1532 University Aveue
March 23, 1937
Prof. William A. Riley
Department of Zoology
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Dear Professor Rileyt
leonard Wing tells me that he is calling on yor Thursday
in connection with the King vacano, so I am taking the liberty of
expressing aq size-up of Wing.
For brains and energy he is the equal of any advanced graduate
student whom I have encountered in this or related fields. Fe lacks,
however, some of the qualities that make for frietionless operation in a
group. I am confident that these rough edges can be polished off if he
has the good luck to work under a sympathetic superior. My impression
to that brains and energy of his kind are seldom obtainable with a per-
fectly frictionless personality.
Wing gets his doctorate here in June. As you can see, however,
be gives the exterior impression of an older and more mature man. I
would not hesitate to recommend him for an advanced instructorship,
although I think he should overcome his faults of personality before
being reonmended for anything higher.
Nis approach to the wildlife field has been via ornithology,
climatology, and geology. He is not a forester at is possibly weak in
botany. Re is very strong in ecological theory. He is a fluent and
forceful writer on policy questions, but not so good on technical papers,
although this again is, I think, a temporary difficulty. He has a really
advanced standing as an ornithologist, which I take it would be advan-
tageous in relationships with the mseum and local conservation groups.
He is one of the best photographers I ever saw. His knowledge of the
ornithological and ecological literature is very extensive and he babitually
keeps up with literature.
If you are preparing to give him a good deal of supervision,
I know of no available man whom I would rate above Wing for your place.
There are, of course, excellent men, but it would be doubtful whether they
are available. I recoamendation would be given with less confidence if
for any reason yeu anet keep a pretty close eye on his initial work.
With best regards,
Yours sincerely,
Aldo LoopolA
vb                                      Professor of Game Manageaent