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evening the birds passed over in a long line toward the east to some roost in the swamps. This flight continued for nearly two hours and many times their line stretched without a perceptible break as far as I could see in either direction.

The bulk of these birds had been driven in here within the past week by storms in the north. The damage accomplished will be distributed more than last year because of the large acreage of rice still out but will be evident never the less. These hordes of Blackbirds when everything is considered, are the most serious avian pest with which the rice grower has to deal.

Recommendations.

The investigation in hand revealed that although no heavy damage has resulted as yet, still the condition was serious as the northern flight of ducks had arrived and the birds were working in the rice fields. As it was the hunting season the bulk of the birds remained in the swamps during the day and came into the fields to feed during the night. After due consideration of the matter and discussion with rice men it was recommended therefore that rice growers and their agents be permitted to shoot wild ducks at night until and including December 31, 1918. It was considered that there was little hope of saving rice remaining in the field after that date but that with more favorable weather the crop could be harvested during December.

In accordance with this recommendation the following blanket permission was issued.: