a Aree ee 
MORTALITY AMONG WATERFOWL. 3 
records of V. T. Davis) were gathered and buried between August 22 
and September 21, and about 30,000 birds are said to have been 
picked up on the Weber River. From the nature of the country this 
can not represent more than 20 per cent of the total number of birds 
that died, and probably not more than 10 per cent. Conditions in 
1913 were somewhat improved, but still great numbers died. Dur- 
ing the past year fewer birds perished, though the mortality was 
great enough to cause alarm. 
In the southern San Joaquin Valley, Cal., many birds have died 
on Soleta, Goose, Buena Vista, and Tulare Lakes since 1909. At 
present the two lakes first named are dry and the third contains an 
abundance of fresh water. On Tulare Lake, however, conditions 
are unchanged. In November, 1914, it was estimated by Tipton 
Matthews, deputy game warden of Kern County, and the writer that 
at least 15,000 birds had perished there during the preceding summer. 
- Mr. Matthews stated that he has known of sick birds around Goose 
Lake and at Browns Knolls (Widgeon Gun Club grounds) for at 
least 20 years when the water was low in summer. Goose Lake is 
now dry, and as the water at Browns Knolls is kept fresh by artesian 
wells there is little trouble. 
In June, 1891, Dr. A. K. Fisher, of the Biological Survey, noted 
large numbers of eared grebes and spoonbills dead around the shore 
of Owens Lake, Cal., and estimated the number of dead grebes at 
35,000. From the 12th to the 14th of November, 1914, the writer 
found many dead birds of these same species in this locality, and 
he was informed that this was an annual occurrence. 
TERRITORY COVERED IN INVESTIGATIONS. 
On July 12, 1914, work was begun in the Salt Lake Basin and con-. 
tinued until October 30. Investigations were made at the mouths 
of the Jordan, Weber, and Bear Rivers, the main areas affected (see 
Pls. Land il). Because of the large area involved, diversified condi- 
tions, and convenience of access to the marshes, most of the experi- 
mental work was carried on at the mouth of Bear River. In addi- 
tion to the jocalities mentioned, conditions were studied at Willard 
Spur, Promontory Point on Great Salt Lake, and Locomotive Springs 
~ near Kelton. 
From November 3 to 11 Tulare Lake, in California, was visited, in 
_ order to investigate the mortality in that region, and conditions at 
Owens Lake in the same State were studied from November 12 to 14. 
At the mouth of Bear River, in Utah, quarters were furnished at 
_ the Duckville Gun Club, and thanks are due the officers and members 
_ of the club for assistance and facilities extended. Much assistance 
» was rendered by A. P. Bigelow, of Ogden, and L. B. McCornick, of 
1 North American Fauna No. 7, 1893, p. 12-13. 
