Investigations in Economic Mammalogy and Ornithology Collection --

Collection

Identifier: NWRC 0009

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Seven published volumes of USDA Investigations in Economic Mammalogy and Ornithology.

Data within each volume is arranged somewhat chronologically. Due to the overlapping nature of field research and the delay in reporting that resulted from collectors sending in their data, dates of collection are often out of order as the information was grouped by collector report.

Numbering variations:
Volume III is numbered with a Roman numeral while the remaining volumes are numbered with digits.
The mammal catalog numbers are sequential and preceded by a capital M. The catalog number range for each volume is recorded on the volume’s spine. Volume III has the M included in the catalog numbers on the spine while the remaining volumes do not.

Each volume records the catalog number, original number, species, sex, date (either of collection or examination is unclear), collector, location and characteristics of collection site, and general remarks for each animal collected. Collection data was gathered in the field by several individuals while trapping and baiting various animals. Animal specimens, along with data, were sent to DWRC where the specimens were examined. Data was then handwritten into the volumes as an official record. The individual examining the specimens recorded their initials in the “Hour” column in the mammal volumes. The bird volumes have both times and initials in the “Hour” column.

Dates

1930 - 1961

Creator

Denver Wildlife Research Center (DWRC) (Organization)

Extent

7 Volumes

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Division of Economic Ornithology and Mammalogy was established by Dr. C. Hart Merriam and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1886. Along with Dr. A.K. Fisher, he pioneered research on methods for controlling damage to agriculture by wildlife. The Investigations in Economic Mammalogy and Ornithology contains collection data from bird collections, mammal trapping, and baiting in several western states. Each volume was pre-printed with catalog numbers and bound at the US Government Bindery, then sent to the Denver Wildlife Research Center. Collectors, researchers, and field operations personnel sent their collection data to the DWRC where DWRC staff assigned each species a catalog number. Mammals such as canines, felines, marine mammals, hooved mammals, small mammals, and domestic dogs and cats are included in the volumes. Birds include grackles, cowbirds, wild turkeys, mourning doves, and grouse.

Series irregularities:
There are no Volumes 7-9. Collection data continues from Volume 6 to Volume 10 as noted in those volumes. A note at the bottom of the last page of data in Volume 6 reads, “Accession continued in mammal catalog Volume 10 number 52501.” A note at the top of the first page of data in Volume 10 reads, “Accession continued from Catalog Volume 6 number 34500!” Dates of the two volumes would further support this.
Mammal collection data ends with Volume 10. There is no Volume 11 or 12.
Volume 35 is the only volume titled Economic Ornithology and begins the bird collection data. Volume 13, titled Economic Mammalogy, continues the bird data and begins by continuing V. Schultz’s data from collecting Bronzed Grackles in Arkansas that leaves off with bird 209940 in Volume 35.

Arrangement

Seven published volumes of USDA Investigations in Economic Mammalogy and Ornithology. Arranged in volume order.

Physical Description

All seven volumes are in good condition and have been housed in individual book boxes.

The Investigations in Economic Mammalogy and Ornithology Collection was originally housed and cataloged in the Denver Wildlife Research Laboratory Library. The volumes contain locations stamped inside their front and back covers.