COOPERATIVE OBSERVERS REPORT ON FLUCTUATING SPZCI2S. 
 
 
      Information of the type indicated on the enclosed forms is essential
to 
the carrying out of the Minnesota Ruffed Grouse Investigation. This investiga-

tion is a cooperative project carried on by the State University under the

direction of the Bureau of Biological Survey. Results thus far obtained have

rendered obvious the importance of a more complete knowledge of the behavior

of our fluctuating game species. These species are the ones mentioned in
the 
questionnaire, namely, the four species of grouse native to the state, and

rabbits. 
 
      It is, of course, impossible to determine the actual number of birds
or 
rabbits present in any area at a given time. We have, therefore, chosen the

five terms, very abundant, abundant, fairly numerous, scarce and very scarce

as indicative of their numerical status. Only an occasional observer has
kept 
written records of his observations.on the abundance or scarcity of game
from 
year to year. But most observers can, if a conscious effort is made, recall

the more marked fluctuations of the more important species in the locality
with 
with they are most familiar. 
 
     The value of this record depends, first, on the conscious effort of
the ob- 
 server to mark that square that will record his honest opinion of the status
of 
 the species for the year in question; and second, on the pinning of this
record 
 to a definite locality, either a small group of counties, a single county,
or 
 a part of a county. 
 
     Mark the record with a single locality in mind. Do not enter information

on one sheet for two separate localities. If you are familiar with conditions

in more than one locality, please advise us and we will gladly supply additional

sheets. Always indicate clearly in connection with each species what locality

the data applies to. 
 
     Do not enter any records except those you are positive of. One authentic

date and estimate is valuable, a dozen guesses are just twelve times worse
than 
no information at all. It is not expected that any one individual can recall

conditions for each year for even a half of the period listed, but if each

observer will supply that information he possesses, the gaps will be few
and 
small. 
 
     Any information for years not listed, and any information of any kind

relative to the species listed will be very much appreciated and can be written

on the backs of the sheets. 
 
     We hope to get information from at least five observers in each county.

If you cannot supply any of the information asked for please return the forms

as this will materially assist us in completing the work for your county
and 
hasten the completion of the program. 
 
     And finally, we want to emphasize again the fact that one or two correct

dates for a definite locality are of great value. Of course, the more informa-

tion you can supply the better, but correct information for a single year
for 
your locality will be gratefully received. 
 
                                        Minnesota Ruffed Grouse Investigation

                                        University Farm 
500                                      St. Paul 
December 17, 1930                       Minnesota 
RTK-b