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^[[9/17/18]]

[[preprinted]] UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY
WASHINGTON, D. C.

ADDRESS REPLY TO
CHIEF, BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY,
AND REFER TO [[/preprinted]]

September 10, 1918.

Mr. Alex Wetmore,
1011 Forum Building,
Sacramento, California.

My dear Wetmore:

I notice in your official report and also in a personal letter to me that in one respect your investigation of the damage to rice by ducks in the nature of a wild goose chase. It is natural that you should feel that your time is being wasted, but I believe that upon second thought you will admit this is not the case. I think it desirable that you should make a complete report for the official files which will carry all details as to false reports of damage you have been called upon to investigate. This will provide the office with a means of answering renewed criticisms inspired by the same sources.

The field trip that I have just completed, at least, has turned out this way, the claims of damage proving to be absolutely unfounded and I am sure that having a full report on the matter here in the office will make it impossible for similar claims to be made in the future.

The movement to do away with the sale of game has been steadily growing for many years and now that such sale is entirely prohibited by the regulations of the Migratory Treaty Act, the agitation on the part of the California market hunters and their friends will be without result. You are safe in assuring any one who inquires that the