UfMSTED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
BUREAU OF BiOLOGiCAU SURVEY 
WASHiS^^iGTOSM, D. C. 
S. 
V 
t 
ADDRESS REPLY TO 
CHIEF, BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY, 
AND REFER TO 
May 14, 1919 
Mr. Alexander Wetmore, 
Assistant Biologist, 
Bureau of Biological Survey, 
Washington, I)* C* 
Bear Mr«i We too re: 
In accordance with the provisions of letter 
of authorization 609 Bi* you are directed to proceed 
to Arizona for the puiTpose of securing information on the 
food and economic importance of white-winged and mourning 
doves and other birds* For a numoer of years it has been 
claimed that doves flock in grain fields at the time of har- 
vest and do a great amount of damage* This complaint has 
come especially frcan the vicinity of Phoenix* You should 
visit Phoenix and there get in touch with the State Game 
Warden and others who will have pertinent information and 
should carry on extended investigations into this matter 
in the field for the purpose of ascertaining whether it 
is necessary to issue permits under the Migrator^^ Bird 
Treaty Act to allow these birds to be Killed* The habits 
of these birds should be studied carefully, and any infor- 
mation bearing upon their distribution and movements noted* 
If time permits you should attempt to gain in- 
formation on claims of damage by birds to cultivated fruits 
in orchards that hiive been planted in the irrigated districts* 
In addition you should secure material in the shape of in- 
sects, seeds and berries for our reference collections as 
time will permit* Buch material is always valuable as we 
do not have complete collections from that region* Upon 
completion of this work unless otherwise directed you should 
return to the Y/ashington office* 
Y^ith best wishes. 
Very truly yours 
Chief of Bureau* 
