Western United States, 1918 : Correspondence, field reports, and reference materials (1 of 2) Wetmore, Alexander, 1886-1978 text Field notes aat Reports aat Correspondence aat clippings (information artifacts) aat 1918 This is the first of two folders that document Alexander Wetmore's collecting and observations of the western United States, 1918 while working for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Bureau of Biological Survey. Materials include telegrams, news clippings, political cartoons, licenses, correspondence, reports, reference materials, and receipts. Documents relate to continued investigations to control crop damage from birds, specifically ducks damaging rice crops. Materials documents public opinion about use of explosives by farmers, and growing sense of urgency to find a solution during the last two weeks of August (harvest time). Includes license and instructions for use of "Duck bomb." Correspondence discusses communications with California Board of Fish and Game and with the officials of the USDA. Includes a report, The birds in the Lake Area in the Chusca Mountains, New Mexico (includes itinerary and annotated list of birds). Areas effected included: California, Washington, Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. United States Dept. of Agriculture Ornithology Rice Ducks Crop losses Alexander Wetmore Papers, circa 1848-1979 and undated Many of SIA's holdings are located off-site, and advance notice is recommended to consult a collection. Please email the SIA Reference Team at osiaref@si.edu.