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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 
WASHINGTON, D. C. 
July 7, 1914 
Mr. Alex vTetmore 
Assistant Biologist. 
Dear Mr. 7sttnoro: 
In accordance with Letter of Authorization 31-Bi, dated July 1, 
1914, you will proceed, on or about July 8, to the Salt Lake Valley 
where you will investigate the nature and origin of the disease which 
has prevailed among the ducks of that region for several years. The 
nature of this work precludes detailed instructions which might hamper 
your investigations. Your preliminary work will be in the nature of a 
reconnoissance of the region in which the disease occurs and a study of 
local conditions to discover, if possible, the cause of the trouble. 
The solution of the problem involves much thought and care, since, 
as you already know, bacterial and chemical postmortem examinations 
have eo far shown negative results* 
You should enter this new work without preconceived theories, and 
be ever ready to follow up suggestions that promise to lead towards a 
solution of the problem* You should carry on feeding and other expert 
ments with healthy and sick birds, making careful notes thereon, and 
secure what information you can from outside sources* 
The Game Commission of Utah and the sportsmen of Salt Lake City 
and Ogden have offered to give assistance and to aid the investigation 
in every way possible* Valuable hints as a guide to your work may be 
