South America, 1920-1921 : Includes correspondence (in English and Spanish), photographic data, newsclippings, memorabilia, and reference materials (1 of 2)
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First to two folders of materials document Alexander Wetmore's work in South America for the U.S. Department Agriculture, Bureau of Biological Survey, 1920-1921. These include diplomatic and business correspondence (in English and Spanish), news clippings, permits, memorabilia (menu, vessel information), and reference materials (in English and Spanish). He was investigating the distribution of life zones of North American migratory birds in southern South America. Significant amount of correspondence from USDA relates to collecting and collecting sites; expenses; proposed itinerary; population size of English Sparrow; Wetmore's status as a temporary dispersing agent; and request from P.G. Russel details requests grass seeds to be collected for each region visited. Correspondence from USDA also directs to collect small mammals including bats (especially Noctilio). Of special interest is a letter from Edward William Nelson (22 November 1920) concerning an offer to Wetmore to join the Third Asiatic Expedition of the American Museum of Natural History. Notes cover specimen collecting; reference to sites worked by Leo Miler in Argentina; and collecting sites. Collecting sites include: Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. |Includes reference material entitled Hints on how to travel successfully: For the benefit of inexperienced travelers of the department of agriculture. by David Fairchild.
1920-1921
1920
1921
Many of SIA's holdings are located off-site, and advance notice is recommended to consult a collection. Please email the SIA Reference Team at osiaref@si.edu.
SIA RU007006
Alexander Wetmore Papers, circa 1848-1979 and undated
1 folder
Smithsonian Institution Archives
Box 140 Folder 1