February 12, 1923. 
Mr* Oterles B* Beno s 
Biological Assistant, 
P* o* Bos 765. 
Phoenix. Arisons. 
Bear Sr, ■ Bono 5 
Tom are hereby last motet to ml© awramigeiaffixts 
to join oar expedition to the islands in the Hawaiian Bird 
Eosorvation. for the purpose of assisting in field -work, end 
in particular. In the extermination of rabbits, which have 
Men introduced on Dayana Island.. You will ariung© to 
arrive in San Francisco, California, on or about larch. 16, 
1323, where you will report to Dr* Alexander w&tmre of this 
Bureau, who will hare charge of the scientific wort: of the 
expedition inclu lag that which will he carried on ivr yourself. 
to visit a series of islands west of the 
begiaaiag at Hilhss* ant continuing as fax 
out as Midway with side trips to bate ant Johnston Islands. 
Travel will he performed on a thousand ten mine sweeper to he 
supplied by the navy* At the various points visited natural 
history collections will he sad© hy representatives of the 
Bernese Paeahi Bishop Museum of Honolulu and hy representatives 
of this Bureau* You are detailed to assist Dr* Wetmore in the 
collecting of birds on the various islands visited* - On Laysaa 
Island you will devote your entire attention to the prohlon of 
the extonaination of rabbits, which have hem introduced there, 
and Which according to reports have increased until they threaten 
to eat off all vegetation'and so spoil the island as a brooding 
place for sea birds, Deysan Island Is low and sandy, and Is 
about throe miles long and a mile wide, with a considerable area 
at one end occupied hy a lagoon. The flora consists of various 
shrubs, grass, cad herbaceous plants. 
U© have arranged to have to have 75 ounces of strychnine 
sent to you directly at Phoenix for use on this trip. You will 
find it necessary to arrange in San Francisco for the purchase 
and transportation of from one to two tons of host grade bailed 
alfalfa for use in poison operations. In addition you will nood 
to purchase at least two single shot 22 rifles and perhaps twelve 
thousand or fifteen thousand rounds of 22 caliber ammunition for 
use in killing rabbits. Other raoasuros for the extermination of 
these animals will probably suggest themselves to you and can ho 
arranged for. 
