THE STATE COLLEGE OF WASHINGTON 
   j                    PULLMAN. WASHINGTON 
 
                         Feb. 19, 1929                  IN R ,PLYING TO THIS
L.TTER 
                                                          PLEASE ADDRESS

                                                       DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY

                                                       STATE COLLEGE OF WASHINGTON

                                                         PULLMAN. WASHINGTON

Lr. Aldo Leopold 
421 Chemistry Bldg. 
Ladison, Wisconsin 
 
Dear Ir. Leopold: 
 
Thank you very much for your letter of Feb. 2. J.gain I 
might suggest that a fellowship to study the Huingarian part- 
ridge (2erdix perdix) would, i believe, be of most value, 
since it is in this region that this species seems to thrive, 
 
1 believe that we could learn a good deal both about the life 
history and the methods of propagation of the birds from ex- 
perimental work to be carried on here at the college. As you 
may know, we have a county game farm iii connection with the 
college, where birds can be raised and studied in captivity. 
It seems to me that with the great interest being shown in the 
Hungarian partridge, it would be most advisable to study this 
species in order that we might learn its habits and the methods 
of its propagation. 
 
As for plans, I would suggest that at first we study the range 
of individual coveys and also make an effort to determine the 
territory used by pairs of birds during the nesting season. 
This study seems a very necessary one if we are to find out 
what is the maximum number of birds that a given area will 
support. 
 
Then too, I think that a careful analysis of the food of the 
young birds is advisable, since then we can tell their diet 
requirements in carbohydrates, proteins and fats, which will 
be utilized in making up their dietary on the game farm. I 
am studying at present the food habits of the adult, and will 
have this material ready for publication probably some time in 
the fall. hiowevcr, much iiore study could be done on the feed- 
ing of these birds. 
 
Another problem is one in game fnrming, namely, methdds of pair- 
ing the adult birds preparatory to egg laying. This needs, I 
believe, a careful study of the natural mating and nesting 
habits of the wild birds. 
 
I shall be very glad to have you consider this college as one 
interested in your fellowships. I think that we have many game 
birds herc in the west which need a thorough study in order to 
increase their number. Any ideas which you may have along this 
line I am sure we would be glad to follow out. 
 
                       Very truly yours, 
 
 
688                   Asst. Pro