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California Fish and Game V. 6 1920 Bound volume

M 1

DATE DUE

California Fish and Game S -I- V. 6 1920

Bound volume

California Resources Agency Library

1416 9th Street, Room 117

Sacramento, California 95814

jjma.im ■iWiillrt'nj—BiMMOU

California Fish and Game

"CONSERVATION OF WILD LIFE THROUGH EDUCATION"

Volume 6 SACRAMENTO, JANUARY, 1920 Number 1

CONTENTS.

Paok

NOTES ON DRY FLY FISHING— No. 2 7?. L. M., California 1

THE Y01TN(i OF THE BLACK SEA-BASS Elmer Hii/f/iiix f)

rriB PACIFIC EDIBLE CRAB AND ITS NEAR RELATIVES

F. W. Wci^mouth 7

THE PROPOSED INVESTIGATION OF THE SARDINE

Will F. Thompson 10

THE LIFE PIISTORY OF THE SAGE HEN E. H. Oher 12

NOTES ON THE LIFE HISTORY OF THE BLACK-TAILED DEER

: J. D. Goffman 15

i:ditorials 17

california's game sanctuaries 23

facts of current interest 28

com:\iercial fishery notes 29

notes from the state fisheries laboratory 32

conservation in other states 35

life history notes 3g

reports- Seizures 39

Fishery Products, July, August, September, 1919 40

^'lOLATIONS OF FiSII AND GaME LaWS 43

Expenditures '. 44

NOTES ON DRY-FLY FISHING. No. 2.

By R. L. M., California.

In the first of this series of notes on dry-fly fishing I believe I was, to 8 certain extent, successful in dispelling the cloud of fog or mystery that surrounds the art in the mind of the average man ; but before going any further into the technique of the dry-fly school, I propose to trace the history of this modern method of catching fish, which is described by Emerson Hough as being "the most beautiful form of the most beautiful sport." (Extract from a letter to the author.)

I have already remarked that, if a new fly is dropped on the surface of the water, it will float as long as it keeps dry. It is quite probable that those Macedonian fishermen mentioned by Aelian in "De Anima- lium Natura" (A. D. 230) were aware of this fact. Since this writer, the first who describes fly-fishing and a method of dressing flies, was not a very accurate recorder, we may take it that practically all his observations on nature were made second hand, consequently, we must not put too much reliance on his description of the flies used. Further- more, the lengths of rods and lines that he states were used, were entirely too short for any practical purpose.

Scotcher ("Fly-Fisher's Legacy," 1807) makes, I believe, the first inention in print of the fact that a new fly will float- This fact, which

6zn

I CALIKDKNIA V\>\\ AND (;A.ME.

can hardly be calltHl a discovery, is known to every one wlio has ever rished to any extent with a wet fly. In a little book ("Anglers' Uesid- eratuni," ISMJ)) the author, ('ai)t. Clarke, K. N., describes a method of eatoiiinf; ti.sh on hot sunsliiny days, which has all the earmarks of dry- ily ti.siiinp with tlic sin«rlc exception of Moalin}; the llv.

The late Einlyn M. (iill in his book "Pnictical' Drv-Plv Fisliinu" (New Vork. \\S\W\^ writes of Mr. (i. P. R. Puluiaii haviufr"" explained dry-fly methods in ISf)!." This explanation, which appears on page J:i2 ()f I'ulman's "X'adc Mecum" (185]. ;^d ed. — tiie two earlier edition.s made no imiitioii of the dry-tiy) is not of very j?reat length, so I will inchuh* it in this lirief history:

I.ct :i dry fly bo siilistitntcd for the wet one, the line switched a few times tlin)ii;:h the air to tlirow ofT its suporalnindant moistnre, a judicious cast made just alK)vo the rising fish, and the tly allowed to float towards and over them, and the chniices are ten to oni' tliat it will he seized as readily as a living insect.

Altlioiigh the foregoing leaves very little undone to be a full desiiip- lion of dr\'-fly fishing, 1 do not think that in the light of latter-day "videnee we can call Mr. Piilman a dry-fly man as the term is under- stood today. What he really did do was to emphasize the importance of the first cast with a new (dry) fly. Ilis son in a recent letter told me: "1 recollect that he (my father) often told me to dry the fly by flicking it about before taking a cast over a rising fish. He invariably lished down stream with two wet flies."

If we leave ^Mr. Piilman's description on one side as being doubtful, or of the nature of the Scotch verdict "not proven," the first real •nention in print of dry-fly fishing is found in "A Book on Angling" (Francis Francis, 1867). Although there are over four iuindred and fifty pages in this angling classic, only on three or four of them is liiere any slight reference to this new art of fly fishing. At the time .Mr. Francis wrote this book he evidently did not attach anv great importance to dry-fly fishing. David Foster ("The Scientific Angler," 1882) makes occasional references to dry-fly fishing and in .some of the later editions there is a colored plate of dry flies. In the "Badminton Library" (1885) ]\Ir. H. S. Hall gives a "short but complete treatise of the art, together with the dressings for eighteen dry flies. Both llalford and Fo.ster give ]\Tr. Hall the credit for the invention or adap- tion of the eyed hook to flies of sm;ill size such as are used for drv-fly work.

The literature relating to the art may l)e said lo liave still been in an embryotjc, if not a chaotic, state, w^hen in 1886 Frederick M. Halford publishe(l his fii-st work, viz., "Floating Flies and How to Dress Them." Bedsides fairly extensive contributions to periodicals devoted to sport, he found time in the following yeai-s to produce: " Dry-Fly Fishing in Theory and Practice"; "Dry-Fly Entomology"; "Making a Fisherv"; "An Angler's Autobiography"; "Modern Development of the Dry- Fly"; and Anally in \\)V?> "The Dry-Fly Man's Handbook." This last work has somewha.t of an analogy to Rudyard Kipling's "Day's Work. " Between its covers is epitomized the knowledge and experience of a lifetime devoted to fishing.

Of late years it has become the favshion among a certain class to question and even to ridicule some of his theories, but it should not be forgotten that Mr. Halford never put a line on paper until he had .satisfactorily demonstrated its correctness bv painstaking attention to detail and laborious study. If I may be allowed to use a distinctively

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME. 6

American colloquialism : ' ' Half ord put the dry-fly on the map ' ' ; that sums the matter up in a single sentence.

Among the other books devoted to the art I might mention "Fly Fishing," 1899, by Viscount Grey of Fallodon, or as he was known then, Sir Edward Grey.

On this side of the Atlantic besides Mr. Emlyn M. Gill's book already mentioned, the following have appeared : ' ' The Dry-Fly and Fast Water," by George M. L. La Branche (N. Y., 1914 j'; "Fishing with Floating Flies," by S. G. Camp (N. Y., 1916) ; and possibly one or two others.

The use of the dry-fly in America is of quite recent occurrence. The fact of the matter is that, until lately, our rivers and streams were swarming with fish that seemed only too anxious to rise to any artificial fiy that was presented to them ; but increasing population and better jnethods of transportation have brought many more men to the water- side in quest of sport than was formerly the case. The trout have become more wary and greater finesse has to be employed in their capture ; consequently the drj^-fly has been utilized as a means of over- coming their increased shyness. It is only to be expected that in England, with its denser population, these same conditions arose earlier than they did over here.

There are two rivers in the south of that country which are pre- eminently dry-fly streams. I refer to the Test and the Itchen. Some- time during the forties or fifties of the last century the dry-fly was first used on these waters. (See "Chalk Stream and Moorland," Russell, London, 1911).

To no single individual can be given the credit for the discovery, invention or development of the art of dry-fly fishing. I believe that what actually did happen is that difl'erent men hit on much the same thing about the same time. Their knowledge, which in the beginning was purely local and personal, became in the course of time more general, so that by the time the late sixties arrived, the art can be considered to have been fairly well established on these two rivers and on other streams of a similar character that are found in the south of England.

But although dry-fly fishing was quite common, so much so as to be considered the sole means of catching trout by some ; in fact, Mr. Halford states that the dry-fly was used exclusively on the Wandle for the last half century, i.e., since 1863. (See "The Dry-Fly man's Hand Book," p. 66). it was not the univei-sal method that it is today on these typical dry-fly waters.

"The Chronicles of the Houghton Fishing Club" were printed in 1908. This club has been in existence since 1822 and during most of that time leased or owned riparian rights on the Test. From the historical point of view there is not a great deal of information to be derived from a perusal of the Chronicles, which deal chiefly with fish caught and other matters ; but we can glean some information both useful and interesting.

In the early days when the May fly (Green Drake) was up, the club members used to catch fish by "blowing." This consisted of using the natural fly as a bait together with a long light bamboo rod and a floss silk line. The wind was allowed to carry out (blow) the bait over the water, and by proper manipulation of the rod the fly was

4 CAI-IFORNIA FlSll AND GAME.

dropped ou the surface just above a feeding trout. (Information con- tained in a letter from A. X. (lilbey, lioiiorarv secretary of the club, to the author; also see chapter XXIII, "Fisliinijr, " Vol. I, "Countrj^ Life Library of Sport" [London 1905].) "Blowing" was still practiced as late as the early nineties. The first mention in the Club Chronicles of the capture of a trout on the artificial May fly is on June 6, 1888; hut a much earlier record of such a feat on the same part of this river is made bv Col. Peter Ilawker, of Longparisli House, in his Diarv, viz, June li, 1817.

The sixties may be i-e^arded as the ti-ansition period. During thesf years the diy-fiy was bi-coming more common and the wet-Hy was fast disappearing. i\lr. -L Ernest Pain, who has lived at Chilbolton on the Test since the early seventies, told rae that an old fly book belonging to an uncle, which was used in 1860, contained nothing but wet flies.

In the seventies tlie dry-fly was almost universal. "Writing about the fishing on the Itchen from 1877 to 1880, Lord Grey remarks: "These Winchester trcut taught us the necessity of using fine gut and small flies, and of floating the fly accurately over a rising fish." Even so the wet fly had not ({uite entirely vanished from these rivers. As late as 1890 a relative of mine who had owned fishings ou the Test since 1850, told me that he never used the dry-fly and that he considered it a modern innovation that was quite unnecessary. As he had a num- ber of fine specimen fish mounted in glass cases, his contention would seem to have been fairlj^ proved; but such is not the case at all. My relative did all his fishing on his own private water where the trout Avere not harried by any one except himself and an occasional friend. There were weeks, nay months, when these fish never had a line cast over them and therefore we can readily believe that they could be taken on a wet-fly. The dining room of his Ashing cottage projected over the river. There was a short distance on both sides of the house where fishing was never permitted, but his daughter told me that when her "'ather and the keepers were away she used to catch these trout, with bread for bait, from the window. On the other hand at Winchester where Lord Grey fished, there were always a number of other men fishing and the trout became highly sophisticated. Earlier in his book Lord Grey speaks of the absolute lack of sport he experienced with the wet-fly on these waters, and it was not until he used a dry-fly that he had any success at all. ("Fly-Fishing," p. 108.) I consider that these facts amply prove the contention of most dry-fly men, viz : That fish can be and are caught with a properly presented dry-fly, which would not look at, much less take, a wet-fly.

Before the end of the last century certain rivers in England had become dry-fly waters, i.e., the use of anything but the dry-fly was prohil)ited, and it was regarded as a heinous offense to do otherwise.

The history of the art on this side of the Atlantic is brief; in fact I might almost say that it is in the making today. Dry-fly fishing has been practiced for some fcAV years on the Catskill and other streams in the eastern states and is occasionally met with on our western rivers; but the necessity for it has not arisen except in a few localities where fishermen are almost as numerous as the fish. I learned the art in the eighties, but for years I fished almost entirely with a Avet-fly, only occasionally using a dry-fly for an exceptionally cautious fish. How- ever, of late years I have found the fish much wiser and not so easy to

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

D

catch. The automobile is mainly responsible for this condition. Fifteen years ago I used to very rarely meet others bent on fishing, but nowadays I have frequently counted as many as ten uilu in sight at once lined out along the stream. Consequently I have been, for some years past, using nothing but the dry-fly; and 1 think it is only a question of time when the dry-fly will be nnich more generally used on American trout streams than it is at present.

THE YOUNG OF THE BLACK SEA-BASS.*

By Elmer Higgins.

One of the most picturesque fishes of Southern California, well known and appreciated by sportsmen and commercial fishermen alike, is the giant black sea-bass or California jewfish, Stereolepis gigas Ayres. It is a common sight to see one of these huge fishes hung up by the jaw before fish markets and on pleasure piers, surrounded by wondering tourists. But although over a million pounds are landed yearly in the markets, the fish caught all range in size from about three to six feet in length. The commercial fishermen never admit having seen a jewfish less than one and a half or two feet in length, and all declare them to be dull black in color and without markings, as are the larger ones.

Imagine our surprise then, when we discovered that certain pretty little bass-like fishes from the hauls of the boat "Albacore" were the young of the jewfish ! These resembled the huge, ugly adults neither in form, color, nor markings, as may be seen from figure 1.

Several specimens of the young of the jewfish have been taken in the otter trawls of the "Albacore" in shallow water on the Southern

Fig. 1. Young jewfish. Stereolepis gigas. Total length 7* inches. Long Beach,

California, September 13, 1919.

♦California State Fisheries Laboratory, Contribution No. 13,

CALIFORNIA FISII AND GAME.

California coast at different dates : December, 1918, specimen 1^ inches long; April, 1919, specimens 4 to 4[ inches long; and September, 1919, specimens 7^ to 9 inches long. The depths were from 4 to 15 fathoniij. The most striking change in the development of the jewfish is that of color and markings. The younger specimens are a rich brick-red in color and marked with conspicuous dark brown or black spots irregularly scattered over the back and sides. There are also white or pale yellow splashes here and there on the body, especially on the ihroat and ventral side of the tail. The vertical fins are black with conspicuous transparent edges, the ventrals black, and the pectorals pale or transparent. As the fish grows older the body color darkens and the spots become indistinct until the whole color is a uniform dark brown or dull black, except for the light patches on the throat and ventral surface of the tail wiiicli often persist even in the larger adults. All the fins become black except the ventrals, which, though tilack in the young,- are lighter than the pectorals in the adult, showing wliite membrane between the black fin rays.

The change of form in the de- velopment of the fish is almost equally as marked. Figure 2, in which all the stages are reduced to one size, illustrates graphically the change in body proportions and size of fins, from the smallest speci- men to the largest. It seems that the dorsal fin is practically sub- merged by the growth of the body, and indeed one or two of the dorsal spines are often entirely covered by the flesh. The remarkable change in the proportions of the pectoral Mud ventral fins is also evident. In the young the pectorals are about .23 of the body length and the ventrals are .40, while in the adult the pectorals are about .15 and the ventrals .12.

That the young of the jewfish or black sea-bass should be spotted or brightly marked is not surprising when we remember other closely related Serranoids which are bril- liantly marked, such as our kelp bass, the striped bass, or the groupers of Florida and the West Indies, and it is indeed strange that Ihey have not been recognized be- fore. But the bright color and the different form of the body combined with the apparent inaccessibility, since they never appear in the mar- kets, have protected the identity of FIG. 2. Changes in the development ^^^^^ giant 's young from the fisher- of the jewfish. Size of specimens : man and public until the present

a. IJ inches long; b. 4g mches ; c. 9 .■ '■ ^

inches; d. 72 inches (weight 305 lbs). time.

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

THE PACIFIC EDIBLE CRAB AND ITS NEAR RELATIVES.*

By Frank Walter Weymouth, Stanford University, California.

The edible crab of the Pacific Coast markets is familiar to most people but there are a number of other species less well known and somewhat likely to be confused with it. It is the purpose of this note to prevent this confusion. Since there are between fifty and a hundred distinct species, many of small size, on the coast, it is a mistake to imagine that any small crab is the young of the edible form. Many are so widely different that even a hasty examination will show the most uncritical that they are not market crabs, but there are four closely related species which are particularly liable to confusion and which will be considered in more detail.

The edible crab, Cancer magister, belongs to a genus which includes in the Atlantic two of the edible crabs of the eastern United States and Canada and the edible crab of Europe. On the Pacific coast there are

■	Br *sr^u» ^^r ^ ^<^.- ^^H	"0
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	'•■;;:''■.•■";■:■■ .^'V'='; '.:■■■' ' ■ ■'' ■■■ ■• ■■.//.••.v..'?	'

Fig. 3. Edible crab.

Cancer magister. Egg-bearing female, one-half natural size. San Francisco, California.

nine species of Cancer, but most of these are so small or so rare that they need not be considered. Three or four species are large enough to be used for food but only Ca^icer magister is both large enough and abundant enough to be of commercial importance and is the only

♦California State Fisheries Laboratory, Contribution No. 14. 3-425

8 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

species recognized by the protective laws. The following descriptions and figures should serve to distinguish these larger and more closely related forms.

CANCER MAGISTER. EDIBLE CRAB.

Size large, sometimes reaching nine inches in breadth across the back from point to point. The general color of the living animal is not reddish and there is no red on the lower side ; the teeth on the front and side of the shell are low and saw-like, those between the eyes are not all of the same size, and the two nearest the eyes are larger and more widely separated from the middle three; the "hand" of the large pincer has conspicuous rows of spines; the "fingers" are not black-tipped; and the last joints or "claws" of the walking legs are slightly curved, broad, thin and fringed with hairs forming swimming paddles. Seldom found between tides but usually in from one to twelve fathoms on sandy bottoms.

J

Fig. 4. Slender crab. Cancer gracilis. Male, natural size. Monterey Bay, California. The last joint of the last walking leg on the right is missing.

CANCER GRACILIS.

Size small, seldom exceeding three inches. General color of the living animal and teeth on margin of shell much as in G. magister; the "hand" is rather less spiny and the "fingers" are also not black- tipped; the last joints of the walking legs are long, curved, slender and hairless, thus differing from all the other species here described. In California not found between tides but in deeper water, usually on sandy bottom.

CANCER ANTENNARIUS. ROCK CRAB.

Size moderate, seldom exceeding five inches. General color of living animal reddish, lower side with small red spots not, found in other species ; teeth on front and sides of shell heavy, projecting and curved forward, those between the eyes much as in C. magister; the "hand" is large and entirely smooth, the "fingers" are conspicuously black-

CALIFORNIA PISH AND GAME.

^H	■■	p	IH	■PHI	■	^^H
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Fig. 5. Rock crab. Cancer antennarius. Male, two-thirds natural size. Monterey

Bay, California.

tipped ; the last joints of the walking legs are stout, nearly straight and hairy. Commonly found among rocks between tides, though also in deeper water.

Fig. 6. Rock crab. Cancer productus. Male, one-half natural size. Monterey Bay,

California.

10 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

CANCER PRODUCTUS. ROCK CRAB.

Size moderate to large, reaching seven inches. General color in lilV as in C. antcunarius though tliere are no small red spots on the lower side; teeth on front and sides of shell similar to those of C. antcnnarius, those between the eyes of ahoiit equal size and projecting forward in front of the eyes thus dilfcring from all the other species here described ; the "hand" is roughened but without distinct spines; the "fingers" are bhick-tii)ped ; and the last joints of the walking legs are straight and hairy i)ut not tiatteiied. Found usually between tides among tii(-' rocks though sometimes in deeper water.

THE PROPOSED INVESTIGATION OF THE SARDINE.-

ii.v Will F. Tiiomi'son.

The marvelous development of the sardine fishery in California warrants close attention to it and its prospects of permanency. The sardine has indeed become the most important species among the many utilized in our great fisheries. In 11)14 few were canned, but eaeli year has seen steady increase in number of canneries and in the total ' packed. It is well nigh impossible tliat this giant industry which has grown up over night should continue to orow at the rate it has in the past, but an increase is surely still to be expected. It is a growth unparalleled within the countries bordering the Pacific, and its effects are consecpiently well worthy of attention. This attention is especially due from the state, which has legal jui-isdiction over the fisheries and is responsil)le for their continuity. But such observation, it should be carefully noted, is as much for the prevention of hasty and harmful legislation as for conservation.

Moreover, many of the unsolved questions of fishery science and many of the practical questions concerning the course of the annual 'runs" of fish may expect at least partial answers from an energetic investigation of the life liistory, as has been i)reviously pointed out by the writer in P^'ish Bulletin No. 2 and in Califorxia Fish and Game, Vol. 5, No. 2. The trend of the program of investigation, ]u-actical as it is. is therefore aimed at a solution of "i)urely scientific" questions as well cus more "practical" and inunediate ones.

In order that this program may be formally on record and that it may be open to discussion by anyone, it is hereby published in the fonn of the principal questinns whidi it seeks to an.swer. Suggestions and criticism are earnestly desired from every possible source.

The law requiring this work is as follows:

It sliall l)e the duty of the fish tuifl same commission to gatlicr (hit a of the com- mercial fisheries and to i)rei>ar(> the data so as to show the real ahundaiice of the most imi)ortaut commercial fishes ; to make such iuvestigations of the biolos.v of the various species of fish as will guide in the collection and preparation of the statistical information necessary to determine evidence of overfishins ; to make such investigations as will bring to light as soon as possible those evidences of overfishing as are shown by changes in the age groups of any variety of fish ; to determine what measures may be advisalile to conserve any fishery, or to enlarge and assist any fishery where that may be done without danger to the supply.

♦California State Fisheries Laboratory, Contribution No. 15.

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME. 11

1. Will depletion occur?

To answer this we must have :

A. The catches by each boat, their character and the artificial limits affecting them, in order that comparisons may be made of the catches of the various years, and of the seasons.

B. The type of each boat and the apparatus used.

C. The method of the fishery, and the effects of such factors as the moonlight.

D. A knowledge of any decided changes in method or location of the fishery.

E. An answer to the following question, No. 2.

2. Are there great natural fluctuations in abundance, or quality, other

than those of depletion?

An answer requires:

A. The same data as are required to answer No. 1.

B. The compasition of the catches each year according to size or age, in order that we may discover whether a good catch is due to an exceptional spawning season. This implies a knowledge of the effect of selective fishing on the catch.

C. The variation in the composition of the catches during various parts of the year, so that we may be sure we are comparing the years correctly.

D. The spawning .'«eason, and its relation to natural changes in quality or local abundance.

3. Is it possible to foretell fluctuations?

This can not be done unless we know :

A. What changes are invariable each year, such as the spawning migration. B. What the success of each spawning season is. as evidenced by the abundance of the yoimgest fish. It may ])e necessary to judge of this by comparing the abundance of the youngest in separate classes, such as medium or large fish.

C What the age and rate of growth is, so that we may know how long it take.s for the fish of a given spawning season to become fit for use.

4. Do sardines migrate from one region to another?

This question is of importance because of the possible difference in food value of sardines which live in the various regions ; because -of the possible depletion of one region independently of another ; or because of the possible dependence of the supply in one region upon the sar- dines in another.

The data required are :

A. Extensive measurements to discover any physical differences between schools from different regions. For example, a differ- ence in size of the head would indicate that the schools did not mingle but were independent.

12 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

B. The early life history, especially that of the eggs and their drift with the currents.

C. The location of the various age classes of fish at the different periods of the 3'ear, so that seasonal migrations may be dis- cerned, and the simultaneous character of fluctuations in different regions may be discovered, if existent.

D. The accessibility of the schools under various physical condi- tions, to explain any absence which might erroneously be assigned to migration.

5. If depletion should occur, what measures for protection should be 2,dopted?

For the proper solution of this problem, an intimate knowledge of the life-history is necessary, but tlie following will constitute the most practicable basis for action:

A. Are the sardines in different regions independent? May one region be depleted and another not?

B. When are the sardines worth least as food? When are they most valuable to the species as spa^^'ners?

C. Upon what classes of fish does the strain of the fishery fall most heavily ?

In answering these questions it is obvious that extensive data must be gathered. We are undertaking the collection of careful statistics regarding the boats and their catches, and are observing the sardines closely throughout their season. This implies the obtaining daily of material from the canneries and fishermen. We trust that this privi- lege will be cheerfully granted, and the agents of the Commission have been instructed to use the utmost care that no unnecessary inconvenience is put upon any person or firm in the pursuit of duties required of them by law.

THE LIFE HISTORY OF THE SAGE HEN. By E. H. Ober.

The sage hen is the largest upland game bird found in California. Consequently it is not easily confused with any other bird. As a prominent zoologist has said, "It is not particularly necessary to describe the sage hen any more than the elephant, as its size and its extremely long and pointed tail proclaim its identity anywhere."

The- high open plateaus from six thousand to twelve thousand feet in elevation constitute its home, the birds seldom frecpienting country where timber grows to any extent. As a rule, sage hens do not migrate from their accustomed locality, no matter what the weather conditions may be. When snow covers the ground they resort to high brush which protrudes through the snow, where it is possible for the birds in severe blizzards to dig or scratch down to the ground at the base of a bush. At such times when the snow is deep and frozen, sage hens fall easy prey to the marauding coyote, lynx, skunk, and various other varmints that follow their scent each winter.

CALIFORNIA PISH AND GAME. 13

During clear spells throughout the winter sage hens keep on the go searching for food that has been blown over the snow. Strange as it may seem, at such times birds are the very wildest of any time during the year.

Early spring usually finds the birds poor in flesh and shabby in plumage. The females select the sunny slopes and hillsides, near springs or small running streams, for nesting grounds. A feeble attempt at building a nest is made Ijy scratching out a shallow hole in the ground at the foot of a sage bush, or other shrub. Here the eggs are laid, the usual number being about ten. In color, they are greenish and speckled with brown; in size they are about that of a small domestic lien's egg. Old male birds never frequent the locality in which their mates nest and only return when the young birds have reached maturity. The percentage of their brood brought forth each year by the nesting hens is exceptionally good considering the immense disadvantage the birds are svibjected to during their nesting period. By this I mean varmints of all sorts, early spring floods, trampling by sheep, cattle, and horses, and last but not least, the man with the gun, who formerly was always to be found following the snow back as it receded from the lower hills. Many young birds fall early prey to varmints, as the parent bird has feeble means of protecting herself or her young.

While the sage hen is nesting, and for a short while after the female comes off with her brood, the food consists mainly of the tender buds and leaves of blue brush, and wild cherry brush. After the young birds have learned to fly, they descend along the larger streams, also frequenting meadowlands, where small, tender weeds and young grasses are added to their diet. At such places the young birds will gather in large flocks and when approached by man, will stand and crane their necks and make a very faint attempt at cackling. When closely approached they usually run rather than fly.

By the last of August or early September the young birds are usually joined by the old male birds, which come off the higher slopes and ridges. These old male birds stay very high up all summer long, quenching their thirst from the snow banks.

The cock sage hen's performances in early spring are most interesting. He struts very much like a turkey, his long pointed pheasant-shaped tail spread out like a fan. The wings trail beside him, the breast nearly rubbing the ground. In some instances the breast does rub the ground, and the feathers are worn off. During the courting antics the male inflates his saffron-colored air-sacs on both sides of the neck and makes a guttural sound, stepping much as does our turkey gobbler. All of this performance is apparently directed to attract the attention of the females, which gather together old and young, big and little.

The sage hen is by nature terrestrial ; flying at best is a laborious per- formance and only resorted to as a last expedient. With much effort a bird lifts itself, but when once in the air it flies rapidly, and I have seen them sail for two miles or more before alighting. Sage hens are not suspicious birds. They generally walk or run away from an intruder, sometimes hiding among the sage bushes, where, owing to their protective coloration, it is quite difficult to detect them without a bird dog.

14 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

In October, sage hens congregate in large flocks, and feed almost entirely on sage and soon lose their gamey flavor brought witli them from their higher homes.

The principal diet of the sage hen throughout the year consists mainly and almost exclusively of sage and a great portion of bitter brusli, along, however, witli a certain amount of flower Imds and bulbs. It is about the only liii-d known tliat can eat witli i-elisli, and benefit, the leaves of our common sage brush, and subsist upon that food indefinitely. In fact, there are various kinds of herbage tliat sage hens are known to piek up during certain seasons of the year aside from sage, but such only in very small quantities.

The sage hen is one of our grandest game birds, a bird that should be carefully guarded to prevent extinction. The young birds are often alert and rise from the ground at some little distance at the approach of man on foot or horseback. If the hunter marks them carefully when they alight he has no trouble in walking within easy shooting distance. AVhen flushed, the sage hen almost always flies behind the hunter making a turn in the air just after leaving the ground, thus nudiing it a large and easy target. Like most of our ground birds it does not fly from cover at the crack of a gun.

The writer recalls about twenty years ago when thousands of sage hens made their homes in Long Valley, which is in the south end of Mono County and just northwest of Inyo County's north boundary line. At that time it was considered mere play for the cowboys to dash with their saddle horses into a large flock of sage hens, one thou- sand or more, and strike down two or three with their quirts or cow whips before the birds could possibly get out of the way. Conditions now, however, have changed. Of the thousands which a few years ago inhabited our plateaus, now only a few scattered hundreds remain. Indeed, the situation regarding the future ^velfare of the sage hen throughout California was most alarming until the stringent laws of recent vears became effective.

CALIFORNIA PISH AND GAME. 1.5

NOTES ON THE LIFE HISTORY OF THE BLACK-TAILED DEER.

By J. D. COFFMAN.

Though the ])laek-tailed deer, Odocoileus columbianus, is well knowii and widely hunted, yet its habits and life histoiy are but imperfectly known. We therefore offer the following notes, which have been com- piled in connection with a report sent the California Fish and Game Commission by the Trinity National Forest, as a contribution to the life history of this notable game mammal.

With the heavy snows on the higher ranges, the deer descend to the lower elevations and during the winter feed on such bunch grass and browse as is available, utilizing moss, mistletoe and branches broken off by snow w^here the more palatable forms of forage are unavailal)le. During this period of the year the deer travel in bands. As the snows melt away they follow^ the snow line back to the higher ranges and during May and June scatter out through the mountains. During the spring they feed on open glades, but after the middle of June most of the deer ascend to the higher slopes, feeding on tender shoots and grasses during the early summer, and almost exclusively on browse, such as hazel, oak and various species of Ceanothus (blue brush, buck brush, wedge-leaf (chaparral), and white-thorn), from early August until the acorns are ripe in the fall. Then mast forms a large proportion of their food within the oak country. In the fall, after the rains have come, deer will also dig for roots and ground shoots, and feed exten- sively on the edible fruiting bodies of certain species of fungi that develop abundantly in the timber at that season. During the summer season deer use natural mineral springs and salt licks extensively.

It is noted after extremely cold and snowy winters that a few deer appear to die from the effects of the storms, deer so d.ying being found late in the wdnter or in the early spring after they have commenced feeding on the open grass lands. For this region (the Trinity National Forest) the rutting season begins early in November and ends about the middle of December, depending a great real upon the altitude where the deer happen to be feeding, the mating beginning several w^eeks earlier in the lower elevations than at the higher altitudes. On the lower lands within the watershed of the north fork of the Eel River, in the southwestern portion of the Forest, the rutting season begins about one month earlier than the general season stated above.

It is a common l)elief among the old residents that the first heavy storm during November has considerable influence upon the rutting season. This may, however, simply be due to the fact that these storms appear usually about the time the deer start to run, and the impression may also be due to some extent to the fact that the tracks are so much l)]ainer in the snow that it creates the impression the deer have been running more, and it is probably true that the deer would move around more after the advent of snow even aside from the rutting season.

During the running season the bucks frequently fight each other, and many of the old ones have torn ears from their horned encounters with their rivals. The bucks at this time become thin, as a rule, and

4—425

16' CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

the meat is usuallj^ unfit for food eveii though the buck may appear to be in good condition.

The young are born during the montlis of May, June and July. The does first breed, therefore, when they are approximately eighteen months old. In their first breeding season they bear but one fawn as a rule, and very often but one during the second season, but thereafter bear two fawns, and in rare instances three. Until such time as the fa\\Tis are able to follow the does, they are hidden away in a brush patch or sheltered nook, while the mother feeds near by, returning to them at intervals during the day. After the fawns are able to travel, their beds or hiding places are changed frequently until such time as the fawns are able to follow throughout the day. During the first six weeks the fawns are said to have no scent, the scent glands probably not having developed as yet. This undoubtedly protects them mate- rially from their predatory enemies. Even wath this protection, probably not as many as fifty per cent of the fawns reach maturity. Most of the fawns have lost their spots by September and are weaned during the fall. The fawns usually remain with their mother until they are yearlings or until the next fawns are born, and frequently stay with her even for several months longer.

The bucks shed their antlers during January and February. During March they have only a skin covering over the old scar, and the new antlers begin to grow in April. During the months of June, July and August the antlers are in the velvet and are tender, so that the bucks remain in the open timber or around rocky places, and do not frequent brush areas. During the latter part of August and the firet half of September they rub the velvet from their horns. About November 1 the bucks' necks begin to swell, and they do considerable traveling around just previous to the rutting season.

The summer coat of all the deer is of a reddish color, and the ^^^nter coat is of a bluish-grey color and is heavier than the summer coat, the hair being longer. The winter coat is shed during May, and the summer red is worn until September, when the winter coat begins to come in again. Occasionally a white or albino deer is seen or killed, and also black deer, both being rare varieties of the common local species.

During the latter part of August and the month of September most of the deer range at high elevations and lie in heavy brush thickets as a protection against flies, and perhaps to escape hunters and their other enemies as well.

CALIFORNIA PISH AND GAME.

17

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME

A publication devoted to the conserva- tion of wild life and published quarterly by the California State Fish and Game Commission.

Sent free to citizens of the State of Cali- fornia. Offered in exchange for ornitho- logical, mammalogical and similar period- icals.

The articles published in California Fish AND Game are not copyrighted and may be reproduced In other periodicals, provided due credit Is given the California Fish and Game Commission. Editors of newspapers and periodicals are invited to make use of pertinent material.

All material for publication should be sent to H. C. Bryant, Museum of Verte- brate Zoology, Berkeley, Cal.

January 15, 1920.

"Game laws are not enacted for the purpose of depriving any citizen of his riglits, but rather to prevent such depriva- tion by assuring a supply."

FIVE YEARS OLD.

California Fish and Game is now five- years old. If you are not aware that it has grown in size, compare the first issue with the recent trout number. But physical growth is not everything. We trust that there has been a growth in the so-called "general tone" of the magazine as well. It is to be hoped that each issue acts more and more as an evangel of con- servation and that the material presented increasingly convinces the reader that California's wild life resources are worth something and consequently need to be conserved.

California Fish and Game was started as a means of moulding public opinion, for it was believed that : "The effectiveness of game protection is gov- erned by the interest of the people and the spirit of those who hunt and fish." To judge of its effectiveness in this regard is perhaps diflScult, but it is certain that there has been a growth of public opinion favoring the protection of wild life resources, and we believe the magasiine has helped in this development.

You will find in the volumes completed noteworthy facts concerning the status of fish and game in California and the means being taken to conserve it. The magazine has acted primarily in an educational and publicity capacity, but it also constitutes a record of activities and accomplishments which are of historical value.

In looking toward future numbers what more can we do for the cause? Our maga- zine has not entered the field of the sporting magazine. Articles seldom ap- pear in story form and the usual hunter's experiences recounted in characteristic fashion are omitted, and for that reason it may not be so readable. The adherence to scientific fact, however, should carry added importauce to the reading matter, even if popular and light reading is lack- ing. It should be remembered that the function of our magazine is quite different from that of a typical sporting magazine.

If California Fish and Game is not living up to its motto "Conservation through Education," let us immediately receive a set of protests from our readers.

WE IVIUST CAPITALIZE OUR RESOURCES.

More aud more we are awakening to the fact that fish and game propagation and protection is a I)usiness proposition. One of the most convincing arguments for the conservation of wild life resources is to be found in the attractiveness of fish and game to sportsmen outside of the state, who benefit the state by spending large sums of money in obtaining their sport. It is up to us to capitalize all of our resources — climate, mountain scenery, forests, fish and game. Wheu capitalized it does pay dividends. These dividends, however, continue only when fish and game are properly conserved. Had a sufiicient breeding stock of that most valuable of all the fur-bearers, the sea otter, been maintained the state would now be obtaining a return from a splen- did industry. The practical extinction of this valuable fur-bearing animal pre- cludes any return. With a little foresight California can so conserve its supply of wild life that it will form a permanent and paying attraction to the pleasure seeker. With a little indifference Cali- fornia can become bankrupt so far as invested capital in natural resources is concerned, with no hope of solvency.

EDUCATION VERSUS LAW ENFORCEIVIENTS.

Since the beginning of the educational campaign in this state to establish a public sentiment favorable to fish and game con- servation, we have continually pointed out

18

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

tlic .•KhautaKcs of tlic (•(liioatiuual lUL'ihud over that of force. The necessity of a patrol force is lary;ely due to the lack of i)roper puhlio sentiiueul. The most fundamental way of cuttinjc down the Muiul.er of violations is to let people know something about the wild life of the state and its needs.

State after state is coming to a realiza- tion of just these facts. New York is doing some splendid educational work, Michigan has been devoting a great deal of energy to an educational program, and now we note that Wisconsin has begun an extensive program of education and has been emiiloying sjieakers to deliver lec- tures throughout the state. The results have been so iiuicli woith while that an t'nlarg(>nient of the program is i)lauued. According to the Wisconsin Commission "it is tiie one thing that will save the wild life of the state and the work must be imshed vigorously. T'ntil such time as the jx'ople become educated to the import- ance of a united ])iil)lic sentiment for con- sM-vr.tion we nmsl pursue the course of warrants, courts and fines and follow the oil method of educating with the sledge himmer. teach through force instead cf reason and the more rigid the laws and th? more sev(>re the fines, the more potent the e.Tect."

FUR RESOURCES ENDANGERED.

That it is high time each state turned its attention to giving judicious protection to fur-bearing mammals is evidenced by th ' following statements given in a recent Farmers' Bulletin (No. lOTlt) of the I'nited States Department of Agriculture:

"Recently the suppl.v of peltries has been decreasing at an alarming rate. Raw-fur buyers representing all parts of the country place the decrease at from 25 to r>() pcv cent during the last ten years. I'here are no longer any virgin trapping grounds. Even in Alaska the two most important fur-bearing animals, the beaver and the marten, have became so nearly exterminated that they are now being lirotected by a clos^e period.

"Ivjiws i)rotecting fur-bearing animals are designed to keep a steady flow of peltries coming to market year after year, thereby bringing trappers a reliable income and giving regular employment to thousands of people engaged in dressing skins, manufacturing garments, and dis- tributing them through the various ave- nues of trade.

"A general protest comes from raw-fur buyers against traffic in unprime skins.

The losses caused by killing fur animals when their pelts are not prime are enormous. An educational campaign is greatly needed to prevent this waste and to perpetuate our fur-producing resorrces."'

NEW GAME FISH IIVIPORTED.

On .November 24, IDlit, the California Fish and (iame Commission received a shipment of ayu eggs on the steamer Shin.vo Marn from Japan which were sent through the courtesy of Professor C. Ishikawa, College of Agriculture at Komaha, near Tokyo (Tokyo Imperial University), Japan.

The eggs were deiMisited on cocoannt fiber and placed in four jars holding about a gallon to a gallon and a half of water each. There were also three tubs about thirty inches in diamett>r which con- tained approximately three to four pieces of fiber each. The a.vu eggs are very small, not much larger than the eggs of the shad. As soon as the consignment arrived in San Francisco the eggs were hurried to the Brookdale Hatchery and were placed in the hatching troughs at that i)lace, where the.v are at the pres-nl time. I'tjou arrival the eggs were appar- ently all dead but since this Commission is \ery anxious to give this experiment a thorough test every precaution was taken in the handling and placing of the eggs in tlie hatchery troughs in case any life should develop.

The Commission feels greatly indebted to Dr. David Starr Jordan of Stanford University, who originally corresponded with the Imperial University at Komaha near Tokyo, and it was through his efforts that the shipment was received. The ayu is a sporting fish belonging to the trout family and it will make an excl- lent fish for the anglers. It reaches a length of Si inches ; none are to be found in this country. — E. D.

CALIFORNIA FURNISHES STRIPED BASS TO HAWAIIAN ISLANDS On Saturday, November 1-"), l'.»l!t. the California Fish and (lame Commission shipped al)Out Z'^OO striped bass from 2^ to 5 inches in length to the Fish and Game Commission of the Territory of Hawaii to be planted in streams in the vicinity of Honolulu. Captain H. E. Foster of the patrol launch "Quinuat" li;id charge of the seining crew which col-

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

19

lected the fish on the Benicia flats by means of a beach seine 270 feet long, 12 feet deep, the bag of which wns i inch mesh and the wings li inch mesh. It took about three days to make the catch.

The fish were held in live cars until sufficient were collected to make the ship- ment and then were put aboard the Matson Navigation Company's steamer "Maui." Here the fish were distributed in six large salmon tierces that had been iirranged on the main upper deck in front of the office of the chief engineer, Alex- ander Ryan, who took personal charge of the fish on the trip. Each tierce had salt water circulation by means of a small pipe which had been connected up with a pump in the engine room.

In 1S74 California received the first shipment of 150 small striped bass from New Jersey. These fish were distributed in the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers. In 1SS2 a second shipment of 400 striped bass were sent to this state by tlie Ignited States Bureau of Fisheries. California has an annual catch of about ],5U0,0tM) pounds of striped bass, with a commercial value of about $150,000. Since so fine a result was obtained with a small number of fish in California the large plant of 2500 fish in the vicinity of Honolulu should assure the rapid estab- lishment of this siplendid fi-sh in the Hawaiian Islands. — E. D.

STREAMS NOW STOCKED WITH GOLDEN TROUT.

The angler who visits the Southern Sierras during the next few years will be elated to discover the streams teeming with Golden Trout. Heretofore the "most beautiful trout in the whole world" was limited to a few high mountain streams in the vicinity of Mount Whitney, and the angler was forced to take a long hard pack trip in order to secure this trout. Now, owing to the operations of the Cali- fornia Fish and Game Commission the golden trout is to be found in mountain streams from the southei-n boundary of the Yosemite National Park to the trib- utaries of the Kern River.

In the beginning Golden Trout were caught with hook and line and then trans- ported by mule pack train to other streams which were to be stocked. Now the fish are spawned and the eggs hatched at the Mount Whitney hatchery and then dis-

tribution is made. During September and October of this year large plants of golden trout have been made in the headwaters of the Kings River, thus extending the distribution of tliis fish over fifty miles to the northward. Former plants had already extended the distribution more than one hundred miles to the northward. Evei-y effort is beuig made to extend the range of this notable trout, care being taken, however, to keep a pure strain by planting in barren waters. As results of former plantings have been very success- ful, it is expected that golden trout will be available to everyone within a few years, and that the lakes and streams of the southern Sierras will be the Mecca of anglers the world over.

IN MEMORIAM.

OSCAR H. REICHLING.

It is with deep regret tliat we record the death of Oscar H. Reichling. Cash- ier of the Fish and Game Commission, which occurred on Sunday, Novem- ber 9. 1919.

Mr. Reichling was appointed a special deputy on October 24, 1903, while living at Jackson, Amador County. Impressed with the frequent flagrant violations of the laws protecting wild life, par- ticularly by the foreign element, Reichling saw that unless the laws were enforced that it would be only a short time until there would be no game or fish. As a citizen, he did what he could to stop the violations, but found that he was handicapped by not having authority to make arrests. He corresponded with Chas. A. Vogel- sang, who was then Chief Deputy, and through him received an appointment. While acting as a special deputy, he made an excellent record and when, with the advent of the Hunting License Law, it was possible to employ more regular deputies, because of his record, he was given a per- manent appointment, March 24, 1908, with headquarters in San Francisco.

As Mr. Reichling was exceedingly painstaking and accurate and had early training as a bookkeeper, it was found that he could best be used in this capacity and he was detailed to assist the late Judge E. G. Heacock, then in charge of the license and book- keeping department. Upon the death of Judge Heacock, in 1909, he was again promoted. Later he was given the very responsible position of cashier, the place he held at the time of his death.

Mr. Reichling is survived by his wife and mother and also by three brothers and sisters. He was a mem- ber of Excelsior Parlor, N. S. G. W., and Is mourned by a host of friends.

—J. S. H.

20

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

SAVE KLAMATH LAKE RESERVATION.

BIRD

California today is one of the greatest out-of-doors states in the union. Its mountains, lakes, forests, rivers and wealth of bird life attract people from every state in the country. Every man, woman and child in this state owes Theodore Roosevelt something for his far- sightedness and for his efforts in saving the Avild birds of the state. They not only owe something in the way of a cash contribution to a memorial for his far-

Klamath Lake reservation. Here was a wide, open, shallow alkaline lake ten or twelve miles long. For miles and miles around the border was a vast tule marsh, white with the nesting multitudes. The beauty of Lower Klamath Lake was in its life, the flying birds that hovered over the wide, treeless area, the calling flocks that from time immemorial have held this as their own. Around the wide border of the lake a wild swamp grass grew, nur- tured by sub-irrigation, and a great num- ber of cattle were raised here.

Fig. 7. Lower Klamath Lake, a federal bird reservation, from the west shore of the lake. An abundant tule growth on the east side of the lake forms an especially fine breeding ground for waterfowl and the islands in the lake are used as breeding grounds by cormorants, pelicans and great blue herons. Photograph by H. C. Bryant, June 9, 1914. (Neg. 1269, Calif. Mus. Vert. Zool.)

sightedness, but they owe some effort toward saving these greatest living and useful monuments which he preferred to any other kind.

Although Tjowcr Klamath Lake is a federal wild bird reservation by special proclamation and wild birds are carefully protected by both state and federal law, yet the vital defect in the whole situation is the present unfortunate condition which is bringing about the destruction of bird life on a vast scale and the annihilation of this great reservation by the drying up of the lake. The myriads of ducks, geese, wading birds and other wild fowl are at home in the wonderful marsh land, but they can not exist on the alkali flats of the desert.

Picture to yourself the condition a few years ago when Roosevelt created the

Then came the land operators and wildcat schemers and advocated the dry- ing up of the lake by cutting off its water supply from Klamath River. They said instead of a marshy waste we could have a great farming area. A dyke was built and a change has gradually taken place. Instead of the waters, we now have desert flats crusted with alkali, llie meadows of wild grass owned by stockmen about the lake have reverted to the desert because of the lack of water. The great tule marsh, as dry as tinder, and the peat two or three feet below the surface, was set on fire last spring and is now a gigantic waste, flaming in some places and slow burning under the surface in others. The migratory flocks that have fed and nested here are flying about without homes and resting places.

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

21

A. P. Davis, director of the reclama- tion service, has written Senator Cham- berlain that a recent investigation of the marsh lands around Lower Klamath Lake has failed to disclose positive evidence of their value for agricultural purposes. According to his own words "very little conclusive evidence can be found as to the agricultural value of the lands around Lower Klamath Lake."

Here is the most useless piece of de- struction of one of our greatest out-of-

rest on migrations? It is of the utmost importance that public waters be pre- served, if we are to maintain duck shoot- ing."

So says the American Game Protective Association with reference to the drainage of Big Rice Lake in Minnesota under the pretext of land for the farmer.

So say we all of us with reference to the Klamath Lake Bird Reservation and other wildcat schemes which threaten the extermination of our wild life resources.

Fig. S. Nests of pelicans and cormorants on Bird Island, Lower Klamath Lake. Photograph by H. C. Bryant, June 8, 1914. (Neg. 1276, Calif. Mus. Vert. Zool.).

door resources, and nothing gained. The whole thing can be remedied if the recla- mation service will open the dykes and let the water back into Lower Klamath Lake. Every citizen of the state should take this matter up with the reclamation service, our senators and representatives in Washington, or with the Secretary of Agriculture. If immediate action is se- cured Klamath Lake Reservation could be restored and would remain as a great living monument to Theodore Roosevelt.^ W. L. FiNLEY, >Sf^a*e Biologist, Portland, Oregon.

THE HUNTER'S LAMENT.

"Of what earthly use is it to protect waterfowl from overshooting and then take away their nesting grounds, their feeding waters and the places where they

SOUTHERN

CALIFORNIA FILMED.

FISHERIES

In order to inform the people of the state as to the wonderful fisheries which have been developed in Southern Califor- nia the past few years, the Fish and Game Commission has recently had a film made depicting the outstanding features of the tuna fishery. After spending many days aboard the launch "Albacore," of the Fish and Game Commission, the camera man secured a very fine series of pictures show- ing the methods of capturing the fish. Visits to the canneries helped to complete the film for here the whole canning pro- cess was photographed. In the film, therefore, one may view the entire process from the capture of the fish at sea to the finished canned product. Outstanding features of the film are a scene at Smug-

22

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

glers Cove showiug the fishing fleet at anchor, secured after a rough and dan- gerous landing, and scenes showing a barge being loaded wilh tuna.

This new film forms a pari of the free film service furnished by the Fish and Game Commission. Many splendid films showing wild birds and mammals in their own homes are available through the Fish and (iame Conunission's educational and )>ublicity di'pnrtinent.

SEVEN GRIZZLIES FORMERLY

EXISTED IN CALIFORNIA.

Now that the grizzly bear is extinct in California careful studies are being made of the material at hand to find out how many varieties of grizzly bear actually existed in this state.

Dr. C. Hart Merriam has published a review of grizzlies and big brown bears of North America (U. S. Dept, Agric, North American Fauna, No. 41, Feb. 9, 1918) in which it is pointed out that seven vari- eties of grizzly bear were formerly found in this state. The California coast grizzly formerly ranged in humid coast regions from San Franci.sco P.ay south to San Luis Obispo. The Tejon grizzly was found in the dry chaparral hills of inter- ior coast ranges, between the San Joaquin Valley and Los Angeles. The Sacramento Valley grizzly was limited to the Sacra- mento (and perhaps San Joaquin) Valley and adjacent foothills. In extreme north- ern California, along the Klamath River, ranged the Klamath grizzly, while further

south in Mendciciuo County was to lie found the Mendocino grizzly. The largest one formerly occurred in the Santa Ana, Cuyamaca and Santa Rosa mountain*^ ui southern California. Still another variety roamed over the southern Sierra Nevada, this one being called the Ilcnshaw grizzl\ . The Soutliei-u ("alifornia grizzly was llic largest of all the grizzlies, even larger than the great buiralo-killing grizzly found on the Kenal I'eninsula in Alaska. It was of such a huge size that the weight of a male is estimatc<l at 14(H» pounds. Tin- height at the shoulder from flat of foot of one specimen measured 4 feet. The ^ole of the largest foot, without claws, measu)"((l 12 inches in length and S in breadth. The length of an old female taken in Trabuco Canyon near Santa Ana inensuri'd (i .'ci't o inches.

Material collected by the I'nited States Bureau of Biological Survey made pos- sible this paper, which describes eighty-six different varieties of grizzly and brown bears, a large number of which are newly described varieties. Skins and skulls in the California Museum of Vertebrate Zoology at Berkeley were iTsed in llv^ studies made by Dr. Merriam.

WHEN ARE GREENHEADS MOST ABUNDANT?

A recent article by Aldo Leopold in the October number of The Condor, entitled "Differential Sex ^ligratiou of Mallards in New Mexico," brings up the mooted question as to wh^^ther female

Fig. 9. Canvashacks on Lake Morritt, Oakland, the first game rctu.i;e established in California. Pliotogiaph by U. C. Bryant, December 27, 1918.

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

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CALIFORNIA'S GAME SANCTUARIES

California is assuring a perpetual supply of game by setting aside areas where no hunting is allowed and where game is allowed to breed unmolested. The state is responsible for the creation of most of them, the federal government for others. Certain areas known as game refuges have been set aside by legislative enactment. Others known as state game preserves have been created by the Fish and Game Commission after the owner of the property has ceded all hunting privileges to the state for a period of not less than ten years. The federal government has set aside five bird reservations and protects all of the wild life within the national parks and national monuments. As a consequence game is now absolutely protected on nearly 3,000,000 acres within the State of California, an area roughly equivalent to three per cent of the total area of the state.

GAME REFUGES.

Name

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County

Area, acres

Siskiyou

Modoc

ilodoc

Trinity ,-.

Shasta

Lassen

Tehama

Plumas

El Dorado

Amador

Fresno

Tulare and Kern

Mendocino and Take

Santa Cruz

San Benito and Monterey-..

Santa Barbara

Ventura

Los Angeles -.

Los Angeles

Orange

Riverside

San Diego

Marin

Alameda County (Oakland).

8,960 ■57,000 47.560 64,000 69,000 47,580 34,400 31,000 64,000 57,600 33,400 37,600 37.000

3,400

13,760

39,680

125,440

\ 600,740

76,160 69,120 51,840 28,000

Klamath Lake _- Clear Lake

East Park

Farallon Islands Goat Island

Siskiyou

Modoc

Colusa

Pacific Ocean, near San Francisco. San Francisco Bay

*22,400 *1,600

141

♦Approximate.

NATIONAL PARKS AND MONUMENTS.

Parks—

Yosemite

Sequoia ..

General Grant .

Monuments — Lassen Volcanic

Muir Woods

*Pinnacles

Tuolumne and Mariposa

Tulare

Fresno and Tulare

Shasta, Lassen, Plumas and Tehama

Marin

San Benito

'Included in State Game Refuge No. 3B.

Estab- lished

1917 1917 1917 1915 1917 1917 1917 1917 1917 1917 1917 1917 1917 1915 1909 1917 1917

1915

1913 1917 1917 1917 1869

STATE GAME PRESERVES.
No. No. No.	5 6 7	Monterey and San Benito Santa Barbara Santa Barbara	8,570.57 j 42,000	1916 1918
		FEDERAL BIRD RESERVATIONS.

1908 1911 1909 1909 1916

1890 1890 1890

1916 1908 1908

I

I I

I I

i I

I

I I

I I

I I

I

I I

i

I

i

I

I

I

I I

I I

I

I J

24

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

ducks migrate southward earlier than the males. According to the article female mallards are most abundant in the Rio Grande Valley near Albuquerque during October. By November the preponderance of females is diminished and by December first there is a preponderance of males. The proportion of males axid females is about equal among the mallards wintering in the region. The article furthermore points out that a number of ducks banded at Great Salt Lake in Utah have been taken in New Mexico.

It may be that sportsmen in this state can gather evidence which will support or refute the statements made.

CALIFORNIA'S FIRST GAME REFUGE. Splendid publicity has recently been given the first game refuge established in California through the publication of an article entitled "Wild Ducks as Winter Guests in a City Park,'" in the National Geographic Magazine for October, 1919. The article is by Joseph Dixon, of the University of California Museum of Verte- brate Zoology, who made a careful study of the bird life on Lake Merritt, almost in the heart of the city of Oakland, and took many splendid photographs of the birds. Lake Merritt was set aside as a state game refuge in 1869, and therefore has the distinction of being the oldest refuge in the state. That the refuge is fulfilling its mission is evidenced by the great flocks of waterfowl which frequent its waters and the surrounding lawns each winter. Furthermore, the number of birds appearing is on the increase, showing that it is being utilized as a safety zone by more and more birds each year. This may in a measure be due to the systematic feeding carried on by the city of Oakland. No visit to Oakland in the winter is com- plete without an investigation of this bird sanctuary which so well testifies to the worthwhileness of setting aside areas where hunting is prohibited.

PROTECT THE WOOD DUCK.

Fortunately the duck most nearly exter- minated in this state is one which can be readily recognized by a peculiar rolling flight quite unlike the flight of any other duck, and by a long, square tail that gives it a different outline and appearance. It

possesses iridescent colors and the male has conspicuous markings. Furthermore, it practically never flocks with other ducks. There is no excuse, therefore, for killing this duck, which is protected by both state and federal laws looking towards its ulti- mate retention as a member of our fauna.

FISHES IN RELATION TO MOSQUITO CONTROL.

The United States Bureau of Fisheries in a recent publication (U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Document No. 874) tells of investigations to determine the effective- ness of fishes in eradicating mosquitoes. Experiments were made with various species of small fish, and while it was found that some varieties, such as sun fish and gold fish, destroyed the mosquito when confined in small aquaria, they were of little value in large bodies of water where other food was obtainable.

However, by a series of experiments it has been found that the Gamhusia affinis (Baird and Girard), or top miunow, can l>e made of practical value in the control of the mosquito pest. Investigations showed that this fish is especially suitable for antimosquito work because it seeks its food at the surface, where the mosquito and its larva; are found ; it is very prolific, giving birth to well-developed young and therefore requiring no special environment for egg culture; and it thrives in areas especially suitable for the support of mos- quito larvae. But experiment also showed that the top minnow must be protected from larger fish, bass especially, its chief protection being the presence of shallow water; and that there are some instances where the top minnow can not be used against the mosquito because the mos- quito sometimes breeds in water so badly polluted that the top minnow can not live therein, as in a particular instance of water polluted by chemicals.

The results of the experiments indicate that the top minnow, when planted under proper conditions, completely eliminates mosquitoes, provided the waters are kept free from protective vegetation, such as slightly submerged leaves and stems, or growths which form a floating mass; and that even though protective vegetation exists, the top minnow greatly reduces the number of mosquitoes, the number of fish

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME,

25

required for eradication depending largely, of course, upon the condition of the water with respect to protective vegetation.

BIRD PROTECTION IN ENGLAND.

A committee of the Royal Society for the ProtecLion of Birds has rf^cently inves- tigated the present English laws and has suggested many changes looking toward the reconstruction of the Wild Bird Pro- tection Acts. It is pointed out that there are numerous defects and obscurities in phraseology which have added largely to the complications which have arisen in the working of the six interdependent acts. The law has not been enforced in any general or habitual manner and has failed to protect the rare birds of the country.

The report gives first of all a historical review of bird protection laws in Great Britain, a digest of the present laws with the offenses and penalties, results of the present law, the proposed new law, and international law. Among the recommen- dations are the setting up of two schedules in the place of one, the general closed season to be from March 1 to September 1. Owners and occupiei's are to have power to kill or take birds on their land during the closed season, with the exception of the birds listed in the schedules. Listed among the game birds on schedule A with an open season each year are such birds as the skua, black-throated diver, night jar, peregrine falcon, wood lark, wood- pecker and wryneck. On the other hand, among the birds on schedule B which are given total protection are such birds as the avocet, Kentish plover, golden eagle, osprey, spoonbill and most of the owls.

The committee further recommends in- creased educational work, stating : "In order to protect birds both worker and child must know a little about them. Information regarding their character- istics and habits must be circulated. Bird and arbor schemes or their equivalent must bring light and air into the whole elementary school system. We should be glad to see a Bird Day, devoted to lectures, become a regular feature of the program of every school in this country."

THE FISHING INDUSTRY IN CALIFORNIA.

California in 1915 ranked second among the Pacific Coast states in the number of

persons engaged, in the value of its invest- ment, and in the amount and value of its fishery products. There were 4,282 per- sons engaged in the shore fisheries, 551 in the vessel fisheries, 35 in vessels trans- porting, and 3,584 persons engaged on shore in canneries, etc., making a total of 8,452 persons connected with the fisheries, as compared with 5,530 in 1004, The in- crease can be traced mainly to the shore industries.

The total investment in the fisheries of the state amounted to $5,824,203, showing an increase of nearly 55 per cent since 1904. The items making up this total are 73 fishing vessels valued, with their outfit, at .$354,375 ; 20 transporting vessels with a value, including their outfit, of $72,000; 1,429 gasoline boats valued at $1,351,110; 1,169 other boats valued at $104,816 ; apparatus, in the shore and vessel fisheries, valued at $006.944 ; shore and accessory property with a value of $2,731,390 and working cash capital amounting to $448,809.

The products of the fisheries of Cali- fornia in 1915 aggregated 93,338,703 pounds, with a value to the fishermen of .$2,506,702. This is an increase of about 44 per cent in quantity, but a decrease of about three-fifths of 1 per cent in value as compared with 1904. Among the items in the products of special importance may be mentioned 7,303,933 pounds of Chinook salmon, valued at $340,949 ; 21,- 024,190 pounds of albacore, or tuna, valued at $316,103; 6,923,563 pounds of flounders, valued at $209,766; 375,774 pounds or 53,682 bushels, of eastern oysters, valued at $165,573; 4,952,692 pounds of salted cod, valued at $161,695 ; 1,784,488 pounds of striped bass, valued at $146,928; 4,344,254 pounds of rock- fishes, valued at $146,216 ; 892,392 pounds of spiny lobsters, valued at $130,119 ; 1,414,155 pounds of crabs, valued at $124,- 870, and 5,761,929 pounds of sole, valued at $108,252 — Bureau of Fisheries, Docu- ment No. 875.

A CALIFORNIA FOX FARM.

Messrs. Lewis and Kierman, of Nevada, have started a fox farm near Pomin's, on the shores of Lake Tahoe. Six of the best silver black foxes obtainable have been purchased from Prince Edward Isle, at a cost of over $9,000, Four large fox pens

26'

CAl.in^HN'IA Fl:^TT AXD GAME.

of reiuforced heavy poultry '.viie have boon built, each equipiied with a stroup; jiouse for shelter aud wilh runways to the frrouiid. The accompaiiyinji; picture ( Fi.i.'. KM shows the favorite male fox, a little over two years of age. which pro- duced fourteen pups ou his second breed- in;.'. This fox cost .«2,100 .uid his fur is

Fig. le. Silver gray fox. A \aUiable animal imported from Prince E lwar;l Island for vise at a newly established lur farm at I^ake Tahoo. Photograph by J. Sanders.

exceptionall.\ ti)ie. .Messrs. T.owis and Kierinan expect to raise furs for the mar- ket, and it is rumored that other parties from Nevada intend starting a fox farm in the spring, also to be located in the Tahoe region. — J. II. Sax»frs.

HOW MANY SHOOTERS IN THE UNITED STATES TODAY?

I'rior to the war it was estimated thai we had at least five million .sportsmen in the T'nited States. Men in a position to know claim that this year the total will be increased at least one million and possibly more. Many of the boys who before their experience in the army had never fired a gun, wiH not be satisfied now witliout their share of Ihe sport. — /llinoix Si)()>fsw<iii. Nov. 13, 1019, p. 3.

OWNERSHIP OF WILD LIFE.

"Wild life is llic pj'operty of all the people," says the C'on.iciiaiionist. No one attempts to deny this, aud least of all the game violator. From his point of view- it is not only the properly of all the jteople. but is more ]>arlirnlarly the jirop-

erty of him who can get it. The more remote the locality where the law is vio- lated, the more deeply looted is the idea that the game is there to be taken, regard- less of law. and witliout nnicli feeling of moral olili(piit.\\ The violator has a strange feeling that some sort of jiistilica- tiou is on his side, though the law may be on the other. The point of view is that of eari.x culonial tinu^s, before tlie state had reason t(j as.scrt its ownership- — when, indet'd, game was the properly of any one who could shoot straiglil enou;;h. It is the i)oint of view of an extreme individualist.

Game is si ill ilie pi'opiMiy of everyone. Hut, whereas originally the peoi)le placed no restrictions upon the use of that prop- ert.y, they have now thrown al)out it safe- guards that are vital for its continued existence. Every citizen has a vi'sted interest in every iudividiuil biid, animal aud fish, and is defrauded, if the game is f-r eu in an\- way cotitrary to the estab- Ksl ed lilies. The i)oint of view of the man who res|)ects the law. aud iusi.sts ui)on r spect for it in others, is that of collective ownership. Ilis individual right to take game is dei)endent upon consent to do so from others.

The feeling of collective ownership is still only partly developed. The tendency to wink at violations still decreases as the sense of common ownership of wild life is strengthened. — The i^pori.'niirirn ]'<- ricir, No\-. 1."), 1019.

THE WARDEN OF GAME,

"The game protectoi's are the people's aiipointed representatives in protecting what is the pc()|)le"s own property. Their task is a hard one, but thej"^ are doing it well. From year to year, the force is constantly dev(do|)ing in cfliciency and effectiveness. an<l its memliers are respon- sible for the conservation of natural re- sources of untold value. They perform work of Ihe highest public importance and their efl'orts are deserving of the people's unqualified support and coimueu- dation." — The Coiiscrvatioiiint, May, 1010.

MUSKRAT FARM ESTABLISHED IN OHIO.

The price of furs has continued to rise until the lowly muskrat. which our fathers sold for 1<> cents a pell, now brings about

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

27

."j! I. ."»(!. II: is not surpiisiug, Ihorofore, that an (Mitei'prisins- man in Port Clinton, Ohio, has purt'liasod lt!() acres of marsh land alon.i; th(» river wliicli lie expects to tnrn into a musl<rat fur farm. TIio fact that the bodies of the animals will liring about 25 cents increases the possii)iIit.v that the project will be a success.

CANADA URGES PROTECTION OF GAME.

One of our two specie.« of swans, a curlew and a crane, are in the gravest danger of extermination now and other species will follow unless e\eryone helps to keep our promise to protect these migra- tory birds. Man has exterminated species of birds ; but not in all time can he replace a species. A species evolved through millions of .years, with its mar- velous adaptations to meet its needs, its wonderful beauty or power of flight, can be exterminated b.y man and disappear from this earth utterly and forever or it can be protected and live on, reproduce its kind, and be a delight and a source of knowledge to man. who may in some dis- tant, Avonderful time unravel some of the mystery of its origin which points back to the dawn of life, and to the Creator of all. — Pcpt. of the Interior, Oftaica, Canada.

NEED FOR DOE PROTECTION OBVIOUS.

A pitiful sight that ought to carry an eloquent message to every sportsman who has killed or who may be tempted to kill a doe. was met with by two hunters on October 4, 1919, in Bear River Canyon, about eight miles above Colfax, Placer ('ounty. The sportsmen came upon a doe which had the appearance of having been dead two, or perhaps three days, judging from the condition of the carcass and by the hoof tracks of the animal that had been made previous to a light rain that had fallen the day before. The deer had evidently traveled some distance, after having received a bullet in the lower bowels, before she fell.

The lingering death, due to poor marks- manship, in itself appeals to one's sym- pathy, aside from the fact that the law

had been violated ; l)ut that is the smaller part of the real tragedy of that lone mountain \\ood. The doe was a mother, and surrounding her remains were the tiny tracks of her fawn. The doe's bag

" — w.,. —p — - -f r-r.y-	■■*-'■ ■■'■ ^> '■■ /
■'-■ %'	.-'.:*
■-.,:'>-■•■. ..^ ■\ ■ - • . ■ ,;^.' ■ ■ :; ' . .■,«■-!■•--•.-■ , " r-fc-;.

I'lG. 11. A reason lor the protection of does. Doe, mother of a fawn, killed by law violator. Photograph by E. M. Muse.

still contained milk, and the udders were pink, as though the fawn had nursed, or attempted to do so, up to or after the mother had died.

What became of the little fawnV Like many others that have been oiijhaned under similar conditions, it perhaps re- mained beside its unresponsive mother until it fell an easy prey to coyotes ; for, not far away from the dead doe, on the dry sand bar at the edge of the river, were the unmistakable stubby-toed dog- like tracks of a large coyote.

It is to be hoped that such instances as this will i?erve to carry a story home to that brand of imiiation sportsmen who shoot without care or conscience. — Edwakd M. Muse, Sacramento, Califor- nia.

28 CALIFORNIA PISH AND GAME.

FACTS OF CURRENT INTEREST.

Several San Pedro canneries are paying $155 cash per ton for albacore. Five years ago this variety of fish sold at $40 a ton. In 1918 it was $60 to $90 a ton. Now the fisherman receives $155 per ton. Previous to 1910 albacore could not be given away and tons upon tons were carried to sea to feed the sharks.

Owing to the federal law prohibiting the sale of waterfowl and owing to the aggressive enforcement of the federal migratory bird law, very few illegal shipments of ducks have entered San Francisco during the present open season.

Striped bass fishermen report splendid fishing in the San Francisco Bay region, but the take by commercial fishermen has been below normal.

The Red River Lumber Company recently pleaded guilty to a violation of the water pollution laws and paid a fine of $200. The company has taken proper means to prevent further sawdust pollution.

The Fish and Game Commission has ordered a new patrol boat for use in patroling San Francisco Bay and vicinity. The boat will be thirty-one-foot over all with seven-foot beam equipped with a twelve- horsepower engine, and will be seaworthy in every respect.

Signs that the sardine industry is growing are evident in the recent canning operations of F. E. Booth and Company, at Pittsburg. Sar- dines caught outside the heads at San Francisco are being canned at the Pittsburg cannery. Although subject to some delay in reaching the cannery, they are said to arrive in splendid condition.

The establishment of a fur farm at Lake Tahoe and the proposed establishment of another in the same vicinity forecasts the beginning of the fur farming industry in California.

During the months of October and November, 1919. Deputy John Burke and Special Deputy Herbert Leahy made 57 arrests in San Mateo County, the fines totahng in all $1,210; 38 of these arrests, with fines amounting to $810, were made by Deputy John Burke, and 19 arrests with fines amounting to $400 by Special Deputy Herbert Leahy.

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

29

COMMERCIAL FISHERY NOTES.

N. B, ScoFiELD, Editor.

MANY FISHING BOATS DESTROYED.

For the second time in recent years great damage has been done to the fishing fleet at Monterey because of the lack of proper shelter for the fishing fleet. On Thanlcsgiving Day, 1919, ninety-two power boats were washed ashore at Monterey. Nor does this include lighters, nets and other gear, and damage done to docks and wharves. The estimated loss to the fish- ermen alone will run close to $150,000. A further severe loss will be suffered by the canners, as sardines are plentiful at this time and there will be but a few- boats to fish for them.

In England and other European coun- tries the government improves small har- bors purposely for the use of fishing smacks. It is apparent that our own government in making surveys and plans for the improvement of harbors should take into consideration the need for refuges for fishing fleets. A breakwater which

would give proper shelter for the fishing fleet at Monterey is needed, and there are many small bays along our coast which should be improved and made into harbors for fishermen's boats.

FISHERMEN'S UNION AT FORT BRAGG.

During the spring of 1919 the Fisher- men's Union at Fort Bragg established and operated their own plant for mild curing the salmon catch. Steep hillside property on the Noyo River was purchased and a 60 by 80-foot shed erected. It was necessary to grade about 800 feet of roadway on the steep hillside to connect the shed with the highway. The con- struction and grading work was done by the fishermen, most of the labor being donated. By agreement. Small & Urie canned the small salmon for the Union, the Union packing over half the total catch of nearly 3,000,000 pounds, so that

Fig. 12. Monterey fishing fleet piled on the shore after a severe storm on the day before Thanlcsgiving, 1919. Photograph by Heidrick.

30

CALIFORNIA FiSIl AND (iAME.

the season id Fort Praisrg lias bcon uii- usiially siK'ccssfiil oompariHl A^•ith other ooast points

EnooiirasiHl by this s<'ason's success, the Union has completed plans for next 3-ear at Fort Bragg which include an addition to the Noyo River shed to accom- modate a two-line cannery, ice plant and cold storage plant and the building of a mild curing house at Shelter Cove. The proposed cannery will not only handle the small salmon but also pack sardines, which are plentiful in the Fort Bragg and Shelter Co\e region.

NEWPORT BAY FISHERIES BEING DEVELOPED.

AVith work jjrogressing on the l)reak- water at ISewport Bay, Newport bids fair to become one of the important fish ship- ping iwints in Southern California. The residents of NewiMjrt and Balboa are united in an effort to develop their li.sh- eries asset to I he utmost. Already a fish packing plant is under construction and a substantial bulkhead has been built for the accommodation of boats and markets.

X(>wp(>rt is one of the principal smelt .shipping points in California, a nonnal day's shipment consisting of from four to twelve tons of these fish. With the improvement work now under way the scope of the fisheries at Newport will be enlarged greatly. Already a number of fishing boats are planning on making Newport Bay their home port. — C. S. B.

FISHING VILLAGE COMPELLED TO MOVE.

The Pacific Electric Railway Company has served notices on the fishermen and other residents of Port Los Angeles order- ing them to vacate their premises on or

Ix'foic .January ], 1020, and already the removal of this ])iclures(iue fishing village is under way. The above company has also filed a petili<m with the State Rail- road Commission asking permission to abandon service to Port Los Angeles. It is claimed the wharf is in a rickety con- dition and that traffic does not justify con- tinued sen-ice to this point. It is planned to remove the wharf at once if jjerraissiou is granted.

The village at Port Los Angeles was established mi ]!>0."» l)y II. Sano and Dick Tododic, two fishermen, and at one time contained approximately two hundred men, women and children dependent upon the fishing business. As high as ten thousand pounds of fi.sh has been unloaded at the whaif in one day by fishing boats oper- ating off I'ort IjOS Angeles ; but with the development of the fishing industry at San Pedro most of the fishing boats left for the latter i>ort. As a result the amount of fish I'eceived over the wiiarf ha.s decreased until today a normal day's shii)ment from I'ort Los Angeles consists only of approximately fifteen hundred pounds. 'i'h(>re are still about sixty Jap- anese and Russian fishermen engaged in fishing at Port Los Angeles and all of them are iilanning on moving to other points in the near future.

The wharf at Port Los Angeles was constructed twenty-eight .vears ago by cer- tain interests who planned on making this point the port of entry to Los Angeles. When built it was over five thousand feet long, but damage by storms four years ago caused the removal of about two thousand feet of the pier. It has always been one of the popular piers for anglei-s who still refer to it as "Long Wharf." During the runs of mackerel, corbina and

Fig. 13. Wharf and picturesque fishing village at Port Los Angeles, which is being moved by order of the owners of the land. Photograph by C. S. Bauder.

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

31

pompauo, approximately four luiudred rod and reel sportsmen could be counted fish- ing from the wharf. — C. S. B.

SEAPLANES TO LOCATE FISH.

It has generally been known for many years that many sea birds are dependent on their eyesight to locate their food while flying over the water. So what is more natural than for seaplanes to locate schools of fish in the same manner? Needless to say the fish canners of San Diego, who have been somewhat alarmed at the con- tinued absence of sardines which have been appearing in large numbei's elsewhere on the Pacific Coast, rejoiced at the sug- gestion of this idea.

Definite arrangements have now been made with Lieutenant Lincoln, the naval commandant in charge of operations at the Naval Air Station at San Diego, whereby regular seaplane flights will be undertaken by the navy aviators to look for schools of fish. The first flight will take place on December 15 and they will continue to patrol each day any certain portion of the sea that is desired by the canners.

When a seaplane sights a school of fish it will wire back to Rockwell Field from where the information will be telephoned to the Fish and Game Commission ottice at San Diego for distribution to the sev- eral canneries. A submarine chaser always hovers in the vicinity of a flying l)Iane so as to be near in case of an accident. So it may be that the news can be sent to the nearby fishermen the quicker by means of the wireless on these boats.

While these fiights may not be of so much value in winter because of the rough- ness of the weather, the.y will later on prove of much material benefit to all par- ties concerned when the larger fish are running. They will also settle the fact of whether certain schools of fish are running in those portions of the ocean further out than the present small fishing boats go, as the seaplanes have a four hundred mile radius of operation. It may thus be the beginning of continued pros- perity to all canners and fishermen in this section as well as of aid in the inves- tigation work of the Fish and Game Com- mission by showing routes, locations, and migrations of different fishes. — L. H. II.

AGAR-AGAR TO BE MANUFACTURED IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.

After two years of diligent research, Mr. C. Matsuoka of Los Angeles has effected an improved process for convert- ing several species of the common marine alga? found on .the Southern California coast into agar-agar, and plans are under way for the construction of a thirty- thousand dollar plant at Tropico, Califor- nia, where this product will be manufac- tured on a commercial scale. When com- pleted this plant will have a capacity of approximately one ton of dried seaweed per day, and its operation will mark the beginning of a new industry in the United States. Experiments which have been carried on by Mr. Matsuoka demonstrate that agar-agar of a much superior quality to the imported article can be produced from our native seaweeds.

There are approximately fifteen species of marine algae found on the California coast which may be used in the manu- facture of agar-agar. Among the varie- ties found in sufficient quantities for com- mercial uses are: Gelidium corneum, Gdcilium airtUagineum, Graccllaria con- fervoides, Euchcma spiiio,siiim, and various species of Tcnaa^ and GUjartcncw.

Practically all of the world's supply of agar-agar is produced in China, Japan, Ceylon, and Malaysia. During the year 1019 there were two hundred and forty tons of agar-agar shipped to the United States from Japan wdiei-e the manufacture of this product has reached the propor- tions of an important and well established industry. In the latter country only ten species of seaweeds are found which are used in its manufacture.

It is prepared for the market in two ways. One method consists in drying and bleaching the thallus of the algae in the sun. The other method consists in making a jelly of the seaweeds, allowing the water to freeze out and cutting the residue into thin strips and drying thor- oughly. The American Agar Company intends to use the latter method.

Agar-agar is one of the most useful products obtained from seaweeds. It is used in the manufacture of vegetable isin- glass, capsules, candy, paints, and culture media for bacteriological research. During

32

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

the European war it was successfully em- ployed in the treatment of war wounds. It is supplied to the drug trade commer- cially in dry, transparent ciTstals that are reduced to a coarse powder for medic- inal use. It has the natural property of absox'bing water and retaining it ; and in

medicine, the additional property of re- sisting the action of intestinal bacteria and of the digestive enzymes. It is pre- pared by boiling and may be eaten with milk or cream, or mixed with any of the ordinary cereal foods with the addition of salt or sugar.— C. S. Baudkr.

NOTES FROM THE STATE FISHERIES LABORATORY.

By Will F. Thompson and Elmek Higgins.

THE INAUGURATION OF SCIENTIFIC! WORK ON THE SARDINE. I

The past quarter has seen the inaugu- ration of a definite program of investiga- tion of the sardine. This species has be- come the most important to our commer- cial fisheries, and it is necessary that we learn something concerning its habits and that we have as detailed a knowledge as possible of the course of the fishery. A resume of the program will be found in another part of this magazine (p. 10).

In order that desired results may be obtained, Mr. O. K. Sette, formerly sta- tioned in Long Beach as collector, has been transferred to Monterey, where he will observe the sardine run throughout its season, under the direction of Mr. Thompson.

To date (November 28), the sardine run in Southern California has not really begun, only very small fish being in evi- dence. The shortage in cans has, how- ever, been the only hampering factor at Monterey.

SOME RECENT FISHERY PUBLICA- TIONS. A publication of the United States Na- tional Museum has recently appeared, describing the guano birds of Peini. As Dr. R. E. Coker, the author, states, "Peruvian guano is indirectly but obvi- ously a product of fish. The birds in this case fulfill a function comparable to that of the American factories that convert fish into fertilizer." He also says "a quantity of more than 10,000,000 tons of high grade guano is reported to have been extracted from the Chincha Islands be- tween 1851 and 1872." The pictures accompanying the report are remarkable,

♦California State Fisheries Laboratory, Contribution No. 16.

showing the great numbers of birds on the nesting places. The paper should be of great interest both to those interested in birds and those interested in fish.**

Dr. R. E. Coker has also another re- cent publication to which attention may be called, namely that on the "Fresh- water Mussels and Mussel Industries of the United States." These mussels are used for button-making in an extensive industry. The bulletin deals with phases of the industry and describes the species, although it does not review the excellent work which has been done in recent years on the strange life history of these mus- sels, for the most part by employees of the Bureau of Fisheries.t — AV. F. T.

A SNIPE-FISH FROM CATALINA. Tlie president of the Tuna Club of Catalina Island, Mr. J. A. Ccxe, gave the undersigned a very small fish, with a long snout, which he said had been picked up on the beach at Avalon. This fish proved to be identical with the Marrorhamphosus haicaiiensis desci'ibed by Dr. C. H. Gilbert from near T^aysan Island, as taken by the United States Bureau of Fisheries steamer "Albatross." A figure of this species may be seen in Volume 23, Part 2, of the Bulletin of the United States Bureau of Fisheries. According to a recent review of the species of the family, the form found in the Hawaiian Islands is the same as a species taken in East Africa, the Indian Ocean, China, and the Medit-

**Habits and Economic Relations of the Guano Birds of Peru, by R. E. Coker. Proceedings of the United States National Museum, Vol. 56, pages 449-91L Plates 53-69. Document No. 2298.

tFresh Water Mussels and Mussel In- dustries of the United States, by R. E. Coker. Bulletin of the Bureau of Fish- eries, Vol. 36. Document No. 865.

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

33

erranean, namely Macrorhamphosiis veli- iaris Pa 11 as. J

If this is true, the species is very wide- spread indeed. The writer has not had the opportunity of comparing specimens from these various localities, hence it is not possible to state positively that this species is in reality the somewhat cosmo- politan one mentioned above. That from Catalina was compared directly with the type of ]\facrorlinmpliosH,<i liawaiiensis. This is a new and most interesting record for our Pacific Coast, this form not being an active swimmer as most recently found "visitors" are.— W. F. T.

THE "RUNNER" FISH IN LOWER CALIFORNIA.

Mr. Gilbert Van Camp of the Van Camp Sea Food Company has in his possession a mounted specimen of the "Runner" of tropical seas, Elagatis bipin- nulatits (Quoy and Gaimard). It was taken at Cape San Lucas, Lower Cali- fornia, during the spring months of 1919, while its owner was engaged in operating a cannery in Lower California.

This is, in so far as the writer is aware, the sole record of this species from the western coast of North America, although known from the East Indies, the West Indies, Hawaii, India, and occa- sionally north as far as Long Island on the eastern coast of the United States.

The species may obviously be expected some time to put in an appearance on the coast of Southern California. It is one of those species commonly supposed to be widely distributed, although specimens from different regions have not been closely compared to make the fact certain.

It is to be recognized by the long dorsal and anal fins and by the presence behind each of a detached fiulet containing two rays. It belongs to the same family of fishes as does our common yellow-tail (Seriola), namely the Carangidae. — W. F. T.

THE OCCURRENCE OF THE JAPANESE HERRING.

In California Fish and Game for April, 1918, page 4, Professor Starks of Stanford University, in reviewing the herrings and herring-like fishes of Cali- fornia, briefly describes and gives an illus-

tSee Regan Annals and Magazine of Natural History, (8) 13, p. 17.

tration of the Japanese herring, Etru- meus microps. He says in part: "The Japanese herring is a common species in the Hawaiian Islands and in Japan, Specimens have been taken at San Diego, and a few years ago two specimens were sent to Stanford University from that locality with the statement that it was not rare in certain seasons. It should be looked for and its appearance and abund- ance reported to the State Fish and Game Commission."

A specimen of this species was taken with the sardines caught November 3, 1919, by the boat "Maru," near San Pedro, according to Mr. E. M. Nielsen of the San Pedro office of the Commission. The specimen was forwarded to the lab- oratory and proved to be the Japanese herring. It resembles the sardine closely enough to be difficult to distingTiish, and its appearance may be frequent despite its apparent rarity. — W, F. T.

DEEP SEA "MONSTER" CAPTURED.

Among the strange fishes taken in the fine-meshed nets used on the boat "Alba- core" for the collection of young fish, there is none more bizarre in appearance than the great-mouthed ferocious looking little monster, Idiacanthus antrostomus, Gilbert. This fish is about three inches long, jet black in color, and of slender worm-like form. A row of luminous spots are placed on each side, supposedly sup- plying light, for at the depth normally inhabited by this fish, there is little light. The head is large, the eyes small, and the mouth enormous, bristling with fang-like teeth of assorted sizes.

This species has only been recorded by Dr. Gilbert in 1890 as taken off Catalina Island at a depth of G03 fathoms. Our specimens were taken May 6, 1919, at night in but 20 fathoms, one near Cata- lina and one about 90 miles off shore, near Cortez Bank. Other closely related species have been taken, one in the mid- Atlantic from a depth of 2750 fathoms, and one from off the Chilean coast from 677 fathoms.— E, H.

MEXICAN FISHES IN CALIFORNIA PORTS.

One of the finest food fishes to come into Southern California ports during the last season was the Spanish mackerel,

34

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

ScoDibcroitui IIS siiira, which was brought to San Diego from Moxico during October in considerable quantity. These fish are rarely taken as far north as San Diego, but are said by fishermen to be plentiful on the Mexican coast, a considerable dis- tance north of Cerros Island.

Two beautiful specimens sent us by Mr. Ilelwig of the San Diego office of the Commission, are of interest, because of the arrangement and niunber of orange spots on the sides of the fish, which are more numerous than in any description of the species, and are arrangi'd in about IS or 20 diagonal rows.

Mr. Xeilsen, statistical assistant at San Pedro, informs us that a cargo of these fish was also brought to that port during the summer. — E. H.

FIRST APPEARANCE OF THE

"CRESTED BAND-FISH."

On July 25. 1010, a rare and beautiful fish was brought to the laboratory, of so strange a form that it proved quite a curiosity to fishermen and others. The

purplish tints on the head. The eye is large and placed low ; the month is small and armed with many small bristle-like teeth ; the fins are bright red, the dorsal extending from the head to the tail. The first ray of the doi-sal fin is produced, forming a high crest about eighteen inches long. Unfortunately it was broken in making the capture, but was said to bear several membranous sti-eamers which were red like the fins.

This is llie first specimen wliicli has fallen into the hands of naturalists in America. Indeed, probably not more than a dozen specimens have ever been taken, and its rarity makes its occurrence in California well worthy of note. The species was first described by Professor Giorna, of the Academy of Turin, in 1803. Like many other pelagic fishes, it is evi- dently very widely distributed. It has been taken at various other places in the ;Medit(>n'anean, at the Cape of Good Hope, and in New Zealand. Single specimens of the same or very closely related species

Crested band-fish. Lophotes cepecliaris? Taken in the surf at Long Beach, California, July 25, 1919. Photograph by V. B. Pearl.

specimen was found to be a si^ecies of Loi>]iotcs, probabl.v L. ccpcdiaiiiis, Giorna, the "crested baud-fish." The fish was found swimming feebly in the breakers at Long Beach and was caught by a couple of passers-by who waded into the surf and seized it in their hands. It was taken to a photographer by JNIr. V. E. Pearl, where the accompanying photograph (Fig. 14) was made, and the fish was then given to us.

The fish is long and much compressed, being about four feet long, eight inches deep, and only one and three-eighths inches wide. The skin is smooth, without scales, except for a single row against the dorsal fin, anil of a bright silvery color with

have also been taken near llie iSIadeira Islands and in Japan. None of the speci- mens have been taken in the fish's nat- ural hai)itat which is said to be moderate depths in the open sea, but all have been cast ashore in a greatly enf(H'ble(l or damaged cond i t ion .

Several species of Lophotes have been described but the material for study has been so slight- — a single specimen in most cases — that it is entirely doubtful whether more than one or two species exist. Our specimen differs in some resi)ects from the current descriptions of any of the sup- posed species, but it seems likely that it belongs to the first named, L. ccpcdiainis of (Jicirna. Nor is the i-ejalionsliip of the

CALIFORNIA Fiyil AND GAME.

35

family well uuderstood. Dr. Jordan, in nvlidic, for example." Thus our fish is

his "Guide to the Study of Fishes," re- marks, "It is thought that the Lophotidw may be related to the ribbon fishes, Taen- iosomi, but on the whole they seem nearer the highly modified Scomhroidei, the I'ter-

placed in the group of mackerel-like fishes which contains such peculiar forms as the pomfret, the dolphin fish, the luvar, and the square-tail — all previously i-ecorded iu > California Fish and Game. — E. 11. -x/'A'*'

CONSERVATION IN OTHER STATES.

NEW YORK ENFORCES CONSERVA- TION LAWS.

In a recent New York case a violator of the game laws was held in $1.(M10 bail and later paid a $500 fine. The fact that nothing but the highest commendation, because of the amount of these sums, has been expressed by the newspapers, is an indication of the growing detei-mination of the public to support the conservation laws. There was a time when case after case of this character was thrown out of court, or sentence suspended, largely, it would seem, from lack of a full compre- hension of the basic principles underlying the conservation law ; but the striking contrast of recent cases disposed of shows that all over the land there is an awaken- ing interest in game conservation and a determination to see that the game laws are enforced. — The Conservationist, Vol. 2, p. 94.

PROTECTION OF SOCKEYE SALMON.

There was signed at Washington on September 2, 1919, a treaty between the United States and Great Britain, having for its object the protection and rehabilita- tion of the sockeye salmon in the con- tiguous waters of the State of Washing- ton and the Province of British Columbia. The protection accorded the salmon under this treaty is such as was determined to be necessai-y by the International Fish- eries Conference which held hearings in Washington and British Columbia in 1918.

MINNESOTA AUCTIONS

CONFISCATED GEAR.

The official bulletin of the Minnesota Game and Fish Department shows a photograph of a part of the accumulated paraphernalia confiscated during the past three years. The picture shows nets and traps of all kinds and a row of more than a hundred and fifty guns and rifles. The

property was disposed of at pu1)lic auction on August 1 and 2. 1919, the net pro- ceeds accruing from the sale amounting to .$2,.592.70!

VIRGINIA FAVORS NEW TYPE OF REFUGE.

Instead of setting aside well stocked areas as game refuges, the State of Vir- ginia is planning some game preserves. Owners of tracts from 200 to 400 acres in each of the 400 odd magisterial dis- tricts are being sought who will bequeath to the commonwealth exclusive shooting privileges on such tracts. The state will then pest the areas and plant thereon mated pairs of quail, which the state will secure from Texas. The quail are to be fed for the first few weeks, but no attempt will be made to keep them within the preserve, on the theory that if they are hunted outside the preserve they will speedily learn the places where they are not disturbed.

MINNESOTA BREAKS RECORD.

During the j'ear 1918 the Minnesota Fish and Game Commission reared 333,- 792,127 fry and fingerlings. This breaks all records for the state, the output having been about tripled since 1911.

CANADA ISSUES EDUCATIONAL FILMS. The Ontario government has recently organized the Ontario Motion Picture Bureau for the express puii^ose of issuing propaganda by means of films. The Bureau now has 200 films, covering 82 different subjects, which are appearing before large audiences throughout Ontario. Of particular interest are two films en- titled "Fish as Food" and "Ontario Fisheries." More and more are fish and game resources being advertised by means of films.

36'

CALIFORNIA FISPI AND GAME.

LIFE HISTORY NOTES.

FOREST FIRES DESTROY GAME.

The forest fires in the Angeles National Forest during the fall of 1919 were very destructive to game of all kinds. The burned area covers over two hundred thousand acres of the forested canyons and ridges and brush covered hillsides (see Fig. 15).

The carcasses of deer have been found by fire fighters in many places. Gray squirrels and mountain quail have suffered severely.

I have just made a survey of conditions , in Pacoima Canyon, and the Little Tu- ' junga and Big Tujunga canyons. In the

and Azusa, where they sought shelter in vain, because the fire swept widely, over the entire brush covered hills of the south slopes of the Sierra Madre Mountains.

It was pitiful to see dozens of moun- tain quail, gathered around a little pool of water in a canyon, their feathers burned and topknots gone. In dozens of places I came across similar groups.

The greatest menace to game comes from the destruction of food. At this time the soeds had all ripened, and the walnuts, pine nuts, acorns and manzan- itas were ready to eat. These have been burned over a wide expan.se, and the

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first two, which are outside of, but adjoin- ing the Game Refuge, I saw numbers of dead rabbits, squirrels and mountain quail. Big Tujunga escaped total destruc- tion, as the flames did not crossi to the east side.

No doubt most of the game escaped death by flame and smoke, but the destruc- tion of food will lead to widespread famine later. Fanned by a high wind that blew from the desert side toward the sea, the flames in places swept away every bit of vegetation. The game had no choice but to flee before the flames, toward the foothills, near the towns of San Fer- nando, Sunland, Monte Vista, Pasadena

coming on of winter will make it hard for game to exist.

The recent rains in Southern California fell at a very opportune time, and so gently as not to cause any erosion. Three weeks after the rain the burnt over hill- sides were becoming green.

A feature of the destruction of covers for game must not be forgotten. Rabbits and quail, I found, are massing on patches of unburned territory. Overcrowding will result, and hunters will find it easy to kill most of the game in such places. A rancher at the mouth of the Little Tu- junga told me that hunters had killed sixty-eight rabbits in a forty-acre field

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

37

in a couple of hours on the Sunday after the fire, and seventy-eight the following Sunday.

There is a bright side to the picture : a great deal of food was spared in creek beds. A large crop of quail had been raised and enough will be spared for breeding next season, and the early rains have already sprouted the grass and weeds. The game will be restored in time, but nature lovers and sportsmen should work together to prevent a repetition of these fires by enlisting government, state and county aid, building roads and fire breaks and check dams in the mountains, and reforesting the burnt areas. — Charles G. Stivees, M.D., Los Angeles, California.

DOE WITH THREE FAWNS.

During the latter part of August, the writer ran across a doe with three fawns in the lava bed section of the Modoo National Forest. I was able to come quite close to the animals, which showed little signs of fear. I am quite positive that there were no other deer in that imme- diate vicinity at that time, as I had been fighting fire close by and had been all around the place where I saw the doe and fawns. I thought it unusual to see a doe with three fawns, especially as the little fellows ranged themselves alongside the doe as if they were perfectly at home and belonged there. I stood looking at the three of them and they at me at a distance of not more than thirty feet for about a minute, the old doe stamping her foot at me; then they trotted off leisurely into the brush. — Wm. S. Brown, Alturas, California.

WILD CAT EATS CHICKENS. I recently opened up two wild cats (Lynx ercmicus californicus) to see what they had been eating. In the stomach of one I found the remains of two small Plymouth Rock chickens which must have been caught at least five miles from where the cat was killed, and in the other the remains of three mountain quail. — D. W. Maxey, Gorman, California.

FOOD OF THE BOBCAT.

The wild cat (Lynx eremicus californi- cus) is still found in numbers here, as indicated by the number being trapped in

the Monterey district of the Santa Bar- bara National Forest. Wild cats feed on the smaller game animals and birds. I watched one of these animals in his attempts to secure a breakfast last sum- mer. He stole up on a covey of mountain quail, and as he flushed them, got two. I have found feathers of both mountain and valley quail, which investigation proved were left from a feast by wild cats. — H, H. Hunt.

SOUP-FIN SHARK EATS ABALONE.

In July of last year I was fishing for sharks off the bridge at Ocean Beach when the last shark I caught used my last bait (a small perch). I operated on the shark in an effort to retrieve my bait and was surprised to find an abalone out of the shell and apparently still alive, as it seemed to still have muscular action. Anyway I am positive it was taken out of the shell alive and I wondered how the shark accomplished it. The shark in question was a little over six feet long, weighed I judged about 120 pounds, and is what we call sand shark or soup-fin shark {Oaleorhinus zyopterus). — A. E. Miller, East San Diego, California.

DOES THE BARROW GOLDEN-EYE BREED IN THE SIERRAS?

The Barrow golden-eye (Clangula islandica) is a rare duck in California, there being less than a dozen records for the state. Furthermore, these records show it to be a winter visitant which occurs almost entirely in the central part of the state. However, this duck being a common breeder in the Rocky Mountain district, and having been found breeding in Oregon and Washington, it would seem possible that it might also breed around the higher Sierran lakes. Evi- dence that this is doubtless true was ob- tained this past summer. While on a pack trip from Tahoe to Yoseraite, Smed- berg Lake, in the northern part of the Yosemite National Park, was visited on August 25, 1919. On the lake were a pair of golden-eyes and six young. The adult birds were closely approached, mak- ing identification easy. In that no thought was given to the possibility of these golden-eyes being of the rarer species, no attempt was made to ascertain the shape of the white spot between the eye and

38

CALIFORMA KISH AND GAME.

the hill. However, as it is very iiuiikely that the American jiirolden-oye would be found in such a situation during the summer season, it seems reasonable to record the occurrence of the Barrow goklen-eje at the above time and place, thus establishing the first record of sum- mer occurrence. — II. C. Bkyant, Berke- ley. California.

MEADOWLARKS CONTROL CRICKET PEST.

The State of Washington, with the aid of agents of the I'liitcd Stales Department of Agriculture, has bi-cii attempting to

control the coulee cricket, which devas- tates lai'ge areas in the vicinity of Adrian, Washington. According to Mr. Max Ueeher, scientific assistant in the United Sbites Bur(>au of Entomology, western raeadowlarks appeared in groat numbers in the Dry Coulee last fall and began eating the newly hatched crickets. So efficient were these birds iu controlling the situation that arrangements for a 1!H!) control campaign were abandoned. The meadowlarks were almost entirely responsible for the complete cleanup of the area. — A. C. BuKRii.L, Forest (Jrovo, Oregon.

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME. 39

REPORTS

SEIZURES— FISH, GAME AND ILLEGALLY USED FISHING APPARATUS.

July 1 to September 30, 1919.

Game.

Deer meat 1,424 pounds

Quail 10

Ducks 63

Pigeon 4

Rabbits 51

Deer hides 8

Miscellaneous birds 19

Fish.

Striped bass — - ^ 1,3213 pounds

Black bass 22 pounds

Halibut 5,890 pounds

Catfish 45 pounds

Whitefish 15 pounds

Trout -■ 70 pounds

Salmon — 292 pounds

Perch 7 pounds

Barracuda 250 pounds

Crabs 267

Lobsters 127

Clams 457

Clams 675 pounds

Dried shrimps 3,500 pounds

Abalones (dried) 150 cases

Abalones 47

Nets (illegal) 2

Searches. Illegal fish and game 13

40

CALIFORNIA PISH AND GAME.

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CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

Mexico. ---	82,000
3,484 8,350 12,460 1.470,330 36,494 " 68,020 23 41
Total
San Ulego	III 11)1 III III 1 1 1 I III III 1 1 1 1 III III 1 1 1 1 III II! III! Ill ill III! 1 '. ! 1 < < 1 t 1 1 III
8,350 8,425
! Il i j is ! i ! II III III II III III II III III II 111 III
Ijos Angeles
San Luis' Oljispo. Santa Barbara. Ventura	s ji j i 1 1 js 1 i^ i I I i ! i 1 ! ! i 1 ! i 1 1 1 1 1 I •
Monturey	1,337 67,941
Santa Cruz	547
San Francisco, San Mateo	1,570 766 987,975 23 21
lis I J i i i ! 1 IQ 1 1 1 1 1	1 1 1 1 I 1 1
Contra Co?ta. /ilameda
Tehama. Colusa, Sutter	j I j ! j 1 1 is i
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1 ! ! I I I I III ill III; 1 1 1
Solano, Volo
Marin	III in * 1 I 1 1 r III CQ Ml 1 1 III i j j %^\ \ \\{
Mendocino. Sonoma. Lake	III 1 1 t 1 '* 1 1 1 III 1 1 1 1 III ! 1 I III! i ! ! Ill i 1 1 1 III
Del Norte, numboldt	310	1
c o s s 03	Cuttle fish Limpets Mussels Oysters (shell) Eastern No. _. Oysters (native) Snails, sea Squid Miscellaneous — Progs (doz.) ...	03 u 1 ^

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CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

43

VIOLATIONS OF FISH AND GAME LAWS. July 1 to September 30, 1919.

Offense

Game. Hunting without license

Refusin'^ to show license on demand

Making false statement on application

Deer— excess limit— close season— killing or possession „_

Female doer— spike bucks— fawns— killing or possession

Illegal deer hides

Failure to retain head and horas of deer

Hunting on posted grounds

Fur-bearing mammals— close season— killing or possession

Nongame birds— killing or possession

Shore birds— close season— killing or possession

Cottontail and brush rabbits— close season— possession

"Wild pigeons— close season— killing or possession

Doves— close season — killing or possession

Quail — close season— killing or possession

Ducks— close season— killing or possession II

Tree squirrels— close season— killing or possession II

Grouse— close season— killing or possession

Number of arrests

Fines imposed

Total game violations-

Fish. Angling without license

Fishing for profit without license

Trout — excess limit — close season — taking or possession

Trout — taking other than by hook and line

Striped bass— close season— sale— undei-weight — excess limit Black bass — close season— sale — underweight — excess limit-.

Salmon— excess limit — Sunday fishing

Crabs— undersized— close season — taking or possession

Clams— undersized — close season— excess limit — taking or

possession ;

Abalones — undersized— close season — taking or possession.. Lobsters— under or oversized— close season— taking or pos- session

Dried shrimps — possession

Illegal nets

Pollution of waters

Total fish violations

Grand total fish and game violations

54	$775 00
1	10 00
1	20 00
31	840 OO
39	2,160 00
15	300 00
8	425 00
7	175 00
4	95 00
3	30 00
1	25 OO
23	520 00
4	120 00
11	225 00
26	885 00
7	155 00
1
2	50 OO

238 $6,810 00

13

18

4

1

16 2 2 2

$280 00 275 00 150 00

25 00 495 00

50 00 20O0O

40 00

6 3	150 00 75 00
4 8 5 1	60 OO 180 00 550 00 200 00

85

323

$2,730 00

$9,540 00

44

CAI.II'OKNI A I'ISII \M) CAME.

STATEMENT OF EXPEN DITU RES— YEAR 1919.

Items of expense

June

July

August

Gcnoral adraini.stration $2,212 94

Kcsoareli, inihlicity and education 334 97

Printing

Kisli oxliil)it.<?

(ianic rxliibits

'i'alioc Campins Ground

Mountain lion bounties

Litlioyrapliiny hmiting licenses. LitliograjiliiriK angling licenses.

Hunting license commissions

.Angling license commissions

.Alarkct lishing commissions

.Sacramento district

i.os Angeles district

Launch patrol

Prosecutions (fish and game).

Crawfish inspection

AVinter game feeding

Accident and death claims

Hatchery administration

Mount Shasta Hatchery

Klamath Station

Fall Creek Hatchery

Mount Whitney Hatchery

Cottonwood Creek Station

Cottonwood Lakes Station

Tahoe Hatchery

'I'allac Hatchery

Chico Experimental Station

Fort Seward Hatchery

Kcl River Station

IJkiah Hatchery

Snow Mountain Station ^

Brookdale Hatchery

Scott Creek Station

Feather River Hatchery.-

Almanor Hatchery

Domingo Springs Hatchery

Clear Creek Hatchery

Bear Lake Hatchery

North Creek Station

Wawona Hatchery

loscmite Hatchery

Kaweah Hatchery

Fish Transplanting

Screens, fishways and water pollution. Special field investigation

Department of Commercial Fisheries.

$2,714 57 403 29

308 81

$3,037 71

228 49

1.476 71

569 58

160 00

1,257 71

210 OO

1.440 00

1.296 17 260 00

1.573 90

2,066 10

7 00

1.396 30

1,651 00

38 50

755 70

453 90

54 50

$6,693 72 $9,141 37 $8,132 76

San Francisco district $6,680 73

5,143 76

2,509 20

1,435 64

82 30

200 00

$7,196 73 5,394 08 2,566 81 1,069 94

""'i22"58'

$7,480 37

5,650 36

2,915 85

2,393 80

135 OO

100 00

124 04

124 04

284 14

$16,175 67 $16,474 18 $18,959 52

$1,215 11

2,462 24

5 00

390 95

1,444 29

$1,197 91

5,683 06

5 00

826 96

1,760 91

25 00

97 16

5 00

566 13

221 72

696 01

$983 65

6,029 26

617 07

442 03

2,859 33

500

581 36

30 00

630 76

311 01

388 05 30 00

496 02

157 00

492 30

31 00

139 15

442 98 31 00

332 70 473 56 162 57 269 03 208 25 93 76 176 P3 112 51 3 00 635 84

162 50

1,331 49

145 64

443 52

31 34

127 70

284 05

156 21

3 00

686 19

149 36

992 47

1,163 93

716 41

251 64

180 54

3 00

883 30

$10,060 65 $15,632 82 3,914 92 4,283 53

$17,132 24 5,035 21

$36,844 96 $45,531 90

$49,259 73

California Fish and Game

"CONSERVATION OF WILD LIFE THROUGH EDUCATION"

Volume 6 SACRAMENTO, APRIL, 1920 Number 2

CONTENTS.

Page

THE ABALONES OF NORTHERN CALIF0RNIA______T7iM F. Thompson 45

SOME NOTES ON DRY FLY FISHING— No. 3 R. L. M., California 50

THE MULLET FISHERIES OF SALTON SEA

Will F. Thompson and Harold G. Bryant GO

EDITORIALS ^- 6i

FACTS OF CURRENT INTEREST 73

HATCHERY NOTES 74

COMMERCIAL FISHERY NOTES 8U

NOTES FROM THE STATE FISHERIES LABORATORY 83

LIFE HISTORY NOTES 88

UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE COOPERATION 88

RE ports- Fishery Products, October, November, December, 1919 90

Fishery Products for the year 1919 93

Canned, cured, and manufactured Fishery Products for the year

1919 96

Violations of Fish and Game Laws 98

Seizures 98

Expenditures ■ 99

THE ABALONES OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.*

By Will F, Thompson.

In northern California there are found three species of abalone: namely, Haliotis rufescens, Swainson, the red ; H. cracherodii, Leach, the black ; and H. wallalensis, Stearns, the northern green abalone. Earnest search has failed to reveal the abalone of British Columbia and Alaska, H. gigantca, Chemnitz. But one of these, the tirst named, is found in numbers rendering it of importance as food. It is exceedingly difficult to gauge the absolute abujadance of this red abalone in any place without the aid of diver's apparatus. For that reason it has been judged best to give merely a record of the localities in which specimens were obtained, and a general statement as to the abundance along the various parts of the coast. H. cracherodii reaches its greatest abundance to the south- ward of San Francisco, and it is present in northern California only occasionally.

*California State Fisheries Laboratory, Contribution No. 17.

46"

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

%

Fig. 16. Red abalono (Haliotis rufescens Svvainson), from Crescent City, California

Length &\^ inches.

CALIFORNIA PISH AND GAME. 47

Abalones dwell solely along the outer coasts, but there they dwell wherever they are afforded a foothold on or beneath rocks on a coast free from loose sand and mud. The red a))alone is found below extreme low tide line and occasionally a little above, the black is at a higher level and rarely below low tide line, while the northern green abalone is found only at about low tide level as far as known. All species agree, however, in requiring a rocky, surf-beaten coast, and the localities given below are all of this nature.

Halioiis rufescens was found in some numbers in the following localities by others than the writer, if enclosed in parentheses :

(Point Saint George, rarely.) (Newliuvon Landing.)

Patriclc's Point, rarely. (Manchester.)

Cape Mendocino, rarely. Point Arena, abundant.

McNutt's Gulch, near Cape Mendocino. Arena Cove.

Mattole River, 1 to lA miles north of Busier Beach, 123 degrees 43 minutes

Cape Mendocino. west, 38 degrees 57 minutes north,

(Punta Gorda.) abundant.

Spanish Flats, 124 degrees 15 minutes dlayward's Beach.)

west, 40 degrees 20 minutes north. Saunders' Lauding, 123 degrees 40 miu-

( Eraser's Creek, near Cape Mendocino.) utes west, 38 degrees 51 minutes north.

Shelter Cove, abundant. Bowen's Landing.

(Whale Gulch to Needle Rock.) Gualala, 123 degrees 31 minutes west, 38

Bear Landing, in moderate abundance. degrees 45 minutes north.

Usal, 123 degrees 50 minutes west, 40 (Del Mar to Stewart's Point.)

degrees north. Stewart's Point.

(Rockport.) (Salt Point.)

Hardie's Creek. (Fort Ross.)

(Union Landing.) Russian River.

Abalone I'oint, 123 degrees 48 minutes (Bodega Head.)

west, 39 degrees 50 minutes north. (Toraales Point.)

Bruhel's Point (McRay's Point). Point Reyes, moderate abundance.

(Kibesillah Rock.) Dnxhury Reef.

(Hare Creek and Beaver Point.) (Bolinas Point.)

(Caspar, .39 degrees 11 minutes north, (Double Point.)

123 degrees 49 minutes west.)

From Point Saint George, the northernmost record, it was possible to obtain no live specimens, but Mr. Franz of Crescent City contributed a shell which he had kept for some time as an unusual specimen. At Patrick's Point live specimens were taken, and they were abundant enough so that eight or nine might be obtained by searching diligently throughout a low tide. Not until Cape Mendocino was reached were there sufficient numbers to render the species of importance, wdiile at Shelter Cove, about forty miles southward, there was an abundance. , From that locality to Point Reyes it might be considered that there was a slight increase in abundance when equally favorable situations were coanpared, and the effect of the relative amount of local use was con- sidered. At F'oint Reyes, the abalone has been obtained by divers, with apparatus enabling them to go to considerable depths, and it is probable that such methods could be used as far north as Shelter Cove with success. ' *-'

Haliotis cracherodii, the black abalone, reaches as far north as Point Arena, where an occasional specimen is found by local men. But one was obtained from that locality. They are also found at Duxbury Reef, and are reputed to be found now and then in the regions between Point Arena and San Francisco, but no actual evidence was obtained. In no locality in northern California do they reach any abundance,

48

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

Fig. 17. Black abalone (Haliotis cnKlirrorlii Leach), from Point Arena, California.

Length 6 ',4 Inches.

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

49

4' if '"^

Fig. 18. Northern green abalone (.Haliotis wallalensis Stearns), from Abalone Point near Westport, California. Length 4% inches.

50 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

however, which would justify calling them anything but rarities until Duxbury Reef is reached, and it is safe to say that they will never be of commercial importance.

Haliotis icallalcnsis, Stearns, is a small species distrilnited along the coast between AVestport and the Russian River, a distance of about a hundred miles. Although it is often found in numbers sufificient to be of importance to local users, it is small and little valued save for the very beautiful shells. Despite the extensive use made of abalones, the species has, to our knowledge, only occasionally been found south of the Russian River, namely at Monterey, where it is regarded as a curiosity.

It is here regarded as a species distinct from the green abalone of southern California, which it resembles in appearance. The type localit}' of the species is Gualala, where it was found by the writer in abundance, as also at Abalone Point near Westport. A single speci- men was obtained at the Russian River, and one was obtained at Monterey from Mr. Ernest Dalder. Local inhabitants often fail to distinguish it from the young of the red abalone. It reaches, however, a length not greater than five and one-half inches, has five or six open holes (instead of the three or four of the red abalone), and the edges of these holes are not elevated.

In conclusion, it is evident that there is but the one species of importance found in northern California, namely, the red abalone. and all the commercially valuable beds of that are found south of Shelter Cove, over slightly more than half the length of the coast between San Francisco and the Oregon line.

SOME NOTES ON DRY-FLY FISHING. No. 3.

By R. L. M., California.

I do not believe that any one will disagree with the statement that it requires a little more skill to cast and deliver a diy fly properly than is needed to throw a wet fly. Such being the case, w^iat are the principal factors that tend to promote or assist the skill thus demanded ? There are several, among which the rod is one of the most important.

It is true that Mr. G. A. B. Dewar ("The Book of the Dry Fly," London, 1897) is rather inclined to underrate the efficacy of first-class equipment. He writes : " It is not the rod so much as the hand which wields it that kills the trout." There is no doubt about the correctness of this statement, and if we were all as skillful as the talented author of this book, no more w^ould need be said on the subject of rods.

But unfortunately very few of us are able to devote more than a much too brief period to the delights of angling, and such being the case it behooves us to take everv advantage that we can and to obtain

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

51

everything that will enable lis to meet the trout on a more even foot- ing. Therefore we should equip ourselves with the best that modern ingenuity and skill can produce.

Casting or throwing the line out over the water is performed by the action of the rod which gets its initial impetus from the hand of the fisherman.

IV

/

v.

it

\

/ /.

Fig. 19. Diagrams showing tlie mechanics of fly casting. AUhough the tip of the rod may be moving at the same speed in a, b, and c, yet in the first instance only would the line be properly cast.

In figure 19 "a" is a diagram meant to represent the rod at two instantaneous moments, viz, at the beginning and the end of the stroke that is made when casting. The tip of the rod, to which the line is connected, moves from A to B. Now if w^e could move the tip of the rod from A to B with the same speed as in "a," but at the same time while doing this, move the lower point of the rod an equal distance, we should not be able to cast (see "b," figure 19) nearly as long a line as in the first case. And if it were possible to make a motion with the rod similar to that illustrated in "c" of figure 19, we should find that to all intents and purposes we could not cast the line out at all. Yet in all these three cases the tip of the rod (to which the line is attached) would be moving through the air at the same speed. From the foregoing we can deduce that something more than plain motion of the tip of the rod is required in casting, and by regarding "a" again we shall decide that circular, or as it is called in mechanics, an angular motion of the rod is necessary to propel the line. But why does this angular motion produce results when the others fail? The answer is found in "a" of figure 20. The weight of the line and other causes prevent the tip of the rod from moving in synchronism with the lower parts and by the time the end of the stroke has been reached the rod is bent to the fullest extent that is possible for the

52

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

particular weight or length of line being used for that individual case. The position of the rod at the end of the stroke is similar to that of a bent spring, ready to fly back to its unstrained or natural position (i. e., straight).

Fig. 20. Successive positions of the fly rod when in action, sliowins the "snap." It is the recovery of tlie tip similar to the action of a bent spring tliat furnishes tlie necessary impetus to tlie line. In b the action is too slow to be very effective, due to the bending qualities of the pole.

It is the recovery of this l)ent spring that furnishes the necessary impetus to the line. An al)solutely stiff rod Avithno bend to it at all would cast a line, Init not any length of line to speak of, and it would be a very tiring rod to use. On the other hand a rod with unlimited bending qualities would be too slow in action to be very effective (figure 20 "b").

While we have figure 20 fresh in our memories, and before going on to the other matters, I may remark that this illustration helps to demonstrate the correct manner of making a stroke with a fly rod. The easting stroke (whether backward or forward) should be started slowly, the speed should be continually increased to the end. where a more or less abrupt stop is made. This can only be done if the rod is held tightly or firmly by the hand.

Wlien fisliing with a wet fly all tliat we have to do is to lift the line off the water and cast it back again (figure 21 "a." But when using a dry fly, nine times out of ten we have to dry the fly before returning it to the water. This moans that instead of finishing off the forward

Fig. 21. Diagrams showing the mechanics of the false cast utilized in drying the fly in dry-fly angling. The line is checked before it reaches the water and is returned behind the angler, as in c.

stroke as at "8," figure 21 "a," we must be able to check the line before it reaches the water and return it behind us again. This is what is known as a ''false cast" and it may be necessary to make four or five or even more false casts before the fly is dry enough to float once again. Figure 21 "c" illustrates the manner in which the forward stroke is checked when making a false cast.

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME. 53

It is in the making of these false casts that the virtues of a dry-fly rod become apparent. Quite a number of people think that the only difference between a dry-fly rod and a wet-fly rod is that the former costs more than the latter. Such, however, is not the case by any means. If we want a rod capable of extending a line of any length backwards and forwards in the air, we must have a rod that is able to impart the necessary impetus to the line with the least amount of angular motion possible.

In figure 22 I have shown the difference between the actions of a wet and a dry-fly rod ; l)oth are supposed to have an equal length and weight of line attached to them. Now it will be noticed that owing to the greater bending of the wet-fly rod, somewhat more vertical motion is imparted to the line than is the case with the dry-fly rod. In practice (i. e., when fishing) this extra vertical motion would mean that when using a wet-fly rod for dry-fly fishing there would l)e a probability that the fly, when being dried, would either strike the water in front, or

F'iG. 2 2. Diagrams showing the difference in action between tlie wet and dry-fly rod. Owing to tlie greater bending of the wet-fly rod a more vertical motion is imparted to the line than is the case with the dry-fly rod.

catch up in the grass behind the angler ; whereas, the same length of line could be easily extended in both directions without any danger of such mishaps if a good dry-fly rod was substituted for the wet-fly rod. A dry-fly rod is able to accomplish this because it has more resilience or moi'e snap to its spring than a wet-fly rod has. We may therefore conclude that there is something more than a mere matter of price between a wet and a dry-fly rod. This difference is a structural difference and it consists of making the lower portion of a dry-fly rod much stiff er, i. e., less susceptible to bending than is the case with a wet-fly rod. Then again the middle section should be stronger or stiffer, because in the dry-fly rod the effective bending portion of the rod has to be concentrated within a shorter length than in a wet-fly rod. In both these lower sections the extra or added strength can only be obtained by putting more material, whether cane or wood, into the rod; but when we come to the uppermost portion or the tip, this must be delicate enough to enable us to use the very finest of leaders. It is a fact that a skillful dry-fly man uses finer leaders to land fish of two

54 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

pounds aud over tlian the wet-fly man would care to use for the capture of trout of a quarter of a pound or less.

Now when we carefully consider the necessary qualifications demanded of a dry-fly rod together with the fact that the weight must be kept down to very small proportions, is it any wonder that all this refinement means a somewhat higher price for a dry-fly rod than is asked for the other type of rod ? I do not want any one to run away with the idea that I am criticising wet-fly fishing. AVe are all familiar, at least I presume all my readers are familiai:, with wet-fly fishing, and T am using wet-fly methods solely as a basis for comparison. For instance, I might say "John is a very tall man." But that does not give any very exact information; but if I said "John is six inches taller than Henry" it would not necessarily mean that Henry was short (he might be a six-footer) ; but it would give one a very clear idea as to just exactly how tall John really was, provided of course that he was familiar with Henry.

Each method, i. e., wet or dry, has its own particular field of action, and when fish can be caught with the wet fly it is a needless refinement to attack them with a dry fly ; but when once a man has used the dry fly successfully, the tendency is, owing to its wonderful fascination, to continue the use of the dry fly whenever and wherever it is possible.

After having thus, successfully I hope, cleared my skirts of imputa- tion of criticism or aloofness to the wet-fly school, I will continue the original theme.

The best length of rod for all-around dry-fly work will be found to be nine feet and six inches. If, however, most of one's fishing will be done on small streams where long casts are the exception, this length can be reduced by six inches. Do not expect to get a rod of the length first mentioned of featherweight lightness. Somewhere between five and six ounces will be as light a rod as it is possible to get and still maintain the necessary strength required. A nine-foot rod will be possibly one ounce lighter. Our grandsires used much longer and heavier rods. Francis Francis ("A Book on Angling," 1867) mentions four rods ranging in weight from 13 ounces, 4 drams to 14 ounces, 6 drams and in length from 11 feet, 7 inches to 12 feet, 8 inches. He, however, preferred a double-handed rod for his own use and he men- tions two favorites, viz, 14 feet, 6 inches and 15 feet, 2 inches long. Lord Grey remarks on the wonderful accuracy with which ]Mr. Francis cast a small fly with such a large rod (p. 113, "Flv Fishing," London, 1899).

The reason why we are today using such shorter rods than formerly is chiefly owing to the introduction of the six-piece split cane rod.

David Foster ("The Scientific Angler," London, 1882) draws a com- parison between the length of rods used in Walton's time and that of those which we use now. Charles Cotton, who wrote the second part of "The Complete Angler," and which was incorporated in the fifth edition (1676), gives five or six yards as being the best length for a fly rod which should be "made of fir wood for the two or three lengths nearest the hand and of other wood nearer the top. ' ' What that ' ' other wood" was history does not relate.

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME. 55

Richard Brookes ("The Art of Angling," 1740) says practically nothing about rods, but Thomas Best, who wrote another "Art of Angling," 1787, specifies in his quaint way.

Ash 7 feet

Hazel 7 feet

Yew 2 feet

Whalebone 6 inches

16 feet 6 inches

In my copy, which is the fifth edition (1802), the same lengths and materials are given but not in this peculiar form, which reminds one of bookkeeping.

The action of these old-time rods was Avhat we should call "very slow." By that I mean that when bent they were very slow in recover- ing to a straight position. Such being the case, it was necessary to have a long rod if the fly was to be cast any distance at all to speak of. Furthermore the rods could not begin to carry lines of the weight we use today. In "Walton's time hair lines were used; during the early part of the nineteenth century a line of mixed hair and silk was the best that could be got, but when solid braided and dressed silk lines came in all the others were relegated to the scrap pile.

In connection with these ancient rods it is extremely interesting to read about the importance these old-time authors placed on the direction of the wind. It was a sine qua non with them to have it at their back. Some of them assert that it is impossilile to cast against the wind, but even when they do admit that it can be done, they say it is a very difficult feat to accomplish successfully and warn the beginner against trying to do it. Everybody, however, did not use these double-handed rods. Colonel Hawker, in the fewest possible words, votes for a single- handed rod 12 feet 3 inches long; Pulman ("Vade Mecum, " 1841) selects a "small rod about 11 feet long" and Francis Popham, who was a member of The Houghton Fishing Club from 1822 to 1858, was noted as having always fished with a single-handed rod.

Up to the time of the introduction of the close-grained ti*opical or subtropical woods there was no very great progress made in reducing the length of fly rods; but when these woods made their appearance, rod makers were not long in discovering their adaptability for light fly-casting rods. Greenhart, which is the best of all wood for this purpose (Wells "Fly Rods and Fly Tackle," N. Y., 1885), was first mentioned by Stewart in his "Practical Angler" (1857), but he classes it with logwood as being too "brittle and heavy," from which we must conclude that the greenhart he had in mind was not a par- ticularly good specimen.

Mr. W. A. Hunter, manager for C. Farlow & Company, St. James Square, London, W., writes as follows in connection with this wood:

Greenhart is not mentioned in the official records of the International Exhibition in 1851, and though our firm exhibited rods then, the kind of wood used is not mentioned, and we have no clear records left of that time.

It would seem from the above (taken in conjunction with Stewart's remarks) "that greenhart was first used in the manufacture of fishing rods somewhere about 1850-1857."

56" CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

I have quoted Mr. Hunter, because of the fact that Farlow & Com- pany have for years had a very ^roat rppntation fi^r tlu'ir sri'oi'iihart rods.

A really good greenhart rod is a delightful weapon willi which to cast ordinary fishing distances, and some of the men who have used them for a long time can not be induced or made to l)olieve that tbrre is something better than greenhart. The disadvantage of greenhart and all wooden rods is that in our dry climate they may in time become brittle, and when least expected and nearly always at an inopportune time, the.v have a habit of breaking oft' short at the .junction of the wood and a ferrule. A well-made split cane rod will itevcr break if treated as it should be. Whenever a man is seen at the waterside with a broken split cane rod, there are only tw'O possible reasons for the fracture : one is that the rod was a worthless piece of goods to l)egin with, and the other is that the owner used it for something for which it was never intended.

With the modern six-strip cane rod, owing to its strength and resiliency, it is possible to cast a heavy line, to cast it to distances undreamt of by the earlier generations of anglers, and furthermore to cast across or right into the teeth of any wind short of a hurricane.

The only advantage that a long rod can have over a short one is that more command may be had over a hooked fish ; but the rod is not the weak link in the chain ; the weakest link is the extremity of the fine gut leader ; that is really the factor that decides how much force we can use, and not the strength or length of the rod.

For comfort in fishing the handle or hand grasp should be made large enough so that no part of the hand is in contact with any metal. Furthermore the diameter of the handle should be such that the muscles of the hand do not become cramped l)y holding the rod. A rod handle that may seem comfortable enough for wet-fiy fishing becomes a verital)le torture if used for dry-fly casting owing to the fact that we have to cast so much more frequently. I refer to the false casts necessary to dry the fly. A properly shaped handle does not exactly add to the artistic lines of the lower extremity of the rod, but it is an infinitely pleasanter thing to fish with. It is a very great mistake to imagine that a rod can be made effectively lighter by paring down the handle. The balance of the rod is obtained by the weight of the reel and fre- quently, in fact nearly always, the reel and the line on it are not quite heavy enough to give a correct balance. If we take a rod into our hands and, without attaching the reel, we make a few strokes in the air with it, we at once notice that it feels top-heavy, ov in other w'ords there is a distinct sensation of weight felt. Now attach a reel or any other form of weight to the reel seat. The heavy feeling that the rod had has now vanished, or else it is not so noticeable. To arrive at a correct balance it is best to attach a moderate weight first and gradually increase it until the top-heavy sensation has completely disappeared. But note this : Sufficient weight must not be added so as to induce a too lively feel to the rod. If this is done the rod will be "over-balanced"

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME. 57

and although the effort required in casting will be reduced to a mini- mum, the accuracy and control of the line will be to a great extent lost.

The fully equipped rod should balance at a point about three to five inches above the upper end of the handle (or hand grasp) . There is no rule or formula by which this point can be found. The only satisfactory way is by the trial of various weights as already explained. When the correct weight has been found, deduct the weight of the reel and line from this, and make up the remainder by an equal weight of soft lead wire, which can be wound on to the empty spool of the reel before the line is wound on. The best type of reel to use is a contracted single action click (adjiLstable) one. With such a reel the line can be wound in as fast as with a multiplier; the spool is short or narrow but the diameter is large. The best that have been procurable up to the present have been the best grade of English made reels (See ^'Saturday Evening Post," August 9, 1919; "Very Efficient" Camp in "Fishing with Floating Flies," 1916; Geo. P. Holden "Stream Craft," 1919, says they "are exquisite"), but one of the leading American reel companies will shortly place a first class fly reel on the market.

Charles Zibeon Southand, in "Trout Fly-Fishing in America," 1914, gives a table of lengths and weights of rods and the proper weight of reel to balance them. He bases his table on the supposition that the reel should weigh half again as much as the rod. Using this table as a starting point a four-ounce rod would call for a six-ounce reel. A 3^-inch reel will weigh about, five ounces, which gives us one ounce of margin for the line. If this is not enough a slightly smaller reel weighing less could be used. However, it will frequently be found that the very light rods need a lot of counterweight to properl}^ balance them.

A 9|-foot, 6-ounce rod that I use a great deal for dry-fly fishing is perfectly balanced by a total of 9 ounces made up of reel, line and lead wire.

A tapered oil-dressed silk line is the only one to consider in connection with this kind of fly-fishing. These lines are prepared by soaking them in pure boiled, or cold pressed, linseed oil. Mr. ]\Iartin E. Mosely, one authority, advocates the former; and a description of his method will be found in Halford's "Dry-Fly Man's Handbook." A copy of this (i. e., the line dressing) appeared in "The American Angler," Decem- ber, 1918, under the heading "Dress Your Own Line." Another great authority on this subject, viz, Mr. W. D. Goggeshall (an American and past president of The Fly-Fishers Club, London), writes in. a recent issue of "The Fishing Gazette":

Never use air pump ; always put line in hot oil ; heat oil so hot that it will burn jour finger, put line in oil, keeping heat up until air bubbles seem to rise; take oQ: the fire anrl allow line to cool in oil and hang line up to dry. Better to .stretch line first, though. To get a perfect surface apply cold oil when line is stretched and dried. Be sure that evcrii coat is thoroughly dry before second coats are applied. Rub down smooth and polish with soft rag and talc powder.

Mr. Perry D. Frazier, of Ridgewood, N. J., who is the author of one or two books on angling matters, manufactures oil dressed lines that com- pare very favorably with the best imported article.

58 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

Different methods are used for gauging these tapered lini-s. Some mamifactiirers call them ''No. 1, 2, 3," etc. ; others use tlie alpliabet and specify "D, E, F, " etc.; consequently unless we know the iceic/ht of the line it is not much use spying that such and such a rod should have an **F" or "p]" line, as the case may be. The line should fit the rod. By this I mean that the line should bo sufficiently heavy to fully develop the casting power of the rod. If the line is not of sufficient weight when the easting stroke is made the rod will not be bent far enoug*h to fully develop its spring (see figure 20) and it will take considerably more effort to cast the line than would ])e necessary if the proper size or weight of line was used. On the other hand, a line that is too heavy for the rod will in a very short time completely ruin it.

For ordinary occasions, i. e., when the wind is not too strong, a 9-foot tapered leader is advisable. It should be tapered from fairly heavy gut at the upper end down to the "finest undrawn" at the lower extremity. Finest undrawn gut is approximately the same sixe as X drawn gut; but the undrawn gut is about 15 per cent stronger than drawn gut of equal diameter. These undrawn gut leaders are very scarce and extremely hard to get hold of; consequently most of us will have to be content with leaders whose fine points are made of drawn gut. Drawn gut is listed as X, XX, XXX, etc., but anything less than XXX is rather too fine for the sort of fish we hope to catch. I might mention, however, that trout of over five pounds have been caught on XXX leaders.

When a strong wind is blowing the length of the leader should be reduced to 74 or even 6 feet, but do not make this reduction by cutting off from one or other end of the leader. Get these short leaders made up just the same as the longer ones, i. c., fully tapered from end to end. I do not believe there is any economy in buying gut in hanks and mak- ing up one's own leaders. To make up a good tapered leader several hanks of gut would be required.

There are 100 strands in each hank and if they were all made up into leaders we should probably have about 70 or 80 leaders on hand. Gut does not improve with age ; consequently long before we got to the end of our leaders wc should find that they were beginning to deteriorate and in all probability the last few dozen would have to be thrown away, thus wiping out at once any paper profit that might have been theoretically possible. Some people will tell you that they always make up their own leaders and that bought leaders are no good. There is but one answer to this and it is : AVhere did they buy these poor leaders? If leaders are obtained from reputable houses and a good price is paid for them they will be all that any one can desire and much better than 99 per cent of us could make for ourselves. I always aim to use up my leaders every season and not to carry any over to the next; then I know that the leaders I am using are the best that can be got and are not weakened in the least by age. There are several substitutes for gut. They generally have queer sounding names and are not as strong as gut of equal diameter. They are more opaque than gut, and when they get wet they become so soft and limp that they do not lay the fly out over

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME. 59

the water properly ; therefore, they are not to be thought of in connec- tion with dry-fly fishing.

There are several other appliances peculiar to dry-fly fishing and I will mention them briefly. The first is the "line greaser" which is a little folded leather pad which has several sheets or folds of cloth inside. These are liberally doped with some grease, such as red deer fat, mucilin, vaseline, or mutton fat. Before commencing to fish the line (not the leader) is rubbed dow^n with the greaser in order that when it is cast it will float on top of the water. Then there is the oiling device. This may be a small atomizer, or a little bottle with a small brush, or a small metal box with some felt pads well soaked with the oil used to assist the fly in floating. Oil is not necessary to make the fly float. Before it was used flies were made to float and some men still refuse to use it ; but all said and done, oil is a wonderful help. "When it is used a fly will never become quite as wet as it will if it has not been annointed, and furthermore a wet fly that has been oiled can be dried much quicker than an unoiled fly. The dry-flies are kept in a box and not in a book, because they should not be crushed. There are numerous kinds of fly boxes on the market and I hope to give illustrations of several of them in one of the future series of these notes.

A landing net is one thing that can not be dispensed with. It should be large and have a handle of fair length. There are a number of folding nets on the market. Some are too small for anything but very little fish. A span of sixteen inches across the mouth of the net is not too much, and the net itself should be at least twenty inches deep. It is much better to have a landing net of the large size than to have one that is too small. Imagine the feelings of a fisherman w^ith a five-pound trout ready to land, and a net so small that it would be difficult to lift out the fish with it even if the fish w^ere dead. The best thing to do in this case is to throw the net away and pull out a handkerchief and, taking this in your hand, lift out the fish ; but be quite sure the fish is all in before you try to do so.

And finally there is the creel or basket in which to put the fish we expect to catch. Get a good-sized one, one that will take a two-pound trout without bending the fish. Above all things get one that is not easily opened, for tw^o reasons : if it opens easily it may act without your knowledge and dump some of your fish on the scenery ; and if it is easily opened some inquisite stranger may casually open it when there are no fish inside for the I. S. to admire and for the owner to feel proud of.

Having briefly described the implements used in the art, I propose to give a demonstration of their use in the next issue of California Fish and Game, which will be before the public just about the begin- ning of the vacation season.

60 CAlilFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

THE MULLET FISHERIES OF SALTON SEA.

Bj- Will F. Thompson and Harold C. Bryant.

The Salton Sea is, in reality, a portion of the Gulf of California, cut off by the cnlarg:emcnt of the delta of the Colorado River. It has been, consequently, evaporated to relatively ]nty]\ salinity dnringf eaeh of the long periods when the Colorado Kiver enij)tied its waters into the gulf. Geologists believe, in fact, that the river has periodically emptied its flood in to the Salton Sea, raising its level, and extending its area, just as it did during 1900. At present the Colorado is prevented from doing this by the dikes along its l)anks, built in order that the Imperial Valley may be safe, and that it may be irrigated, but the irrigating canals carry a certain amount of waste water into the sea. There are, in addition, fresh water springs, notably one called Fish Spring, which pour con- siderable amounts of fresh water into the sea.

Little is known about the fisheries of the Salton Sea before the last break in the jetties of the Colorado River. In 1905 the water of the Colorado River poured down what are now known as the New and Alamo rivers in a great flood which carried 160,000,000 cubic feet of Avater into the sea daily. The result was a great enlargement of the sea and the extensive freshening of its waters. The extension of the sea buried the Southern Pacific lines along its shores, covered the adjacent territory which at that time was beginning to be placed under cultivation, and threatened great financial loss to the Southern Pacific Company, which owned alternate sections of land throughout the ter- ritory. In 1906 the break was closed )iy the Southern Pacific ('Ompany, after a spectacular struggle. It was through this break tliat the fishes now, or recently, present, entered the Salton Sea.

During the earlier portion of the period since 1906, considerable numbers of "carp," if the indentification of others than scientists be trusted, were to be found in the sea, and some eight 3'ears ago a promoter started a company Avitli the idea of using these carp, and other fresh water fish, for oil and fertilize^. Having built flic proper buildings, installed machinery and launched boats in the sea, the com- pany was unable to operate because it was unable to find sufficient fish. At this time, Captain Chas. Davis, who came originally from New p]ng- land and was familiar with fisheries of all sorts from an extensive experience on all our coasts, went to Salton Sea to investigate the likeli- hood of extensive fisheries being built up. His report was adverse. The company for some time endeavored vainly to dispose of the equip- ment, but was unable to until they accepted Davis' offer of $500. The latter then scrapped all the machinery, turned the buildings into a pleasure resort for the people of the valley, and took up land in the vicinity when the sea had subsided sufficiently. The buildings are now more than a mile from the sea.

However, five years ago, in 1915, mullet {Mugil crphnliis) began to appear in the sea, and Davis placed weirs of wire netting along the shallow shores of the sea to impound them. He was able to obtain a

CALIFORNIA PISH AND GAME.

61

large amount of fish at times, but could not develop a market for

them at the time, even in Los

Angeles

and San Francisco. At- tempts to sell the fish in the Im- perial Valley were fruitless, the fish being named "cow-carp" and regarded as very poor. These at- tempts, however, laid the founda- tion for a later very good demand. The approach to Captain Davis' land being cut off by the overflow from irrigation ditches, he was prevented from pursuing the fish- ery until the last year, but certain Japanese and Greeks did catch ecusiderable quantities, using much of the mullet for oil, and shipping some to market. The Greeks still operate. In the last year Captain Davis has again begun shipping mullet, catching them by means of halibut trammel nets. The catches during the winter months by two men using eight trammel nets of thirty fathoms length each, com- prise but 250 or 300 pounds daily, taken in the vicinity of the mouths of the rivers, in shallow water. These fish are landed and shipped from Niland to Los Angeles or San Francisco. Captain Davis receives 15 cents per pound for the fish at the station.

The recession of the sea has made considerable trouble so far as landing the catch is concerned. As the fall is only about four feet per mile, there are great tiats covered with water only six or eight inches deep, in which a boat can not easily be moved. Captain Davis has in

Fig. 23. Captain Charles Davis, a mullet fisherman of the Salton Sea, Im- perial County, Caliiornia. Photograph by H. C. Bryant.

Fig. 24. The mullet (,Mugil ccphalus) , a desirable food fish now found in numbers in Salton Sea, Imperial County, California. Photographed by H. C. Bryant.

62

CALIFORNIxV FISH AND GAME.

a measure overcome the difficulty by making a shallow canal, up which his boat can be pulled part way by means of a picket line and the remainder of the way can be pulled with a tow line.

According to Captain Davis mullet are found in different locations in the sea at different seasons. During part of the year they are found in great numbers on the west shore of the sea in grass which grows profusely there and upon which they feed, being vegetarians. On a visit to Bird Islands, on tlie west shore of the sea, on December 18, 1919, there was no evidence of mullet, and yet at times large numbers are said to be caught in this vicinity.

The fish are at present of very large size indeed, being between two and two and one-half feet in length. The flesh is oily in the extreme,

yielding fully a quart of clear oil to the ten pounds of fish. This oil, of a delicate flavor, renders the canned mullet a delicacy, and samples put up by a Los Angeles firm were found to be very palatable. The fact that the fish is delicious should have been expected because of the very high esteem in which it has been held from ancient times, domesticated mullet being known in Europe since the times of the Romans. The species is found all along our coasts, from ]\Ionterey southward, and occasional schools are taken in every s'heltered lagoon or bay, as well as occasionally up the rivers in what is really entirely fresh water. Its occurrence in the Colorado River is not highly re- markable, and its transference to the Salton Sea would have been ex- pected by anyone familiar with its habits.

There is also present in the Sal- ton Sea a species of top-minnow Cyprinodon macularius, which is found in the streams and springs of the desert throughout Southern California and parts of Mexico. They are said to be abundant in the sea at times, and specimens were obtained for us from there and from Fish Spring b}^ Captain Davis.

It is, indeed, very questional)! e whether the mullet will exist for any length of time. The carp, and other fresh-water fish in the sea, died some years ago, according to Captain Davis' recollection, after a heavy blow which mixed the waters, drifting them ashore in great quantities. During the past two years there have been statements made to the effect that the mullet also have been found on certain shores of the lake in great quantity, apparently dead from poisonous waters. It is certain, moreover, that the sea has been steadily falling, at the rate of 4^ feet yearly, and as the sea is everywhere shallow (perhaps 25 or 30 feet

Fig. 25. MuUet fisherman with part of his catch. Photograph by H. C. Bryant, December 19, 1919.

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME. 63

deep) it is plain that it can not last long at such a rate of fall. Analysis of the water at a distance from river mouths shows it to be three or four times the salinity of ocean water. The water, moreover, is not merely saline. If such were the case, it is probable that the mullet, a salt water fish, would survive indefinitely. But as a matter of fact the water is fed from alkaline springs, and has in the past been alkaline in nature, so that the water must become poisonous rather than merely salty. Regarding this, however, there is some question until chemists are able to analyze fair samples taken annually, but the probability is very great that the mullet will be unable to exist.

The area near the center of the mullet fisheries should prove of great interest to the geologist. Mullet Island is a typical volcanic plug. At the edge of the island a number of hot springs boil out, leaving chemical deposits of several colors, similar to those of Yellowstone National Park. Captain Davis, by impounding the waters of these springs, has suc- ceeded in obtaining two different colored ''paints," and in a third reservoir a pure deposit of rock salt Near the island are some mud volcanoes the cones of which are from five to eight feet in height. A spring in this vicinity also is geyserlike in action, boiling out with con- siderable velocity periodically. Because of these natural phenomena the island is visited by large numbers of people from the Imperial Val- ley every week.

64

CALIFORNIA FISII AND GAME.

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME

A publication devoted to the conserva- tion of wild life and published quarterly by the California State Fish and Game Commission.

Sent free to citizens of the State of Cali- fornia. Offered In exchange for ornitho- logrical, mammalogical and similar period- icals.

The articles published in California Fish AND Game are not copyrighted and may be reproduced In other periodicals, provided due credit is given the California Fish and Game Commission. Editors of newspapers and periodicals are Invited to make use of pertinent material.

All material for publication should be sent to H. C. Bryant, IVIuseum of Verte- brate Zoology, Berkeley, Cal.

APRIL 19, 1920.

"There must be a balance between the agencies of destruction and those of conservation. When there is nothing left to conserve then we must give up all of our Ideas of sport." — Emerson Hough.

ADDITIONAL GAME SANCTUARIES. Through an oversight the list of Cali- fornia's game sanctuaries as given in the January number of Caijfoknia P'isii AND Game lacks the follovvinff :

Name	County	A„. Estab- ^'^^ 1 lished
4B IM	Los -\ngEl2S and Kern— Eern	23,W0 8C,640	1919 1919
3E	Santa Clara	3,840	1919

This adds a total of 107,520 acres which should have been included in the statement, making a total in all of y, 107,520 acres. Sanctuary 4F was set aside especially to protect the few ante- lope which may still exist in the eastern end of what is known as "Antelope Val- ley," in northern Los Angeles Oounty.

THE GAME WARDEN AT WORK.

The scene is laid in one of the small national parks in the Southern Sierras. A state game warden, on the look out for violators, is camped within the park for the night. A shot is heard at dusk. The warden gets up early the next morn- ing and goes to the spot from which the shot was heard and there discovers blood upon the ground. A little search also discloses the entrails, head and skin of a doe. The warden hides the head and hide and makes his way to the camp of some

woodsmen just outside of the park. A man found at the camp is asked if he has any deer meat. He replies "No." The warden notes on the back of the woodsman's hunting coat a large patch of lilood, apparently made by carrying a deer into camp. When questioned the woodsman states that he does not know what caused the spot of blood. The warden asks -per- mission to enter the cabin and make a search and is given this permission. On entering the cabin the warden discovers a flour sack filled with fresh venison. The woodsman then admits that his brother has killed a deer. He is then asked if the deer was killed within the national park and is told that it was not. The game warden then leads the woods- man to the spot where ho had hidden the head and hide of the doe and the woods- man is made to admit the fact that the doe had been killed within the national park. The outcome, of course, is a heavy fine to the violator.

In California game wardens can tell vou many such stories as the above. The violator is nearly always a man ready to perjure himself and do anything to avoid a court sentence. Talk to a game war- den and you will soon discover that it is not the detective alone who must be clever in sleuthing and in the gathering of reliable evidence, for the game warden must not only act as police and prose- cutor, but he must also be a clever de- tective, if he is to bring violators to justice.

DRY YEARS INJURE ANGLING PROSPECTS.

Dry years are coming to be viewed with Trave apprehension by the angler, for he ,':nows that his sport is always curtailed ')y a lack of water in the streams and lakes. Planting activities have been com- ing to naught as a re.*ult of the lack of water. In many streams and lakes where large numbers of fisli have been planted, and where a noticeable increase has taken place, there has been a depletion in the abundance of fish due to drought. Two power reservoirs in the Southern Sierras, Huntington Lake and Shaver Lake, although heavily stocked in the past few years, will furnish but poor angling the coming season because of the fact that thousands of fish have died

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

65

owing to the present low water and con- sequent poor food supply. Many streams when they again run bank full will con- tain but a small proportion of their former stock of fish. Every angler should look with favor on future storage reser- voir projects, for in an increase of such reservoirs lies a partial solution of the problem which presents itself with each dry year and its consequent low water.

GOVERNMENT AND FISH AND GAME COMMISSION INAUGURATE FREE NATURE GUIDE SERVICE.

So successful was the summer resort work inaugurated by the California Fish and Game Commission at the Tahoe re- sorts last summer, that it drew the atten- tion of the federal government, with the result that a similar nature guide service will be installed in the Yosemite Valley the coming summer. The Superintendent of National Parks has secured the co- operation of the Fish and Game Commis- sion to the extent of the commission's furnishing Dr. II. G. Bryant, who insti- tuted the work at the Tahoe resorts, for the Avork in Yosemite. Dr. Bryant will be assisted by Dr. Loye Holmes Miller, of the Southern Branch of the University of California.

Evening lectures dealing with wild life will be given at the various camps and trips afield will be conducted, iucludiug special trips for children. Office hours are to be arranged so that questions re- garding natural history can be answered. This summer resort work offers a splendid opportunity for the Fish and Game Com- mission to employ the educational method in making conservationists out of sum- mer vacationists. In no other way could the commission come in touch with so large a number of people in so short a period of time.

IN MEMORIAM.

CHESTER A. SCROGGS.

We regret to announce the death of Deputy Chester A. Scroggs, whose death occurred January 29, 1920, after a short illness at his home in Loomis, Placer County.

Deputy Scroggs was appointed special deputy June 19, 1908, and regu-

lar deputy September 1, 1911. He was attached to the Sacramento Division, and for three years up to the time of his death was in charge of the launch patrol of the district. By his activity and thoroughness Ue developed this arm of the service up to its present stage of efficiency.

Chester Scroggs was utterly fearless and resolute In the discharge of his duly. He believed the fish and game laws were placed on the statute books to be enforced. There was no ob- stacle or hindrance too great to deter him from his duty as he understood it. Nothing co;;ld deviate him from his purpose. If he had a fault it was over-zealousness — if that can be termed a fault. He had no censure for any but the slacker of duty. Still he was fair and conscientious in his dealings with violators with whom he came in contact. They both feared and respected him.

At the time of his death he was forty years of age. He is survived by a widow and two small children, a boy and a girl, also a sister. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Order of Elks.

He is mourned by his many friends in private life and his brother workers on the Fish and Game Commission.

FOREST NESBITT.

Deputy Fish and Game Commis- sioner Forest Nesbitt died of pneu- monia at his home in Salinas, Friday, March 5, 1920, after only a few days illr-ess following a severe cold con- tracted while on patrol duty.

Mr. Nesbitt was appointed Deputy Fish and Game Commissioner, Decem- Ler 1, 1917, after qualifying by civil service examination. During his time of service, he proved his fitness for the trust that was placed In him. His training under his father, who has been sheriff of Monterey County for many years, gave him previous experience that was of the greatest value. In every prosecution his fair- ness was apparent. No one was taken into court unless their guilt was cer- tain. Believing in the strict enforce- ment of the laws protecting wild life, his influence brought about a better compliance with the law in every sec- tion to which his work took him.

To the father, mother and wife and others that were near and dear to him, the Commissioners and fellow- employees extend their heartfelt sym- pathy.

66

cMjIfornia fish and game.

FOREST OFFICERS' REPORTS.

For several years past the Forest Serv- ice has, through the medium of annual reports from each supervisor, furnished valuable information as to the distribution and past and prosent status of fish and game. During the coming year forest officers are to furnish information accord- ing to the following outline recently sub- mitted to them. As can be seen the out- line emphasizes knowledge as to distri- bution and life history of the more notable species.

LIFE HISTORY.

A. Big Game.

Moose, elk, antelope, mountain sheep, white-tailed deer, black-tailed deer, black and brown bear, silver tip or grizzly bear.

Mating and breeding habits, number and care of young, food and range at various seasons of the year, condition and abund- ance, diseases and effect of climatic con- ditions, rutting season, when young are born, when are horns shed, any other information bearing upon the desirability of the species or its adaptability for ex- tension work.

B. Game Birds.

Ducks and geese and other waterfowl, if any; grouse, give exact species found; quail, partridge, pheasants, ptarmigan, etc. Anything relative to their breeding and nesting season and habits. When eggs are laid and number of young, abundance or scarcity.

C. Small Game.

Rabbits, tree squirrels. Their relation to forestry and value as game animals, abundance, or scarcity, need for protec- tion, if any.

D. Fur Bearing Animals.

Species found in locality, breeding habits, season when fur is prime and value. Any available information as to the extent of the local trapping industry. Special attention to beavers.

E. Insectivorous and Song Birds.

List various species found together with all interesting information at hand concerning life history and habits.

F. Predatory Animals.

Wolves, coyotes, mountain lions, foxes (various species found), wild cats, lynxes, etc. Specific cases of loss by predatory animals.

Damage done by these species to game. Abundance or scarcity. Range and food at various seasons. Any useful informa- tion in exterminating them not hitherto reported.

(Note — Several of the species listed may also be discussed under Fur Bearing Animals.)

G. Predatory Birds.

Eagles, hawks, etc., various species found. Amount of damage they do to game animals and birds. Life history and habits.

H. Fi.sh.

Trout — ^rainbow, eastern brook, native and others. Bass — small and large mouth. Oilier game fish — abundance or scarcity of species, spawning season, migration, character of water best adapted to each, use of fish ladders and screens. Informa- tion as to any successful device for screen- ing headgates or ditches is especially de- sired.

Streams needing stocking; number of fish needed for each, with specific shipping instructions. Cost to Forest Service, amount of cooperation, etc.

DISTRIBUTION.

In submitting the above report, infor- mation which will extend the known ranges of the following mammals and birds is very much desired. Below you will find a list giving you a brief sum- mary of the range of each species. If you locate definite records of the occur- rence of any of these birds or mammals outside of the limits given, do not fail to submit evidence. The best evidence is a specimen. Ship specimens direct to II. C. Bryant, Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, Berkeley, California, by express, carefully marked "specimens for scientific pur- poses." We are especially anxious to get specimens of deer taken in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties and throughout the Sierras to outline more accurately the range of various species. Specimens should be taken during the open seasons. Permits will be issued on ap- plication for protected species.

White-tailed Deer.

Range — Said to have formerly occurred in extreme Eastern and Northeastern (""alifornia, chiefly in the Modoc region. Many accounts by hunters, but no verified or recent report.

Columbian Black-tailed Deer.

Ihiufic — Northwest coast region, chiefly in the Transition (yellow pine belt) and Boreal (Lodgepole pine belt upward) zones; cast throughout the inner coast ranges to the Sacramento Valley, and at the north to and including Mount Shasta and near vicinity; south to the north side of San Francisco Bay.

Southern Biack-tailed Deer.

Rauffc — Transition and high Upper Sonoran (chapparal belt) zones south

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

67

from San Francisco Bay through the Santa Cruz district, at least into Monterey and San Benito counties.

Rocky Mountain Mule Deer.

Range — Eastern California, including main Sierra Nevada south into Kern County and north to vicinity of Mount Lassen, thence northeast through the Mo- doc region. Western limit at extreme north, Mount Shasta (Kowiey, M. S.). Not in the desert ranges east of Owens Valley except in winter. Occurs in sum- mer on the high Sierras up to timberline ; in winter most numerous in the foothills.

California Mule Deer.

Range — Upper Sonoran and Transition zones of Southern California west of the desert proper, from the Mexican line northwest through the San Diegan district at least to San Luis Obispo County, and east through the Tejon region to the Tehachapi Mountains.

Desert Mule Deer.

Range — Imperial Valley.

Northwestern Timber Wolf.

Range — Northern California, and south along the Sierra Nevada. Now rare or extinct. The number of records (e. g.. Price, Zoe, 4, 1894, p. 331) and reports from the region specified carries convic- tion that a wolf of some form has oc- curred as above indicated. But lack of specimens brings doubt as to the race represented.

Sierra Nevada Wolverine.

Range — Boreal zone on the Sierra Ne- vada, from the vicinity of Mount Shasta, south through Lake Tahoe region to Monache Meadows, Tulare County.

Yellow-haired Porcupine.

Range — High Transition (yellow pine belt) and Boreal (Lodgepole pine belt upward) zones along the Siei-ra Nevada, from Mount Shasta to the vicinity of Mount Whitney.

Sierra Grouse.

Range — Common resident of coniferous timber in the upper Transition and Can- adian zones of northern California from Mount Shasta south along the inner coast ranges at least to Mount Sauhedrin, and along the Sierra Nevada south through the ^Nlouut Whituej' region to the Piute Mountains, Kern County. Also on the Warner Mountains of Modoc County, on the White Mountains, Mono County, and on Mount Pinos, Ventura County.

KECOED ANY KECENT OCCURBENCE OF : Grizzly Bear.

Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse.

Former range — Occurred formerly as a fairly common resident on the Transi- tion plains of the Modoc region ; Canoe Creek, .W miles northeast of Fort Read- ing, and upper Pit River ; Camp Bidwell.

No information is at hand confirming its existence within the state at the present time.

Sandhill Crane.

(Especially record of nesting.)

Range — Fairly common summer visitant to the northward interiorly ; at least a few winter in the San Joaquin Valley. Recorded as bi'eeding in the northeastern corner of the state ; summer records also from Alpine Meadows of the Northern Sierras (several records), and from the San Joaquin Valley south to the Tulare Lake region.

Breeding of ducks, geese and jacksnipe in the Sierra region.

A BILL TO ESTABLISH GAME SANC- TUARIES IN NATIONAL FORESTS.

With the view that certain areas within the national forests may be set apart as game sanctuaries, a bill was introduced in the United States Senate on June 21, 1919, by Senator Nelson, looking toward the dedication of more of the national lands to conservation purposes. The national parks and monuments have for some time been set apart as game refuges, and the bill in question would also set apart sections of the national forests to the preservation of our wild life. This bill covers practically the same points as a bill previously introduced by Senator Chamberlain, but which never came to a vote by the Senate. The Nelson bill covers the following propositions :

Section 1. A federal law empowering the secretary of agriculture to select areas in national forests suitable for game sanctuaries ; these sanctuaries to be es- tablished by presidential proclamation but with the approval of the governor of each state ; and to be so located that they shall not prevent the allowing of grazing or other uses thereof as are in conformity with the laws applicable to national forests.

Sec. 2. Prohibiting the hunting or other destruction of game within such sanctuaries, except as otherwise in the act provided, and providing penalties for the violation of such provision.

Sec. 3. Administration of the pro- visions of the act to be vested in the secretary of agriculture, with power to regulate the killing of predatory animals.

Sec. 4. Providing for the establish- ment by the secretary of agriculture of boundaries and for postings showing the location thereof and warning the public of the prohibition of hunting therein.

See. 5. Setting forth the purposes of the act : That it is expedient to establish a large number of sanctuaries of medium

68

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME.

size rather than a few large preserves, the ideal condition to be a chain of sanct- uaries, with the view of providing breed- ing places for game whicli will spread over adjacent and intervening territory. where it will be subject to the regular open season proNided by law.

There is crying need for such a lav. as this, for millions of acres of some of our national forests are utt(Mly destitute of game, and great opportunities to create a vast annual supply of big game are being wasted by lack of intelligent and resolute action. It is to be sincerely hoped that this measure will not, like the Chamberlain bill, l;e allowed to slumber in the archives of Congress, but that some definite step will be taken.

SAN DIEGO TO MAKE CLEAN SWEEP OF THE ENGLISH SPARROW. The city of San Diego resolved that she would rid herself of ihe English sparrow. So in 191G a city ordinance was passed providing for ways and means for the extermination of this pest and appropriating the sum of .$125 for such purpose. The task of destroying spar- rows inside the city limits was delegated to one man, and ever since the ordinance became effective he has been on the job. From the first the campaign has been successful and the sparrow pest is now not only under control, but this spring San Diego expects to free herself entirely of the sparrow. The city this j'ear is al- lowing ten cents each for every sparrow killed, up to $50, and in addition the Chamber of Commerce is also offering ten cents each up to $30. The record for this year shows 250 dead birds, and it is estimated that there still remains about 100 sparrows in the city. It is expected that as soon as the mating senson is well under way and the sparrows begin nest- ing that a clean sweep can be made of all those remaining birds.

Other cities in the state might well fol- low the example set by San Diego. Even in cities where sparrows are far more numerous the appropriation of a small sum of money and the apix)intment of an energetic and ingenious man to carry on the work of destruction will lead to a near solution of the sparrow problem. A city that can advertise itself with the slogan "No house sparrows here" adds to its reputation — Webb Toms.

FISH PACK, 1919. In this issue is given a complete report of the canned, cured and manufactured fishery products of the state for the year 1919 (see p. 90). Through the coopera- tion of the packers throughout the state it has been possible to get out the annual pack more promptly as well as more ac- curately and in greater deta", than ever before.

The total case pack of canned goods in 1919 was a trifle over 42,0lX> cases less than in 1918, while the estimated value of the 1919 pack is nearly $3,000,000 greater than estimated value of the 1918 pack. •

During 1919 the tuna, albacore and skipjack pack was larger than in the Itievious year, and while the actual case pack of sardines for 1919 was less than for 1918, the pack was of a belter quality. During 1919 there were only 41,373 round cans of sardines packed as com- pared to 420,905 cases of round cans for the year