Survey 

 is interested in all these efforts and stands ready to give information 

 and assistance to individuals or organizations desiring to carry on 

 such work. 



The present report is the first of a series designed to present in- 

 formation on the breeding, wintering, and hunting grounds of water- 

 fowl in the United States. It consists of a report by Dr. Harry C. 

 Oberholser 'on the water birds, together with data on the numbers 

 and species occurring during the breeding and hunting seasons in 

 Nebraska, chiefly in the sandhill region, which information is a 

 necessary basis for protective legislation ; and a report by Mr. W. L. 

 McAtee on the vegetation of 44 lakes of the sandhill region, together 

 with notes on the value of the plants as wild-duck food, and sug- 

 gestions for improvements. 



