UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 
WASHINGTON, D. C. 
ADDRESS REPLY TO 
CHIEF, BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY, 
AND REFER TO 
BI-S 
May 23, 1923. 
Dr. Alexander Wetmore, 
c/o Bishop Museum, 
Honolulu, T. Hawaii. 
Dear Dr. Wetmore: 
Returning recently from my western field trip I read 
with much interest your various letters and radiograms that 
had accumulated. Your letter of April 30 is received, and also 
your radiogram of May 21, including your request that flOO be 
added to your letter of authorization. This action is being 
taken, and I understand that it is to cover the expense of 
Mr. Reno’s return. 
We were very sorry, of course, to learn of the death of 
Mrs. Reno, particularly under such circumstances, and the news 
must have been a great shock to Mr. Reno out there in mid-ocean. 
The work of the expedition appears to be working out very 
smoothly, and it really is gratifying to know that the rabbits 
have apparently been exterminated in the various places they 
occur. Your letter indicates a very interesting condition where 
the number of rabbits is dependent upon the definite amount of 
forage production of a certain kind, and the two have become so 
exactly balanced. This is a very interesting ecological condition. 
Unfortunately this close utilization of forage has doubtless led 
to the extermination or near extermination of some of the birds, 
but I hope that the vegetation you are planting will save some of 
them. 
« 
• MS;;/; jW • 
Your description of general conditions about coral reefs 
and your cruising to find openings for shelter remind me of some 
of my own experiences in working around tropical islands, where the 
bottom is uncertain and landings difficult. Still it is always 
enjoyable, and island work is always of rather especial interest, 
as you deal with an area that is coupletely detached and your problems 
become more clearly cut. 
The specimens of the seal will be a valuable addition to our 
collection, and I am interested in your remarks concerning the small 
form of Rattus rattus . I hope you secured some specimens. 
We shall look forward with interest to the receipt of the 
seven boxes you mention forwarding by express. These will, of course, 
be properly cared for immediately upon arrival. 
