SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION WASHINGTON 25, D. C. Blood Sampling I was distressed by the message from Dr. Sudduth saying Chief Girgosian will require minimal assistance from the Smithsonian Party (copy of message enclosed). I think the record should be put straight with Dr. Sudduth as to how much time it takes to collect blood samples and how much extra work this involves. 1. All identification is done by Smithsonian 2. All locating and catching of birds is done by Smithsonian 3. All holding of birds while blood sample is being taken is done by Smithsonian. 4. All blood samples from small birds. (Shearwaters and below) are taken by Smithsonian. This means over half the samples. 5. All hunting and shooting of cats or birds is done by Smithsonian. On an island like McKean where the birds are walking underfoot it took six hours to obtain 150 samples with all people working at a fast pace. On an island like Baker each cat sample represents 20 man hours of hunting. The chief does a wonderful job of running samples and certainly relieves the party of considerable work, but over a third of our evening time is spent on blood collecting instead of banding. Last minute request for blood samples make it difficult to make a logical schedule. The request this time could have resulted in a three day delay at Canton Fortunately an extra flight came in a few days before the regularly flight and we were not delayed (i.e. only lost one day). In view of the emphasis in the message on "minimal assistance" and no change in schedule we will continue to use only 25-35 percent of our time for blood collecting. Will not even attempt to chase such things as Whimprels, Sanderlungs and don't expect much luck on Bristle-tassled Curlews or Golden Gloves. [illegible]