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3

4. [[underlined]] Conservation. [[/underlined]] Measures should be taken to protect all of the fast vanishing wild life of the islands. Especial attention should be given to the tortoises, penguins, iguanas, and snakes, as they are more nearly on the verge of extinction than any of the other animals. The protection of the tortoises can be best accomplished by preventing their use by man and by the elimination of their enemies, the introduced domestic animals which have run wild. Cattle, where present, to some extent are competitors; but dogs, cats, wild pigs, and introduced ship rats are their worst enemies, indiscriminately destroying young and eggs wherever laid. Fenced areas should be installed to protect hatching sites. In certain other fenced areas young tortoises could be raised to a size where they would be immune to attacks. Under favorable conditions tortoises seem to grow much more rapidly than has been believed in the past. 

The following estimates are predicated on the assistance that could be gotten from the establishment that the Navy may have set up in the Islands. From this organization transportation, subsistence, medical services, and skilled and other help would be expected in caring for the laboratory's personnel and for erecting buildings and installing equipment, etc. 

A further reconnaissance of the Islands is advisable at this time, if only to see what may have already been done by the Navy and to consult with those directly on the ground, in order to best promote the Institution's plans with regard to the Islands.