
be expected in this greatly retarded spring where winter conditions still 
prevailed in many of the northern covers at normal nesting time. In this 
connection it is of interest to note the situation in Maine. Heavy 
decreases in population occurred on many of the routes in northern and 
central Maine; in the southern counties and in the coastal belt, woodcock 
were only slightly reduced from last year. 
As was explained a year ago, from the statistical viewpoint greater 
geographical coverage is more desirable than limited coverage with repeat 
census runs. Yet, many census takers this year were able to run their 
lines two or three times. So much variation occurs, especially in a 
year of adverse weather such as this, that these repeat runs are likely 
to enable a more accurate population figure to be obtained on a given 
route. Therefore, the writer recommends that, in future years, each 
route be run a minimum of twice when time permits; a third check would 
be desirable in event of excessive variation. 
Census Organization 
Within the several states, the 1956 census studies were organized by 
the following: . 
Maine: By Kenneth Hodgdon, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and 
Game, and by the writer. Special assistance in eastern Maine was given 
by John Dudley, Louis Beckett, and by personnel of the Moosehorn National 
Wildlife Refuge. 
New _Hampshires By Hilbert Siegler, New Hampshire Fish and Game 
Department. 
Vermont: By Roger Seamans, Vermont Fish and Game Service; and by Ralph 
Minns, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the Highgate and Swanton areas. 
Massachusetts: By William Sheldon, Massachusetts Cooperative Wildlife 
Research Unit, with Russell Norris, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service handling 
the Newburyport area. 
Connecticut: By Ruth Billard, Connecticut Board of Fisheries and Game. 
New York: By Charles Brown, New York Conservation Department. 
In conclusion, the writer wishes to express his thanks to all the 
individual census takers. The present, excellent coverage is possible 
only because of the interest of so many people. Censusing this year was 
difficult because of the retarded spring and long periods of adverse 
weather. Yet, except in a few instances, the census takers made a. special 
effort to meet the coordinator's deadline; this is greatly appreciated. 
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