Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings collection
Date of this Version
February 1962
Abstract
There is an inscription across the top of the impressive facade of the National Archives Temple in Washington, D. 0., which reads: "What is Past is Prologue." So be it. Perhaps it applies to us here- At least the inscription furnishes a basis for me to indulge in a few com¬ments of historical significance as we undertake consideration of vertebrate pest control in its many phases. The earlier documents available to us reveal that with every expansion or westward advance into newer areas of agricultural production or livestock enterprises there also arose a variety of pest animal problems. However, it seemed to take years before any concerted efforts at suppression over and above those of individuals or communities came into being. True, it was the function of the Bureau of Biological Survey and its predecessor, the Division of Ornithology and Mammalogy in the U. S. Department of Agriculture to study food habits and life histories of birds and mammals and to suggest methods of curbing destructive species.