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I have made the estimate that if other surroundins acreages lost 
in proportion to our loss that there v;ero 320,000 sacks of rice destroyed 
by ducks in the rico season of 1017, and from present indications judging 
by the enormous flights of young birds at this early season I am inclined 
to believe that a much larger flight will taije place this year than in any 
previous year to mj’ knowledge. It would -therefore be a very opportune 
time for the Government repro. ontatives to be on the spot. 
It must also be borne in mind thit a million dollars v/orth of rice 
VC.S not all that vra.c lost. The ^astura^ season for hogs, sheep and turkeys 
v/as curtailed at least sixty days from say Jan^lar’’• 31st to Larch 31st be- 
cause of the ravages of ducks in tlie night time and geese in tho daytime. 
I am credibly infOKn.ed tliat at least a million dollars should be added from 
that loss alone. 
Lay I not add my apiireciation of your effoi*ts in behalf of tho 
rice and grain grov/ers of the State, and v;ith best vdslies, 
Verj' tnaly yours, 
(SGII) h. D. 
Zgilbert 
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