UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 
WASHINGTON, D. C. 
I^lay 28,1912 
Mr. Alex V/etrnore 
San Juan, Porto Hico 
Dear Mr. V/etrnore; 
The Poi’to Rican authorities are getting anxious for some sort 
of a report on the island birds, which of course we cannot furnish 
until the stomachs have been examined and you have completed your 
investi^tions. The point they specially dwell upon, however, is 
in regard to the ravages of the so- cal led "May beetle” and the white 
grub. It occurs to me that perhaps your work has progressed suffi- 
ciently and you know enough of these two particular pests to make 
a short report on the present situation as you see it, with a state- 
ment of the species that prey upon the insects. Possibly you are^^ 
prepared to make some definite recommendation as to the means of 
increasing the numbers of these particular species or protecting 
them. 
I v/ish you would consider the matter carefully and inform me 
it you know enough on the subject to make some sort ot* preliminary 
report and recommendation. If you have anything practicable to offer 
it v/ould be desirable to do it in the near future, as many months 
must elapse before your final report will be ready for publication. 
Very truly yours, 
