r California Fish and Game V. 18 1932 Bound volume <.| DATE DUE M California Fish and Game _ V. 18 1932 Bound volume "U-\ ^^^/t?}"'*''''''^^;:^:?^'"^^ California Resources Agency Library 1416 9th Street, Room 117 Sacramento, California 95814 i 9f «1« / ^ SEP 5 1935 ' ^■'''''' '7 '^ CAI.II()I!\I \ l''l>ll \M) (iWJI. "C^NIIKIIVATtoN t>r WIIJ> l.irK «(|llAI«l}ft lltftnut|t>*..i. ,f il.Oaffty J I'oNIUTlnNS AM) OONTUkL l»F lUiTl'I.ISM (UUt'K OISKAMK) IN V KtiWh />r. U. H INUSUALLY <:(>t)l» KISIIINO IN AND i>yy MONTKIIKV I«AY-^. B. rhitUp» -M THK CALIKOUMA QIAIL SANCTl'AltY AND ISONI\i', IN OAMK BIRDS I'aul A Shair ?•• AN orTLINK OK THK IIAIMTS oK TIIK STKIl'KD SKUNK AND I.fTTI.K SI't»TTKD SKl'NK WITH SK.MK 1 H llK«*TlONS Vitll TIIAI'IMN<; h: I,. Sutu,.- ■ . ^ ■ .« <;IANT KKLI' I'TILIZKD AT MONTKKKY. J H I'kitltf,, tz FIFTY YKAUS ACO ON THK SI'ISFN MAItSll 11 W Hukardi> ♦: KHITimiAl.S <;amk fish • •(IMMKUCIAI. KlSllKKV NoTKS ll'hAM) (iA.MK milDS watioufdwi. - :« MAMMALS '1 MISCKLLANKOCS •»: IMVISION ACTIVITIES »» MFE IIISTOUY NUTKS- ^ '• KK PORTS — Violations of Fl»h and Came I^aws — lOJ Deor Klllr.l In Cnllfornia J"« Statomont of Expcmliturea 10* StntcnuMtt of Income .... _. — _ . — .... — .... 109 Fishery Procluota, July. AuKti!otMi for some time on the list of pame birds in California, and a nnnibor of the Sonthorn Stat«^ of the Uniteil States. Krom tinio to time efforts have Won made to take it from this list, but without avail so far as the Golden State is concerned. Such efforts are not alone confined to the dove, for in Ohio there is no 90465 2 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME open season on the bob-wliite quail, that splendid little game bird hav- ing been designated as a songster. However, the mourning dove is likely to remain on the game list here in California, not only by reason of the fact that he is not, as yet, a rare species, but because of the variety of pleasure which the sport affords, and the further fact that the dove, when properly cooked is an extremely delicious morsel. Doves are very prolific although the female only lays two eggs, but they nest and bring out their young during a number of months in the year. Their nests are sometimes on the ground and sometimes in bushes or trees. They roost sometimes on the ground, and sometimes in the trees at night, and are found more or less numerous in all of the counties of southern California, according to the favorable or unfavor- able conditions of the season. In southern California the open season for the birds is confined to the month of September in the counties of Ventura, Santa Bar- bara, Kern, Tulare and San Luis Obispo; in all other counties the season runs from September 1st to October 31st, inclusive Doves are not only found in the cultivated portions of the country, but also on the desert areas, where excellent shooting is often had where the birds are seeking their food among the greasewood and sagebrush of such localities, in the bare spots between the clumps of such growth. There are three separate and distinct general methods of bringing them to bag. One is by jumping them from the stubbles, sunflower patches, or desert growth, and shooting them on the rise. When this angle of the sport is follow^ed, especially in stubbles, dove-weed, kaffir cornfields where the corn has been cut away, or the sunflow^er grow^th, the shooting is not unlike jacksnipe shooting. Singles and pairs are the rule, and as with the jacksnipe, a winged bird will make its presence known when the shooter nears it, and wall not attempt to hide, like the quail or other upland birds. Another method of enjoying the sport is for the hunter to station himself at the edge of a water hole or small pond, and wait for the doves to come in for their morning or evening drink. While a number of these ponds do not afford any concealment, a very crude and yet effective "blind" can be made by taking a hatchet along, cutting off a good-sized branch of a tree, and sticking it in the ground close to the pond. Two branches make a better "blind" than one, as the shooter will then be hidden from view on both sides. Doves come into such places, especially where the water holes are, few and far between, in very large numbers. The shooter can either rise and fire as the doves swerve away from the water, or he can wait until they light and then rise and take them as they are speeding away. It is simply the most murderous and unsportsmanlike pot-hunting to shoot them on the ground. Still a third method of dove shooting is practiced which is the best sport of all. This is by the hunter locating himself at a point one or two hundred yards from a water hole, and shooting at the doves as they come into the water. This is practically the same method as pass-shooting on ducks, and will test the skill of the best shot if he expects to get his limit. The limit on doves in California is now fifteen per day or thirty in a week. Wlien doves are coming into the water, they fly with a rapidity of flight which necessitates a considerable lead on the birds. Incoming CAUKOKMA riKII ANI> (UMi: ' flovoN an* cxtmiirlv diflinilt fdr hiuim* HlnxilrrM, aiul I have known m«*n who iiuulc lip tor tlit'ir |H>or innrkMiiiHiiship nt inroiuprx by whi^'lintf Ihf instant tin- liini was t-oinint; in ami Ht>niit Hfty yanU nway, and (•al«'liin^ liiin just as In* pjissnl ovrrhi-ad. This trick can hi* sonnwhat I'asily mastered by Koino Hhootem, whilr uthi'i'K appear to miss thi* kiuu'k of whcrlini; at the i'xact moment, mt an to present a shot at the last disappearing; l»ird when he is within }f«MMl shoulinjf distance. On a windy day. if tlie th»ves are eouiinu' in, shooturn will have their hands t'ldl in ^ettin^ their birds. Another Torni of dove shnotinir whieli pitM-nt.s j^reat dilTieiiltics js when the birds are scattered iininnj.; a hiw j:rowth of oaks, and are lluslied from the trees by tin- hunt«'r. in such eases tlu'V dro|) <|uiekly Iroin the branches, twistint;. cbirtin^'. and swerviiifj away with Wime- thin^: akin to the /iu'/a}.' Myinir ot" the jaeksnipe. Often there \h nu\y the cliunce of a snapshot between tree trunks, and (juite often a in- upon the fancy of the hunter. In these latter days of wing shoi)ting. the small bore shotgun of "JU-gauge. and occasionally even 28-gauge. is used, while lb-gauges are the favorites of many shooters. I still stick to my old 12-gauge hammer gun, cylinder bored in the right barrel, and the left-hand barrel full choked. With a gun choked for iluck shooting, if this is done with both the barrels, you may siuasli your bird if you have to shoot him at close range. Shots at doves vary all tlu* way from 15 to 60 yards. If a pair jump at say 2") or 30 yards, you are equipped, in my judgment to get both of them, if a good wing-shot, using the cylinder barrel, of course, for the tirst shot, and the full choke for the second. 4 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME Number eight shot is my preference, although many shooters use number seven and one-half. In the early part of the season, I have known some hunters to use number nines. It is a good precaution to clean birds as quickly as this can be done, and by wiping them dry and wrapping them in a clean cloth they will be kept in much better condition, especially if the day is warm. What the State needs badly in regard to protection of these birds is an additional number of game wardens. These men could patrol the country and see that no doves were killed out of season by rabbit shooters, or by unscrupulous hunters when the closed season is on. Doves are subject to the depredations of the Cooper hawks and sharp- shinned liawks, as well as some members of the four-footed vermin families, and bounties on these game destroyers would be a good invest- ment for the State. Doves come in for water at the water holes both in the morning and in the evening, especially in the evening, and sometimes these vantage points are literally thronged, particularly on the first two or three days of the season. With the advent of the automobile, the continued extension of modern paved highways, and the advance in numbers of the army of liunters, the mourning dove will be exterminated if care is not taken to give him a chance for his life. It is a curious phenomena of nature that in the city of Los Angeles numbers of these birds appear to have taken up their permanent residence. They nest in the tall tops of the native palm, and in other trees, and will be found here year in and year out in the same areas. Whether or not they read the daily papers and look over the publications of the Fish and Game Commission is beyond my knowledge; but for the past six years I have noted, from my office windows, the presence of a number of mourning doves, who not only roost in the trees about an old residence adjacent to the build- ing of the Automobile Club of Southern California, where my office is located, but who have regularly come back, every day, to the place where that residence once stood, and forage and feed on the bare ground where the house was once located, and light in the trees which were left after the building had been removed. The low and melodious notes of the mourning dove are among the sweetest sounds in the gamut of bird calls. A young dove, properly broiled, is one of the sweetest tidbits imaginable on a well-ordered dinner table. lAMFORNMA Jimt AVn nAMR CONDITIONS AND CONTROL OF BOTULISM (DUCK DISEASE) IN WATERFOWL Contrlhiilinn fi»ie«ri,s.>a.se Caused bv the Poison of the Hnrillu.'i hntulinii:^." Caiavohsw I'lsii .VM) (i.vMi:. vol. If), no. 4. pp. 'JS.') 28r). 10:10 History The till!.' and place (»f the first appearance of the duck disease in the west remains unknown. Tn Talifornia the sickness has been ob.servtMl since about ISfM). After 1 !•()!» it becam.' strontrer an«l stroiiL'er. The eiKwmous stock of waterfowl existent at that tune and the tremendous losses due to that malady is indicated, if we read, in that .')().()()() to 100. 000 sick and dead waterf«»wl have been fouml on one lake during; a few days, ('.\). The duck disease at this time spread over the difTerent states in the west Theret'ore the other name. Western Duck sickness, can be understood. Foci of the disea.s<» at this time were at Bear Kiver. Weber Kiver. Jordan River. I'tah ; Southern .Toarpiin Valley. S()leta Lake. Goose Lake. Huena Vista Lake. Tidare Tiake. Salton Sea, and others in California. It nuiy be recalled that the duck di.sease in the beirinninp was observed at the mouths of different rivers, on borders of shallow lakes. and on marshes, and more recently also on the artificial ponds of some jrun clubs. * KoiTOU's Note: Duo to the wittospn^nd inten«st in duHt sirkn«^<« the nivi«tion of Fi.sh and Came is t.nkinc thi.«; opportunity to present the results of the Rtudjr of this niahul.v t>.v its pntholoiri.st. Vr. M. Hol>mnier. At tlu' snnio tinio. ntttMition is calltMl to similar ."ifndies that have he««n t ciited by tho T'. S. Hurrau of Hiolocicnl Survey and particnlnr reference is ■ to the pniKTs on the subje<-t by E. R. Kalmbach : Western duck sieknew pr«iduce:i0 : Pr(>'.:ross in western duck sirkness studies. Sciemcr. New Series. Vol. 75. No. 1032. pp. r.7-r>^. January S. 1032. b CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME Since large areas of forest land have been cut down and on the other hand the natural water supply of lakes and streams have been used to a larger extent for agricultural purposes in irrigation work, many of the rivers, lakes, and marshes dried up entirely in the fol- lowing years. However, before becoming dry, they showed vast areas of mudflats and sloughs, with rotten stagnant water. These conditions Fig. 1. A duck recently killed by duck disease. Note per- fect condition of the plumage, indicating its death without a struggle. Tule Lake, Siskiyou County, Calif. October 12, 1928. Photo by E. S. Cheney. have been found most favorable for the appearance of the duck disease during the hot season of the year. In 1931 only two principal foci of the disease could be observed; It was prevalent on some gun clubs around Colusa and on some of those around the Salton Sea. James Moffitt of the Division of Fish and Game has collected valuable information from a number of gun clubs in the Sacramento A'alley. According to these reports the disease was confined in 1931 to the west side district between Colusa, AVilliams, and Maxwell during the month of September. The disease disappeared about the first of October with the decrease of the temperature in this region. Around Salton Sea, especially along the south shore, the disease occurred throughout the month of October in accordance with the higher temperature prevailing in this region. Symptoms and Post-mortems The first sign of the disease in ducks is a weakness of the body. Instead of flying, the diseased birds try to swim away. In this rela- tion the observations of Chas. C. Sperry are interesting. He writes : (1) *'In rare cases a bird can thus be pursued for many rods while it flops over the surface of the water or dives and dodges about among the thin reeds when, having apparently worked up a surplus nervous energy, it at last actually gets in the air and once on the wing flies steadily until lost in the distance." Later the wing muscles and muscles of the legs become more and more paralyzed. The sick birds remain at the same place even when disturbed. The muscles of the neck may not yet be affected. The sensorium of the birds is still normal. A paralysis of the nictitating membrane is apparent in many species. The discharges of the intestine f'AI.IFOIINIA rirtll AND OAMK 7 art* iiion' fnM|ii»'Ht in thr ••nrlnr Nlnt;i>?t ol I In* «Iihi-«»m'. laUT a conrlu«ini In to l)«* iuit«'' "'■•• "fti-n rmiiHl m if oviTfomr in Mlorp T» fi'Htlii'is uf thr l)ii(ls an- runiftl. Tlii" ••>»"* an* ofirii foiiml i-|iih«m!. tl ■ i-yilids Immu;; stuck tn^rtlirr by a niurouH tliwliarK'' I'lu' outstaiulinj; syinptoni of tlif disraHi- \h tin* roniplfi*' \fSH i»f tin- l»(i\vrr to My uikI to walk, oftt-ii .■umiIhihmI witli a paralysiH of th*- nirfirn tiiij; iiH'iiihraiit', pf'-in.-id}.' m\ .ili^i.lnt.l \ li.l|ili-ss i-iiiniit ion in tli- ilisi'ast'tl hinls. I'ost-njortnns an* tliarH»'t«'ri/iMl by tlw ahsrnrr of iri'osM patholoy ical It'sjoiis. ( )nliiiarily tin- Itinls ai-f in normal flfsli. Tin" in' tract l)f|o\v flic caeca i>, distended and filled wifli urine This*!...... nieiit of the lower intestine is ai remarkable cban^'c in sn far an it mrre sponds with the paralysis of flie urine bbnlder often found in botulism in animals. Kio. L*. Iiil'-rnal ornnnH of n Murk Itint w ;U tin- llollywtMiil i;un «'luh. Kerii t*i>iiiii% iv,(.!~.r Tt^s. Notp tlie ciilai'KciniTit of t!i«< lower Ini- n of arrows, h tvplnil ."smi'toin of till- • y K. S. Cheney. If other t'hantres are present they nuiy be prmlueetl iliu* to another disease. Ca.ses can be observed in which the specimen is sufferinp from duck disease and from another tlisease at the siune time. One of thes«' onlinarily seen secondary diseases is the presenee of a destrueted wall of the stomach in ilucks. produced by the i>resenee of round worms. It is well known and most noteworthy that siek birds taken from the ponds and placed in pens recover to a large extent. 8 CALIFOENIA FISH AND GAME Diseased birds have no voice and after having recovered, the voice remains raw for a long time, as is ordinarily observed in food poisoning in man. Theories Duck disease has been studied by various observers. A valuable work has been done by these investigators. Among these the names of Charles C. Sperry (1), Frank Clark (2), Alexander Wetmore (3), Donald D. McLean (4), E. R. Kalmbach (5), and others, must be mentioned with admiration. The facts drawn to light by these investi- gators are exceedingly important. The same can not be said about the theories concerning the etiol- ogy of the disease. It would be wasted time to repeat the different theories about the origin of this sickness. Only one theory may briefly be mentioned as being the most popular one and especially since it has received scientific consideration. This theory suggests that the duck disease is caused by an alkali poisoning. In this relation the conclusions of Chas. C. Sperry (1) are much to the point: "Alkali may be a factor in the duck sickness of Oregon but it certainly can not be considered as the only one and it more than likely is not the chief cause of this malad}^ . . . Experi- ments disclosed the fallacies in a number of more or less popular theo- ries and substantiated the more advanced belief that the trouble was due to the toxic action of a chemical or a vegetable poison. It appears that this poison accumulates in the liver for in one experiment the sickness was produced by feeding affected liver to a healthy bird . . . " Paul A. Shaw (6) 1930, a defender of the alkali poisoning theory states in his paper: ''Several normal birds were given suspected water to drink for a period of ten days. For one series the water was con- centrated to one-fourth the original volume for the experiment. All these birds remained healthy and the blood tests at the end of the period did not show the changes characteristic of the diseased birds . . ." He was not able to reproduce either the clinical or the pathological picture of the disease in his experiments with water of the suspected area. The Cause The writer spent October 10 and 11, 1930, at Klamath Falls, Oregon, where he consulted with E. R. Kalmbach, of the Biological Survey, who was studying duck disease at that point. Mr. Kalmbach advised that he had succeeded in reproducing the duck disease in healthy birds by feeding them the livers of ducks that had died from this disease. These organs were kept in incubators at about 85° F. for some time and were then administered by feeding. The writer collected material at Colusa and at Klamath Falls which he brought back to the laboratory with the aim to ascertain the reason of the toxic effect of liver in the experiments of Mr. Sperry and Mr. Kalmbach. According to my previous hypothesis that the disease closely resembled botulism in birds, the writer used anaeorbic media for the isolation of the sus- pected causative organism. On October 24, 1930, the writer announced that the disease is caused by the toxin of the Bacillus lotulinus, probably type C. This statement was made after having isolated this microbe in toxic cultures CAI.irOKNIA FIHII AND (iAMR 9 "hIaiiKMl from internal orj^aiiM of a iiiH<-a.H«>(>rt to IVt'siili-nt I Z«'II«Tharh ) Kurthor cxplatiat imis liavi* Ihtii irivfii in two papci's nf tin* H«ini' y<'ar '7. H). In arj apprndix to tlw intrri'Mtinj; paptT of Kalinharh ''>\ (liltncr and Gou(;h canic to th<> Knrno concluHion \u 1 !)."{! the writrr isolated tlw catiNativr organism from twenty- two wild ducks nut of twi-nfyfuiir Mpi'cinu'ns. Tin* two r- •■ ■ -np ducks sliMwrd rii-illicr the causative or^^arusjn nor otlwr pat al changes. Hy f««cdinj,' tliese cultures to nornud l)irilH the identical pic- ture (if the disease cniild he produced The writer could further denxmst iiite the tuxiii of Hnrd' 'u hnus typ«' (' in the I)1imkI >treiin> of diseased hirds, as later d' :.:■. It nuiy he mentioned that cases of foon the other hand the duck disi-ase is clos«'ly related to the so- • alltil limbern«'ek td' «'hickens. It may be mentioned tlmt there i« a ilitVerence in the susceptibility of ditTerent species of birds for the puison or toxin. Tame ducks are much less susceptible than wild duck«. About ten times more poison is re<|uired t(» kill a tame duck than, for iiistaiwe, a teal, and about twice as much to kill a chii-ken as a tame duck. This indicates by no means that this type of botulism is exclu- siveh related to wild birds and nuiv be T)racticallv harndess to tame birds. Ca.ses on Salton Sea where wild diu'ks and tame ducks pot the disea.se on the same pond are of interest to note. It iiuiy be mention«'d that in experimental work food poisoninir in wild birds can be jiroduced i\ot oidy with the toxin of liacillu^ hntu- linus type ('. but also with the poison of types .1 and />*, (7). The fact, that food poi^oniMlr due to the poi.son of types ,1 and li has been ob,ser\cd. as yet. exclusively in barnyard fowl ami not in wildfowl under ordinary conditions, indicat«'s that the bionomics of both are ditTerent it> some way from those of type (', since K. F. Meyer (lO) re<»ards liiirilhis hnfulinii^ types .1 and /.' practically idiifplitous in rnlif'.rTii;! Development and Duration Most of the dead ducks are found in «»oo«I condition. Onliiuirily emaciation is not ]u-esent. This indicates tliat the duration of the disease is short. In ca.ses of emaciation the post-mortems often reveal tht» presence of other diseases. Observations in the field show that normally the sickness lasts from one to three days. The shortest time in experimental work required to kill a wild duck by fotxi poisoninu wa.s tour iiours. t)ie regular time is one to three days. The disease can last one wetk and lonsrer. In this ease an emaciation is developed. The end of the disease is either death or reeoverr. Sometimes reeoverx" occurs in a few liours. sometimes after one to two weeks. The voice of recovered ilucks remains raw t'or a lonii time. AVe do not know how many birds recover under natural conditions. but it is well known that diseased birds placed in pens recover to a 10 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME large extent. In experimental work the same condition can be repro- duced with small doses of the toxin. This reveals the important fact that the birds in the field ordinarily consume small doses of toxin. Large doses of the toxin may kill every bird, when there is no recovery. The experiments show further the possibility to produce the sickness by feeding the birds repeatedly with very small doses of the poison, a single dose of which would be not sufficient to produce the disease. During the disease the birds do not eat or drink. As recovery com- mences they begin to drink, later on to feed and finally to clean the feathers, then they try to stand up and to fly. Every excitement of the diseased birds is followed by an exagger- ation of the disease. We suggest that sick birds forced to fly may die in a short time due to paralysis of the respiratory muscles or due to heart failure. The length of the time between the consumption of the toxic food and the outbreak of the disease is different. In experimental work the first symptoms of a bird having received a large dose of toxin could be seen in two hours. Smaller doses produced the first symptoms in eight to twelve hours. A minor dose of the toxin produced the first symptoms after one to two days. Under natural conditions the incubation is reported as being eight to twelve hours. The course of the disease is different. Only a few birds are sick ordinarily on the first days of an outbreak. After three to five days the highest number of sick birds can be found. Then follows a decline of the disease of varying degree. Even when hundreds of birds are sick the disease can disappear entirely in a few days if the temperature lowers. This fact has often been observed in the fall. During the hot months of the year the dis- ease is ordinarily not only stronger but also of longer duration. An outbreak during the winter time is unknown. A decrease of the temperature of the water therefore must be con- sidered as an essential factor in the disappearance and in the control of the disease. On the other hand an increase of the temperature in itself is not sufficient to produce the disease as generally known. The disease can be observed not only in one bird at different times in the same year, but also it can occur repeatedly on the same ground. The development of a so-called immunity has as yet not been ascer- tained. Affected Birds About fifty species of birds have been found affected with the disease. Most of them are waterfowl and many of them shore birds. It is of interest that Wetmore (3) found many species of birds habit- ually or accidentally feeding or drinking in the shallow portions of the bays liable to contract the disease. The same investigator declares the domestic chicken highly susceptible to contract the disease. He seems to be sure that muskrats, frogs, large beetles (Ditiscus sp., Cyhister sp.) have been found appar- ently dead or helpless due to the malady. Most of the susceptible birds eat combined food, plants and insects too. Investigations of the food conducted by Sperry (1), "Wetmore (3), McLean (4), the writer, and others, showed no indications of any poisonous plants or insects. One of the generally considered seed- CAMroKNiA KIHIl ASH QAMK 11 efitiiit; binU, whirli oft«-ii cuii Im* foiiiul UiwaMMl, in the muillim How- ever. tliJK bird may coiitnirt llir NickncMH in tlii' sauw iiuiiiiirr a.H th<- liawk, Uy rating' ilyiii;; (u* ilcad ilinkN aiiil otluT birds That in in arrnnbiiMM' witli nbsi-rvatioMs in fxprruufiital uurk Spi-rry * I » bait inaib* the iniporianl diNrovcry bil«*r cunlirniiMt by Kahnbaib i ■> > and the writrr (7, 8). that livrr rnmi a dnrk having dird fn»m dui-k dnwaiM* IVd til H normal bird may prtiilni'c tbf Hickn<'H.H in a typiral nninnfr .Must of thf atVft'lrd birds fVi-d n-irnbirly on tbr snspfrti-d u'r>Miii.i l-'fw of tbt-ni may hv rmind thiTf onl> orcasionallv. Iik«' im-adow birkn. Iihickbirds or rlilT Hwallows (Mrlaii Till- symptoms obscrvi-d in tbcsi- bird«. alwaxs an* thr sani(> aa ili'si-ribi'd I'Xi'i'pt lor IIm' t;ir» that tlif niftitat intr mi*mbnirn' ran not n*un- S*:».^ ■iX.l» -•V ii'^' LVVV !■ li;, ;!. Aim I )• an .1.... .1. uiialiii' (n w»m ii iij . KiiKwlllK lliiln-a' H<>llywi....| (•■11, ('Hi»>. l»r •.""., \'.K's, I'hoto by K - l;irly It.' scmi |'.ii ;ii w.-d m all spfrii-.s. Mab's and Ifinalfs an- dis«*asiM| t'i|n;dl\ . Botulinua iind Food Poisoning 111 iMi.i \iiii Ki nu'nirt'n (J)) discovered tin* cansjitive op^anisni of food poisonini: in man and has jjiven publicity to the im>st important findinpfs on this subject. The dilijxent work of other investigators later on lias aniplitiiHl otir knowled«;e of these matters. (10). The liarillus botulinua occurs in ditTerent types. These types are ditTeiTiitiated only by minor (pialities. That is shown by the name tyi>€ instead of species. All these types are considered as microbes of the soil, unable to complete tlieir life-cycles under natural conditions in any animal. They arc dancrorous for beinsrs due to their production of poi.sonous substances or to.xins. which even when inpested with foxi are able to i)enetrate the blood stream and to produce an intoxication which 12 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME is in many cases fatal. Botulinus types A and B are closely related to food poisoning in man. The toxin type C is known to be deterimental especially to birds and horses, a variant of this type in Australia, to sheep. Intoxications of birds due to the toxin of types A and B have been repeatedly observed, but as yet no intoxication of man from the toxin of type C. The microbe occurs in two forms. A vegetative form in the shape of rods can be observed and a permanent form, comparable to the seeds of plants, the spores. The toxin production probably takes place by the transformation of the rods into spores. The spores are highly resistant against destruction and they are absolutely necessary for the maintenance of the type. They show no vital reactions until favorable conditions awake them to new life. These conditions are especially the absence of oxygen, a temperature between 72° and 100° F, and a favorable medium for growth consisting of plant, or meat, products. These conditions sometimes are fulfilled by improperly prepared food- stuffs of man, oftener by foodstuffs of birds and mammals, therefore, food poisoning in man is rare, meanwhile botulism in birds and mam- mals is more common. The clinical symptoms in man following the consumption of poi- soned food are quite similar to those observed in intoxicated animals and in cases of duck disease. Food Poisoning in Barnyard Fowl The State Botulinus Commission of California (11) reported food poisoning or botulism in chickens, turkeys, and ducks in 1922. One hundred six outbreaks covering the time between 1903 and 1922 have been reported. The commission feels that only the major outbreaks were available. According to this report many thousands of domestic birds have been lost due to this disease. The foodstuffs primarily responsible for these intoxications were spoiled string beans, bean hay, corn, asparagus, spinach, potatoes, bread, apricots, tomatoes, salmon, fried chicken and sour milk. Most of these foodstuffs were home prepared and a part of them were at the same time the cause of food poisoning in man. The picture of the disease was the following : ' ' The birds are inac- tive and dull, refuse to eat, remain quiet in one place with feathers ruffled. As a rule the movements of the nictitating membrane are sluggish and sometimes there is a marked constipation, but the general picture of extreme weakness governs all the symptoms, the wings droop and the beak or side of the head rests upon the floor of the cage or the barnyard . . . The clinical manifestations are exceedingly character- istic and easily diagnosed." (Dickson). Apparently these symptons are quite similar to those of the duck disease. In 106 records of outbreaks eighteen times the Bacillus totulinus type A was found, four times the Bacillus botulinus type B, and once probably the Bacillus botulinus type B. In ninety-three outbreaks the tjToe remained unknown. No case of intoxication with the poison of Bacillus botulinus type C could be revealed. This type was discovered in 1922 by Ida Bengtson of Washington (12), as the cause of many ca.ses of botulism in birds. The type frequently could be found in the soil of barnyards and horse stables, where food poisoning had occurred. CAUFORN'IA riHIl AND GAMK 13 Acronliii); to I{ot>inM«»n (\'\) tlio Hotulinus type C in very common ill South Africa. It roiild )>«> iHolatrd from tin* \yn\y of wild di. Iiaviiij; dii'tl at'tiT a licavy rainfall in a pond of tin* /oolo;.' inli-n «l I'li-toria. Till' .sami* typr of IliictUun hntuhtnix Iuih Im-.i; ' *iV ii(»lMii>soM ill tiirkrvM, ill wild rats, in liorsi-s and in iiiiilfs. r.i „ h- Miss or dratli. lhjr>i4'.H an* liijjhly HiiHooptibli; to thin tyf>c C in South Afrira and thf siime is n-fonlrd hy hi'ii^t.Hoii for tin* vanl of the I'nite«i Stat.'s. In California tin- lypi' (' wa.s isidatml for tin* first tiiin* from wild ducks (llobmaicr) aiul in 1!).'{1 in two cases from wild ruts ^Ilohmaicri Kiirtlicr an outbreak of limbcrncck in turkeys, in which forty-thrcf died out of fort V seven diirin'' three davs was eailM'd bv this tviM* ( llobniaier). Since a part of the cases rcfjistered by the State Hotiilinu.s ('om- mission are clostly conneete of foml poisoning' in animals and tanu' birds; but most remarkable are the losses of wildfowl due to the toxin of this microbe Bionomica of the Bacillus Botulinua Type C Till' Hiiiillns butiiliniis type C occurs in two variants, alpha and bcia Cohiiian (Hooper Foundation) lias iletermined. that the type C coiueriud with the ihick disease is the variant (' alpha (not yet pub- lished I . The causative or<;aiiism of the disease therefore must be consideretl as th«' orilinary American type C strain of liavillus botulinus of Ben^t s(Ui and (Jraham, causin;^ limberneck in fowl and botulism in horses. A .series of experiments has been conducted to establish the prop- erties of this type under natural comlitions. Media have been I'hosen available for the microor^^anism on the ponds and around them. Earth or mud. water, and the or«:anic matter desired to be tt^sttnl, has been mixed until forminu' a paste. This mixture has been sterilized in small bottles. After an inoculation with spores of the liaciUus botu- linus type C an incubation followe s;ime expiTiiiu III was ifpi-ateii ilrowiiinj? the substances in pure water. The results obtaineil were the following:: Cultures containinjr barley were more toxic than thos«' with rice. Cultures with carcasses of ilitTerent animals, beetles, «^'rasshoppers, tly larva, molluscs, fislies, protluccil toxin cultures. Cultures, however, containing substances of animals, etc.. produced more powerful toxins than those prepan^l with seeds. It is of intert>st to note, that iira.sshoppers for instance, remaiiuni poisonous to ducks, even when washed for twenty-four hours in fresh water, before feedinijr. In a second series of experiments mud was taken from duck ponds around Colusa and around Salton Sea. An addition of water was made until a paste was formed. The medium was inoculated, after sterilization, with spores of Biuillus botulinus type C. After an 14 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME incubation of from three to five days the cultures were tested on wild ducks. Death could be produced in one to three days by feeding the paste as well as by feeding the water of the paste, but only in six cases out of fourteen different samples, meanwhile eight produced no disease. The Diagnosis of the Duck Disease The diagnosis of the duck sickness can be based on the epidemi- ology, the clinical picture, the isolation of the causative organism, and the demonstration of the toxin. 1. Epidemiology and Clinical Picture. Appearance, course, and disappearance of the disease are highly characteristic as previously shown. Together with the clinical picture there is no other sickness, which could be confused with that disease especially as far as wildfowl is concerned. Methylalcohol poisoning, encephalitis lethargica, and cerebrospinal meningitis, three diseases in man similar to botulism, are unknown in waterfowl. 2. The Isolation of the Causative Organism. During the last year the causative organism of the duck disease has been isolated from the liver of twenty-two cases of the disease out of twenty-four cases in the laboratory of the Fish and Game Commission. All these specimens were in good condition. Eight of them were killed. Forty-seven inves- tigations on birds not having suffered from the sickness failed to show this organism. These findings justifj^ the conclusion that the isola- tion of Bacillus hotulinus type C from the liver of diseased or freshly dead birds is of diagnostical value in the case of botulism in fowl. 3. The Demonstration of the Toxin. For this demonstration are required 0.4 to 1.0 cc. blood of a diseased duck at the height of the sickness, for an injection into a white mouse. Eight experiments con- ducted in this line gave positive results in all cases. Five of the inocu- lated mice died, three recovered, all showing typical symptoms of botu- lism. In accordance with the method indicated by Weinberg (14) the type of the botulinus could be determined at the same time. Bacillus Botulinus C in the Field Investigations were performed in the laboratory consisting of examinations of soil and mud samples from different shooting clubs around Colusa and the Salton Sea during 1931. Duck disease occurred in both regions in this year. Seventy-six mud samples were secured from the levees of fifteen duck ponds and especially from sloughs, and wet and dry mud from near their borders. Only places suspected of the presence of the bacil- lus were chosen. The number of samples taken from every pond were two to six. In eight cases the foam on the surface of the water was tested. Twenty-eight samples out of seventy-six showed the presence of the toxic hotulinus strain type C. Two samples out of eight of a greyish foam on the surface of the water were found to contain the causative organism. The ponds around Colusa received water from rice fields and the Sacramento River (drain 2047). Four samples were taken from an evaporating ditch and four from a ditch nearby that had dried up entirely. In three samples of the former and in two of the latter the (AI.IKOKN'lA »•-" \S|i itAMK 15 Hiirillus holiiliniis typo (' (M)iiI(I Im» iM(|{tli>>n rniiiiiru'ii imkiinwii. Tin- fioHsilMlif h-s urn- |iullufiofi fr«>in ilrniii 2iinilin^ poruU l"'irt«'«'ri .H{iiiipli*.s wi'p' H«Tiir«*«| from mi Jin-n of rn-r fii-Ms in«nr thi*^»^ thick pontls 'Dm* tiflils wcif tlraiiuMt A poml hti)l n*mairM'«l in th« initldlf (»f tin- iH'hl.s Mhiiv \VHt«'rff»\vI nuiM Iw wrn thrn*, but im mh'Ic «»r ili'ad binls. I.ittir pouU with «liM'ayiii>f tish of (lilTi-n'rit .Hi7.»'H wit** alxiiiilaiit ill lln'sf lirMs Two out of tlii* lifti'fii H4iiiipli'H p>Ttoriiii'tl i'>xic (-iiltiireM of Jtatillus bolulntus typr f, iiMiiit; ciirichnuMit iiiftlitt J''iiitln'r iiiVfsti<,'atioiis in this liiu* nn* r«M|uiri»l to aMci>rtaiit if thn** fii'hls an- of (liri'cf or only imliriM-t iinportaiio- in thf onthrrak.H of thi' tlisrasi'. 'I'hrt't' saniph's out of thn*«' taken fr«)ni niutl of th** siiltworkx on tht* north shore district of the Salton S«'a jjavc nejjativr n*sult.H. Thin staft'iniMif is of iniportant-c in so far as the saltworks i>« i.'»'n«'rally con- ^i'ltTt'tl as thf chii'l" cause of tlic disease in tliis rej;ion. SixtiTU samples taki-n from the mud of the temporarily overfl<»we«l shore line of the South Salton Sea showetl the prewnce of the limtHus in seven eases. In a series of experiments i»\.iii\ niud s^imples collected from ptintls n«'ar Colusa and Salton Sea \v«'re investitrated for the pres«'nce of the toxin. Without any prej)aration oidy three samples ppMluci-d Kymptoms of h«itulism hy feedintr the mud to wild ilucks After an ineuhation fi»r seven days at about MO ('. six more .samples were foimd to he to.xic. Kotulism in a normal duck could also be pnKiuced by feeding; barley collecte«l from an erudosure on a duck pond on the Ant.'«'lus Club. Salton Sea In this enclosure tlie call-ducks }uid |)reviously di»'d from duck ili.sca.se. They had been fed with barley thrown in a heap in the water and on the water itself. Oti the Coachella Club lu'ar Salton Sea. deeavin<» ducks were fojincl on the borders of a pond. Myriads of tly larva were found on the car- casses, and numy of them had also drowned in the water. Feeilin^» a .small (juantity of these drowned tly-larva to a healthy duck j)riKluce*l the typical duck diseasi-. The water of live tlitTerent pontis was tested without positive residts. These few experiiiuMits. however, ilo not prove that tlie water is harmless in outbreaks of the disease. Snuill accumulations of water nuiy be of importance, like the water contained on certain places in the nuid. The e.xperinuMits show that the presence of the livi(lt> foiNl for tin* tliirkN moiih* ;;iiii tIiiIm HikmI har- stfd arniu lainls rrrtaiiily many fiHHlstuffs an* nuitainr*! in a poiul lurtiu'd l»y tlruwiiiii^; tin* laiiiia ami llora of a i»raiii fi«'lil. I ' i- iiatrly in iloiiit; ho tin* fli-jiriiii; priM-i-vn of tin* wairr im '!••' . -r «Mitiicly .Misprmlitl. I'lulrr tin* mlliniH'f of llii* hot tniip an lindcsiriMl rcnncntation takrs pla«r Dm- to tin* MhortnKi> of water iwu- ully MO wattT cliaiiu''' i?^ provuli-il. l>«Tiiyiii'/ oru'anic inatlrr^ ilfVflop lu Mil iimisnal ili-i/ii-f rflliiluM- liiictrria followfil by swamp hhh priMliiftion (•Mpcciall\ .Mi-lliaii aiitl SlI., iiulirat in;; that thi- ann-roh )iart«M-ia iiiMtcail of the H«rol)«'.bart«'iia an- pri'vah'iit in ihr.si' pontls. The ininl smrlU batl anti a j,'n'yish loam partially i-ovits thr watrr snifarr. If th-n- an* spon-s of thf liarillus hotiilintis typ«' (' in tin* \vat«T or mii«l, an oilthifak of tin* »listas«' t-an hf »'X|)(Tt«'t| diirin;; tin* hot Ways, sinri* thr fornn'iitatioii itsrlf raisrs the tnnpfraturc «)f the water. Similar roiulitioiis are pruthierd if the land is tloodeii without huildiiij; h'Vfes around ponds. Mudflats and slotij^'hs art* formed at lh<* bonh'rs. The sta^inanl water is of a dark color and its ti-mperatiire Honietiiiies rai.v>s to 75® to hi) K. A eontinual decn-asi* of the water due to evaporation ean !»•' observed followed by tlie formation of inon* nindthits and sluip^dis. It must br lonsidfii'd furthermore as detrinn'iital if the siime pond is tlomled vear after vear. durin^r the late summ«-r or earlv fall without thanin;,' the frrouml. Too mu«-h orjranie mattrr is deposited on the bottoms of llicsf ponds due to the used wat«r. the droppiie/s <»f Mie waterfowl, and the det-ayin;,' of plants and animals. The prr.senee of siek anil d«'a»l wat«'rfowl on these ponds, sutTerinjj or having; died from botulism is a potential souree of the sauw dis4'as«» durinir the followinir year. On Octobt-r M). \*XW. a d^atl wild duek. havinj; died from iluek disea.so was buried behiml tlie laboratory. Soil samples taken from this plaee on September 15. \\)'M, showed the presenee of Bacillus hot ill inns type (\ Other Foci of the DiseasA 1 1 In known that in earlier times the lieavirst losses oeeiirn'tl at the mouths of dilVt'rent rivei-s, on marshes, ami on the bonlers of shallow lak«'s. Most of tlu'se places dried up entirely. The appearanee, how- ever, (»f the sii'kness on one of the.se plaees. is of «fn>at imp»»rtanee due to the faet that larirer tloeks of waterfowl eoneentrate in sueh situations and the lo.s.scs resultiuj; are more numerous than on other plaees. The appearance of duck ilisease in WW was reported from Salton Sea only from the south shore ilistriet. This part of Salton Sea is very flat. Slou loulrary dire«'tion the lakeshore consists of wet and dryini; nuultlats. Tlu^ mud is a loamy earth and contains ill smelling matter. It is of interest to note that in this region of the shore large (piantities of water from irrigation ditches and from two rivers flows 18 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME into the lake. This water forms a red zone about 200 yards wide along the shoreline. The water of the lake itself is of a blue color. It indi- cates that the water from the rivers and the ditches is not completely mixed with the water of the Salton Sea, but that the former is spread along the shore. The dirt from the ground seems to have been brought to the shore partially by the water of the New River and by drainage water. Some may have been developed there itself due to the fact that alfalfa fields existed there two years ago to be since drowned out. It will be remembered that on this shoreline in seven out of sixteen samples of soil the Bacillus dotuliniisi type C was isolated. On the east side of the Salton Sea around Bombay Beach, there is no water from irrigation or from a river at all. There about 5000 Pig. 5. Ducks that had been picked up in helpless condition due to duck disease often recovered fully within three to Ave days after being put in pens and provided with clean water. Hollywood Gun Club, October 26, 1928. Photo by E. S. Cheney. ducks were aggregated at the time of my visit. The shore does not indicate the same unsanitary conditions as described for the south end of the Salton Sea. On a route of about half a mile along the east shore the carcasses of only six wild birds could be found. No sick birds were present. No Bacillus hotulinus type C could be isolated from soil samples taken there. This short description of the conditions on Bombay Beach and on the south of the Salton Sea serves to bring vividly to mind, that not the water of the Salton Sea itself, but the unsanitary conditions of certain spots on the shore must be blamed for the outbreak of duck disease in this region. < Ai.inm.NiA nmi asu oamk I'J 8uoe«ttiong for th« Control of Ouch Oi«««*« Tin- ilisfjiM" wa.H olmiTV*'*! at Iwo priiiripui ■' .ii i.. i.Miih Khol't' of llir Saltoii Sea atitl on ||ii> |m>iii|m of van-' n i'IiiKh. m> it i lilsl suImiiiT'^i- lanil |4» Im- ..- .. for duck ponds is tlioii;;lit to !)•■ iinpra«-tifal, a.s it is tlx- practiri* to plow or disc tirlds of haricy or ntlii-r ^'raiii under prior to HiNHlin^;. This prai'tin* nuiy not hf dctnnii'ntal to wild life, if the iio plare durinj; tin' month of Octohi-r. wlu-n llif wratlu-r is not as hot as i-arlu'r. It is nt'i't'ssiiry to uv well Irvrlrd ponds. Slou^^hs, niudtlats anti shallow places should not br fornn'«l in tluvs** ponds as the teniperatun* ran he kept down easier, the elearin;; process of the water accomplished in shorter time and therefore the conditions kept less favorahle for the yrowlh of hiiiulinus, if such ilo nut exist. The shurtaj^e of tin* water supply nuikes it necessjiry tt» aeconuno«late tin* size an«l numher of ih»' ponds to the available water supply. I'rior t(» tloodinir the bottom of the pumls llit\ Nimuld )u- r\fiii\>->\ of excess ve<,'i'tablc material. Ue^^^ardin;^' the shape of the |)onds, round ones or jionds with round corners are preferable, since more ctiinplete water circulation is obtained in such than in oni's with square coriu-rs. The feeding; places shoidd be clean and cniiils: The fl(MHlinonds this water may be cleaned by the addition of chlorin- :?. llauiUiiui lifter flmnUui) : A pond pn'paretl as imiuaied rctpures little further care. The tirst recjuirement is to k»'ep the water at tin* same level durin}» the season. If water and levi'os ar»» clean the tem- perature of the pond should be watched The thermometer shoidd not exceed 7'.! ' K. at any place in the pond. If the temperature on any place in the pond reai'he.s this lieitrht, it is nece.ssjiry to open the pates and product* in this way a permanent movement <»f the water. It nii^ht be mentioned that especial care should be given to the fe^Nlinir places. Carcasses of any kind on the ponds ami around them should be removed immodiatdv. 20 CALIFORNIA PISH AND GAME 4. Handling in case of duck disease : In case of duck disease the sick birds should be collected and enclosed in pens with fresh water, the dead ones should be carefully collected and burned. An inspection of the sanitary conditions should be made. The Fish and Game Com- mission will always be very glad to help clear up cases when informed. It will be repeated, that all these measures are only proposed for imperiled gun clubs. On other places steps like those proposed are not required. South Shore of Salton Sea The waterfowl on the Salton Sea and on the gun clubs around the sea are continually imperiled due to the unsanitary conditions on this shoreline. To make sanitary conditions there is an important problem of conservation of wild life. There is no doubt that the pollution of the shore line is caused mostly by polluted water running into the lake. This water seems to be polluted by two sources. One source is the water of the ditches. Another important source is the pollution brought about by garbage and industry and from farmers. From the standpoint of conservation of wild life it is necessary to show these people the importance of keeping the rivers clean at the present time. Without this cooperation of industry and farmers on the borders of the rivers and shores a satisfactory sanitation of the shore line can hardly be performed. The sanitation work requires, furthermore, the deepening of the • mouths of the rivers running into the Salton Sea. It is necessary to destroy the sloughs and the mudflats on the south shore line by moving their borders forward about 100 to 200 yards in this region. Conclusion The so called duck disease or western duck sickness is an intoxica- tion of waterfowl due to the poison of Bacillus hotidinus type C. It is a real food poisoning like botulism in man. The water on places on which the disease is prevalent is polluted with spores of this microbe. During the hot months of the year these spores grow and produce toxins, if, at the same time the water is rotten and hot. Keeping the water clean and its temperature low are means of preventing the duck disease. The installation of sanitary conditions in affected areas will reduce the losses. It may not be possible to des- troy all the sources of the disease at once, but only relatively little effort, as shown, is required to diminish the losses, and in doing so to establish a valuable conservation of wild life. Donald D. McLean and James Moffitt of the Fish and Game Com- mission were of the greatest assistance in this study giving every pos- sible information, both traveling to different places around Colusa, and Mr. Moffitt besides helping me in the formulation of this paper. J. . Hecker, Game Warden in Coachella, assisted me in my visit to the Salton Sea. It is a pleasure to acknowledge their kindness. Literature Cited 1. Sperry, Charles C. Report on the Duck Sickness in Southern Oregon and Northern California, Summer 1927. (Manuscript.) I'AUroK.VIA yiHU \SU OAMK 21 2. riurki-, hriii.k < 3. Wrtmorr. A. I' rffMirt .n'«Mi •• •iinii \ nil- > 'I ■• Kail luir. r..«»«i..f Vol i.'i. i-\, ju ■ -in .Mi>rliiliir iinionK Wntrrfowl arouMl flfwal ^ I ' I,nkr, I'tnli i ' t Jl .. lit I.'.. 'Iht- I»i|. I>«|>t. Airlr. Hull. No. 073. lOlH. K.mhI Con.!;' 't \ |{<*i:nri| 111 I>urk Vrrnrry ( .MniiiiiMTl|»l ), li'-'"» Wmirrn I)i ■ ■ tnlly. Sri. lli.'ln ItiTfiit I'r-'uri-HH III l»iiiK In-i-iinr A. V. M. .Unit. Vol. 71'. No. 30. No. Diirk I)iw«»M» ('nu««l by tin* r"t«M.n of Ih*- Itarillut holutinun. < ' \I.ir<»RM \ Fl^' ' ' <;\ME. Vol. 111. No. I. OrtolHT, 1J».'W» Diirk I>i!M'n"«o ('«ii««l hy the Toiln of CloMlri- Hium Itolulinui C I'nw. of thp Htyt- for Kx|H.r. Hiol. iiii.l .Mi^lir Vol. -JH, No .VMi.1 p,. :CM>-3lO, i»:m) l>)T l(a<-illllH HollllilillM Mini Mir I lliiiiilliiii'h K|iili<- n.-iil(li lltill. No. 127. 11>22. Slmlios oil OrKiinisiiiH ('oiiii'rnoil iim CaiiMitivr FartorN in Rotiiliiini. Ilyeirnic I^lMtratorjr Hull. No. i:m. 1!>2I. Tin* Hintrriii of tin* (Uoalridium ISolultmrnm C nnci /) fy|>«'s. HUh lli-|>«irt of tin- V.-t. S«t- viffs niid Aniiiiiil Industry Oni|««nttf|»«Mir«. rri'ioria. Aujj. VX\n \N »>rK. M ., ainl < Jin.slMiurB. H. I>onnwi* r«>l»i«*n- no.M nt la ro|«» !•' '.ii;ii« It I' ■ ' SI \\r>. Mom.. . .1.- n ISV.'T t M i.i-aii. liMiiaM !• n. Kaliiiliat h, Iv K n Sliiiw. Paul A. 7. Iloliniaicr, M. S. lIoluniiitT, M. '.) \ ail Krnii>ni;i(*kKoii, K. •' ami .Mi-ycr. K I' III. Itfiii;t>*oii. Ilia .\. i:?. K..l.ih.s..n. K. .M. H. UNUSUALLY GOOD FISHING IN AND OFF MONTEREY BAY By J. B. Pmillii's. Callfornlu State Fisheries I..aboratory 4 I'.Ni >U.M .M.I.V liii^h tomporatures of the water alonj; the Cali- Z\ foniin t'oast, prnhal)ly duo to warm (H'ean i-urrcnts, are mcxst -^ ^ likrly rt>s|>i>n.sil)U» for tho unusual riuis oT fishes. • scniitropioal forms, that have occurred in and otT M..Tit. in.LT IIKH. The early fall season of \93\ furnished what is probably the best nuickerel tishin«r that dock fishermen have ever experiencetl at Mon- lly tho \ dnr- • Submitted for publication Octol)er. 1931. 22 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME terey. The fish referred to is the Pacific mackerel {Pneumatophorus japonicus diego), commonly, although not correctly, called striped, zebra, or common mackerel. Oldtimers, who have spent their entire lives at Monterey, have prononnced this season's "run" as exceptional. Fig. 6. A portion of a Monday crowd on one side of the Municipal Pier at Monterey while the Pacific mackerel "run" was close to shore. Ordinarily the mackerel schools fluctuate beyond the fishing boat moorings in the distance, but during a six-week period in August and September of 1931, wharf fish- ermen experienced the best fishing that they had ever had at Monterey. Photo by J. B. Phillips, September 21, 1931. Never have they seen such a prolonged run so close to shore. During the last three weeks of August and the first three weeks of September, great numbers of fishermen lined the Municipal Pier and at times the Fisherman's Wharf. On week ends, choice standing and sitting room rAi.iF'oit.viA n.mi ash ti.wtt: 23 wa.s at a prfiiiiiiiii. Slnuiu', (^rari't'iil, liuliliiiK iiui*-k>-rrl, v. Iial!" t"> lliri'c pouiulH, hrokr inaiiy a wiiitlow on thf Miuik ij.ai r.i wln'ii ovcr-aiixioiis lislirriiii'ii •iwiiii;; llii'ir i-atcli out of tin* wutiT, Many nNluTincn stoppfil lisljinj; wIumi they filled a Mark, but othcm won* inoiv ciitliusiaMtif. Fish won* fr«M*ly fjivni to oiilook«'n» aiul to wIm'Ii tlif (islH'iiiiffi i-fturtu'(| liuin.v Many rauu'lif inori', JH"^! ;..| tr.- sport uT fatcliiii;:, tliaii tliry tlimiM*! vrs rojild us*- On .HMin«" \\f-k i-ihIh, a constTvalivc fstiniaf** of tin* amount taken by Msb'Tmr'n on thi* «l«H'kH alonr sonnMinioN would amount to !.'> or 20 ton.H. Th<' amount taken b> tin* sportsnn-n is an I'sliniati* oftt-n easily fortrotti'u. Tln' Califoroiii Division of l''isli and (iann* has no n-cnrd, at pn-wnt. of the jh'livrri'-'' showinj; spiM'ies. wei^rhts. and prires paid sport fishermen, a« it has for the eommercial delivi'ries. Several nonnally siiulliern ('alilornia lishrs are appearing in ahundanee in Monten-y Bay and just outsich'. Many tons of barra iiida (N/)/i !/'"<"» season's landin;rs from Monterey Bay to exceed by many tons that of iiny other season represented. The catches of barracuda liave bc.-n aee«»mpanied by record cati-hes of l>onito (Snnln rhUimsis). Many of the bonito specimens ranire between 7 and B> pounds in wei«;ht. This tish is sometimes misnamed ski|>.iack in the Monten-y re'jion. The most easily reco;;:iii/.cd. (list in^'uishin;.: marks of tlw-e two tunas are that the bonito (Siinln rhilicnsis) lias narrow black l>ars extent! inir morn or b'ss nbli(|uely across the back above the lateral lino, while the skipjack ( K from tlie dapanese species. Cnlolahis .sviini'. Tliis is a slender, mackerel like fish more clo.sely related *to the flyinjr fishes anil ntn-mally found in the open seas. The saury is a small tish not exceedin<» IS inches in lenirth. with the dorsid ami anal fins in.sertefl about two-thirds the ilistance from the heail to the tail, followed by several tinlets. Small, bright blue blotches appear haphazardly alonp the sides. ^Vhen a school of .saury is pursued by tuna, the fish erowd forward and in their anxiety to escape, the hindermost ones leap for- ward from tlie water. skippin Loi^iMlntiirc to cnnt-t a law tlint winiM iilT<»re conHned to a ifr»'at extent to private property, and timt no system or efTort to i in or reestahlish the supply of tpiail ran. or will result sti' — fni.. ^>tthout it inet'fs witli the support and eooprration of tlie i s, ranchers, orehardists and vineyanlist.s throU)?hout the State, the Fish and Game Commission, in \9'M), put in operation, throutrh the medium of the N'ohintetT Deputies of the Division of Fish and (iame. a stale- widf nuivenu'nt to riu-ourajre farniiTs and other owners of latid to voluntarily set aside part of their land as inviolate quail Kanctuarien and tranu' refutjes. and to elose to hunting ami shootinj; the areas thus set aside for a period ttf three yrai*s. ^Yhile the lands that are thus set aside are private property over whiih the Fish antl (Jame (Commission has no direct super\'ision or eontrol. and are not State ^ame refu;»es. this movement on the part of fhr Conimission has Iwrn met with the spontaneous and enthusiastie support and cooperation of farmers, landowm-rs and s|)ortsmen. The result is that aithou^'h the eampai^'ii has been in operation «)nly a little ovt'r one year, upwards of twelve hundred inviolate quail sanctuaries, aiiil jrame refiiires have hferi voluntarily «'stal»lished on private property where quail ami r)ther jrame nuiy now proj)a'^ate undisturbed and unmolestt»d in open br«»edinir irronnds. from the nncleus of wild birds in the fields. This nio\ .-ni'-iii . as il i-> al pii-st-iil lifiM'_' cnntiurirci i»_\ ih<' Fisii and (J.iine Comniission in Its I'tTorfs to sohr the quail probh-m in Cali- forni.i. lias met with sup|)ort ami cooperation. It is ^irovinp to be s\ic('«'ssful and benefieial. and interest in it has not abated or l»»ssene Sierra National For«'st and vj.inity. durini: the past year, have set aside part (^f their land as inviolate n ptii tlii«t '" 'o bw hunting t»roiiii-it pn.U«t{c Uy prv- Kio. 7. Hiforo cvlvllixatlon piicron' was not a clltllcult timk t<> k*-' " ''"•■ '" above pioturo, tiikfii In I'JO'J ii- birds — a nii-r artfrni>on'.M hunt • air. left to ilKbt. "J.nr,"" a |».>lnJ«r . KnKlish setter. It Is bellwfd that m.»;- - .-- (loplotcd quail population, rhoto iiubmltii>4l by A. L^nl. San Ft 1931. I>««:«iob«r 1. sentini; the farmer's wife with a hox of ramly ;i ~ child' 'h sonio fruit, thus niakini; his return not only w.*i. ..m. but r».-j>.-,i;«Ki inui desired. I was born and raised in Talifornia and have personally witnesMd the vnnisliiiii; of this State's onee abuntlant supply of wild life. ineludiuL: our native »|nail. Duriiiir the last •'••-" five years I have been in tlie irame tield>. of the State in the di- ^- of the duties of 28 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME a game warden, working and many times fighting to protect and succor our wild life. During all of these years I have tried, and seen tried, many different plans and campaigns for the propagation and protection of wild life, only to see them result in a battle between the "Army of Destruction" and the "Army of Defense," and prove to be a failure in their intended purpose. Much has been said, and still is being said, by sincere wild life conservationists relative to the necessity of a campaign of education in regard to the value of wild life as a lure for healthful outdoor recreation and pleasure and the need of its protection and conser- vation. Such a campaign has been and is now being conducted by the Division of Fish and Game, and has proven to be of great value. But, as the time has now long gone by for the use of soft- voiced, soft- handed methods for wild life protection, and the time has arrived when we must resort to drastic and strong armed practice, if we would save the supply of our wild life from being reduced to the verge of total extermination, in no account should the value of education as a prac- tical factor in wild life preservation be stressed beyond its real poten- tial value. However, while it is far from me to discourage any move that offers even a fighting chance to save our wild life from extermination, whether that move be one of education or otherwise, I would at this time post one note of warning. Until such time as it has been fully and definitely determined whether the present quail sanctuary and game refuge campaign as it is being conducted by the Fish and Game Commission of this State has proven to be either a success or a failure do not be sidetracked or deceived by any theories that may be advanced or advocated by "Lotus Eaters," who dream that the depleted game fields of California will again become restocked with quail that have been raised in captivity on State game farms, and that we will again be able to enjoy free hunting and shooting on the lands of the farms and landowners, or on public shooting grounds maintained by the State. Nevertheless, too much can not be said in favor of the State game farms that the Fish and Game Commission of California have estab- lished at Yountville and Chino, nor too much credit be given to August Bade, superintendent of the farms, for the splendid and capable manner in which he has conducted them, which has resulted in there having been liberated into the game fields of the State within the past few years, msny thousands of pheasants and other desirable game birds. "While onr State Game Farms are necessary and will be beneficial to the efforts being made to establish and maintain a supply of quail and other upland game birds within the State to a sufficient degree to afford good hunting and shooting to reasonable and appreciative sportsmen, it can not be accomplished upon the basis of providing the sportsmen with future free hunting and shooting on private property, or on public shooting grounds maintained by the State — not by a long shot. Make no mistake about that. Also make no mistake that the success of the effort to reestablish the supply of quail and other upland game within the State, depends upon the attitude of the sportsmen toward the quail sanctuary and game refuge campaigns. If the sportsman who enjoys hearing the valley quail's call of "Here we are," "Here we are," "Here we are," and is thrilled at iooinj; a covey of tlu?Mc lM«nutifut litili* k • for c will Hclivoly hikI liariiiMiii«iiisI\ . . ' .•.,; OWiiiTs in tin* quail .saiiflnai \ iiii •» fidcnt that within thni* yvnr*> llir Ix'on Hullli'ifntly nTstaldishiMJ to not only u liiit also a jtlaiM' to luiiit atiil Hhoot, n..* ' :ar::icr and lantlowntT, hnt also on t-vrry ar: • i* >>u laitM'd in the twenty niillitm nrrcn of n 1 within tht> Stati', and upon wlii<|| at tlii' prvM'nt tunc the |>rr. 1 (1). and Dr. Hall {2). The technical side of the (juestion with the pharmacolo{?>' of thallium and its use in rodent control has also been jniMished recently in a technical hid! ' v Dr. ^' ' •'. A fourth publication by the Kniilish authors i... .. .. ""' ^ n cites and discusses a number of human cas«\s of \\ followint; oral administration for the purpose of pr« (loss of hair 1. These papers should be of value to all liiitM. inlcriAU'U in the thallium problem. A series of studi«'s has now been ct)mplet«Hl at the Fi-^h nnd Game Laboratory at the Hooper Foundation for Medical H- of the University of California dealin*^' with the elTeet of • u on ^aiue birds and analyses to determine the pr. ' ' ' • •' - • n- in,s» to humans through consumption (»f , , . .« detail of this work is also to be published in a techn irnul. We feel, however, that an article Kiving general ii i in rei;artl to thallium, together with a summary of our own ■ .. :ii i -f interest to many readers of C.m.ih>kni\ Ft^ii other publications are not availabb History. Occurrence. Properties And U««« of Thallium The metal thallium was iliseovered by Crookes, in 1>G1. while invcstiLTatinjx, by means of the spectr'^- — ' '•• ''--■m a sulphuric acid plant in Knijland. Tl i- tion jn-otlueed by the thallium tlame is responsible for its name which is derived from the Latin thallns. meaning a young shoot or green twicr. 30 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME In many physical and chemical properties thallium is similar to lead. It is a heavy metal (density 11.8), soft, bluish white, and forms a series of crystalline salts when treated with different acids, the common ones such as the nitrate, acetate, and sulphate being white and water soluble. The iodide is an insoluble yellow com- pound, which characteristic forms the basis for one method of detection and estimation. Small quantities of thallium occur in pyrites ore from many parts of the world; higher concentrations of thallium are found in combination with other elements in certain ores from Sweden and Macedonia. While the distribution of thallium is rather wide the total amount available is quite small and the cost is correspondingly high. As a rodent poison the sulphate of thallium is ordinarily used ; in medicine the acetate is used to cause loss of hair during the treat- ment of ringworm of the scalp in children. It is also used in certain optical glass requiring a high refractive index, and is of value else- where due to its photo-chemical and electrical properties. Toxic Action of Thallium Soon after the discovery of thallium it was found to have toxic properties. Lamy, while working on this element in France about 1863, developed general lassitude and weakness of the lower limbs. Susi)ecting that thallium was the cause, he conducted a series of animal feeding experiments that definitely indicated its lethal power. Many investigations relating to the action of thallium were con- ducted during the following years. In 1909 an excellent article was published by Swain and Bateman of Stanford University, in which the lethal dose and toxic sj^mptoms were determined for several species of laboratory animals. As previously stated the most recent and complete contribution of a technical character is that by Dr. Munch, consulting pharmacologist for the U. S. Biological Survey. Thallium is a cumulative poison, several small doses being as effective as one larger dose unless the interval between doses has been several weeks. The poison is eliminated very slowly and has been detected in practically every body tissue. The poison may be absorbed following application to the skin and produce toxic symp- toms in this manner as well as when administered by mouth. The action is slow but definite ; paralysis, respiratory distress, lack of appe- tite, and diarrhea usually develop in three or four days. It requires a dose several times the lethal dose to produce symptoms in one day, and with just a sufficient dose to kill the symptoms will not be delayed greatly although the subject may remain in a paralyzed condition for a longer time before death in this case. The immediate cause of death is respiratory paralysis. Autopsies do not reveal a sufficiently char- acteristic condition to warrant diagnosis by this means. The lethal dose is reported as approximately 25 milligrams per kilogram of body weight or 1 unit weight of poison to 40,000 unit weights per subject. In some instances a much smaller dose has proved fatal. For a human adult, irrespective of weight, it is considered unii&f(> tu in(;«>>it iiinr«> iIihii 'i(M) inilliL'riiiim; tl of 5 KruiiiK, tin- wri{»lil of thr or: m MiiltM hiivt- n liiirli HpiM-ifir 'i.nn .. 'h the Hi/A' of NtK'h a tal)l«-t \\*itili| \u- il n yours of 0^0 5 to H niilli^^'raiiui of Ihr •. per l> wri^'lit has bn-n rxti'iisivi-ly iiM'd to ^. worm of I 111' Hcalp. This trrafnit-r • ' WfrUs, rollowfil hy a In'avi.r r- Iroatnu'iit luivr iiNiially line of thallium on '>V2 <»f the specunens. A' Dr. Ilobmaier showed patholoirieal chancres of f later observed in birds experimentally poi-soniMl with lb I have noted statements to the efTect that thalliinn p' ' ' ' 'i- lied by observini; the ^reen coloration pi .. of tin* flesh or stomach contents in a jras tlam< , I do not believe that such an identitieation ean Ix* made, as the yellow flame that is produced by sodium sjdts eontainev a small , . F'-r n rat 1 by re on - il ,f III d in 32 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME positive identification a portion of the flesh such as the gizzard, thigh or breast should be destroj'-ed by acids and the thallimn separated by chemical reagents. A confirming test in the flame or spectroscope can then be made on the pnrified salt. Analytical and Experimental Work The question has been raised many times regarding the possibility of secondary poisoning to humans following the ingestion of thallium poisoned flesh from game birds. The flesh on hand from thallium poisoned geese offered excellent material for a j)artial answer to this question. Twenty samples from the breast, thigh, and skin of 17 of the geese were analyzed quantitatively for thallium. The amounts found ranged from 4 to 57 milligrams per kilogram of flesh with an average of 29 mg/kg ; the figures indicating that higher concentrations were probably deposited in the thigh than the breast. On the basis of the average value, and considering 320 milligrams (5 mg/kg for 150 pound person) as the highest dose that could be safely ingested by a human adult, it would require 11 kilograms or 24 pounds of poisoned flesh to supply this amount. The probability of killing birds, following ingestion of thallium grain and previous to development of toxic symptoms that would cause suspicion, and of eating such flesh in the quantity above indicated would appear very remote. The ex]3erimental work discussed later also bears out this point. However, to establish more definitely the quantities of residual thallium remaining in the tissues of birds poisoned in the field, it is planned to analyze those si3ecimens available during the next few months. In any event, the following precautions by sportsmen should eliminate any danger : 1. Do not shoot or keep any bird that appears sluggish or partially paralyzed. 2. Refrain from sliooting on or near an area that you know has been recently treated with thallium. An inquiry or two in the neigh- borhood should establish this fact. 3. In case you do eat material of which you are suspicious, refrain from eating the gizzard or drumstick which will contain the higher con- centrations if any thallium is present. Experimental data on the toxicity of thallium in quail, ducks, and geese has been obtained by feeding both poisoned grain and pure thallium sulphate. While tests have not been made on a sufficient number of birds to determine the absolute lethal dose, the following values are believed to be approximately correct. Lethal dose of metallic thallium Bird milligrams per kg. Quail 12 Geese 15 Ducks 30 Believing that these figures will be of more value when expressed in terms of poisoned grain and birds of definite weight, the following table has been computed. rAt.lPORSiA riNII AN'D OAUK SS U'r4tflk( %/■ Quull • ; -, (JUHll t n 1 -7 I>ui'kM DucKm ■ """ : "- Duck " • « • i ;• • ;■•-.■ « ^ - « o * Ttiiillliiiii now |irr|Mirt>«l arrtirdlnc lu iha 111 fi>riiiulM ■■•iiiiuiiin .,)>.' ;.,.iii;ii ..f iliMlMiim miliilinln iwr 100 pound* bo UN (H'r t't'iit iiii'tullli- thallliiiii ■riii'H«' \«lm n iiir iiiiM<'<| lilt an nvrrnifo «»f 36 k<>rn«U pwr tfr»m of ifc^isa t^tAiu. « • III jfcncral trrins \v«« iiuiy Htatr that for i»«'tii»' ntui qiinil 0 2 prr criit nf the IkmIv wt'i^'ht in poisniD-il ^raiii will vnv and fnr (lufks 0 1 prr fciit of tlif Ixuly \v«mj,'IiI hi i lit' a li'tlial tinsiv .MiiiK'li ill Ills work on rats foimil cent of tin- liody wcitrlit of fooil wan conHiinit'd in Ifjw thnii nn hour < hi this basis it is easily scimi that tin* i|iiaiitity of ;,'rain rt'<|iiir«*4l for ■ Ifthal (lose iiiiu'ht hr '^rratly fXi'i-rtli'd at on** ffi-dinif. With just the jrthal dos«' a ^oosi> dird in 14 dii> s ; by iiicrfaniiiK thr , dcatlis (M-ciirrtMl in 2 to 3 dayii (,|iiail a|ipar<-iitly wt-ri' not as rfsistaiil. di*atlis usually «m- I to 'J da\ s ; in tin' siiiaih'st dosair<" tfiviMi dratli (MTiirpMi m i Ducks arc more resistant than ireeM- and may not «lir for 2 to \\ t'oljowiii^' the iiiinimnm lethal dose; larger t|os«>s may kill iu 1 to 3 «>ii act-* iijt»n' rapidly and in smaller amtmnt when •.'iveii in solid form by cii|Mulr than when iriveii in solution by meaiiN tif a pipette The (|uantity of tliallinin absorbed by the ctlible tivnues was Htudirtl on ilueks aiitl {jccsc. In both species it was found that the brt'ast MM*at idisorbs an amt)iiiit parallel with its propt»rtit»nal juirt i ' •' ' "' ratiti ilecreasini:. liowt-ver. with excessive titles and tic tieath A l)iiil tlyin;; in 1') days still rctaiiu>d an appni'iablf amount of thallium in the breast. The tliiirh ami L'i/./aril wen* found to iMMitaiii considerably liiy:her concentratitnis than the breast, while the liver containetl less. The follow in;; table will Iw of interi'sl fn»m tin* staiui- point of i»rt»bable secondary poisoning'. The il«»?iaj;«' has b«fn exprejBtnJ in terms tif kernels tif irrain rather than the pun* thallium sulphate which was Lriveii. The birds were mallard tlucks wei);hintr approxi iiiately 'J "J pniinds eat-li K/ u/ f ' ! ; Sjriiin ttaij" to ilfilh in' ./f 11(1 ,„ I.'. tiimi:. 4t'. KMI I'i .■■->u; Jii i:l»o '2 • :'» !• i.r.7 I •••!» lo :mo 1- "<» « tiT'i 1- M.-XB 14 !• rt)m this table it will Ih« s«»en that the greatest danjjer U from binls dyinp: in 1 to J days; this fact, however, is oftsot by ' likeli- hood of sccnrini: such birds before suspicious syutptoms havi ... . :ope*i. Where the symptoms have been delayed by a smaller dosage the 4—90465 34 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME amounts of flesh required for secondary poisoning liave been increased far beyond tlie probability of consumption by one individual. Summary Game birds, such as quail, geese, and ducks, are killed by the oral administration of 12 to 30 milligrams of thallium per kilogram of body weight. The poison is largely retained and distributed throughout the body, being deposited and concentrated somewhat in the thigh and gizzard. Secondary poisoning to humans would occur only after the inges- tion of relatively large amounts of poisoned flesh and the probability of such poisoning is slight. Poisoned grain as prepared by the Biological Survey is of sufficient strength to carry a lethal dose in less than a single feeding. A summary has been given of the history, uses, toxic action, and introduction of thallium as a rodent poison. Literature Cited 1. Linsdale, Jean M. : Facts Concerning the Use of Thallium in California. The Condor, Vol. XXXIII ; pp. 92-106, May, 1931. 2. Hall, E. Raymond : The Poisoner Again. Outdoor Life, April and May, 1931. 3. Munch, James C. : The Pharmacology of Thallium and Its Use in Rodent Control. Technical Bulletin No. 238, United States Department of Agriculture, April, 1931. 4. Lynch and Scovell : The Toxicology of Thallium. The Lancet, Vol. 219, pp. 1340-1844, 1930. AN OUTLINE OF THE HABITS OF THE STRIPED SKUNK AND LITTLE SPOTTED SKUNK WITH SOME DIRECTIONS FOR TRAPPING By E. L. Sumner, Jr. 1. Relationship of Skunks SKUNKS belong to that great group of weasels and weasel-like animals, the family Mustelidae, although one might not suspect such a relationship at first glance. As a matter of fact, skunks have long ago departed from the main line of evolution followed by their more lithe and energetic relatives and have struck out upon a separate path of their own. Probably the most important single factor W'hich has determined the direction in which they have evolved has been the enormous development of the anal scent glands for defense purposes. These glands are present in all the members of the weasel group but are nowhere else so prominently developed as in the skunks. With the acquisition of such a potent armament, the skunks have not found it necessary to preserve the agility or the quickness of reaction which is so characteristic of the majority of the weasel family. So, too, with this slowing up of life's activities and general dulling of the senses vre find a corresponding restriction of the diet to small and easily captured creatures such as mice and insects, which is humbler food than that of most of the weasels. CAUrORNIA ri'Mi am» >,.\Hr. 35 2. Kindt of Skunk* »nd 0<«lribulien Tli(> Hkiiiik i^roiiit In iliviilftl inin ihri*** Hr|| marked ^ >. two if whiih ar«' n-prfHrnftMl in ('»tri|H'<| -'^■•.t ■ «:. • ••- ' I III- oIIht nnlirju-fs tin* litllr M|Mitti-«l '»r 'i*iv«'t I'Hts, " UH tlii'V an* ofliMi rMlliNl by Irnpi Tin* coriimnti Ntri[)iMl skunks m- • vrr lh«' *v tl» \iiifri wImtcvit siiitaItU* coiiilitioii.H arc to bo foiinil n|i«i latiiiK witli »lt;iisr covtM*. I'Mprcially if it In* in strips in tin- | ""r, iri' pri'fcrnMl to <1«mi.s«» fon'sts or to lint ami plains • • •- >\' tlit's»' aiiinials an* elastic, howcvi-r, and for thin r- ilwavM rtMnain anions; tin* fonunoncMt of niir wilil rArnivnrotni BiitmiUii. Till' little spotf«Ml skunks an* nion* soiithnrn in thi'ir n. •xli'itiliiii.' tfirtluT ilowii tliroiitrli ('rntr.' * *' ■ ' •••I lM throiiifhout (Cali- fornia, tJH'v or^ia on tin- Atlantic Citast Witliin their rnnK«^, how- <\cr. the little >pott«>(l skunks show an anlaptahilily to vnryint? cuntli tioiis of eliiiiate aiul topo>_'rapliy about as * '' ' •* •' i .-._,,.,. relatives for roeky ledLjes liii;li iij> on the -hy .iiiyons. or hot ticsert plains .s«>cni to prove alnioMt iH|iially attractivi* to them. 3. General Habita of tho Stripod Skunk A Milliliter of observers have followcil the tracks ina«lc in tin* Hnow by forairinu' skunks from the time th«' animals left their tieiw in the early eveninir nntil their return once more at tinwn, an«l they all ajfree that the home rani;e of ea'-b individual is very ^- " '".--•ly do tracks lead from the den farther than .'»(>«) feet, .i total distance eov»>rcd by a sini;le anitnal in a niirht may ranifp b«»twr«»n four and eiijht miles. There has been some eoiilio\ ■•! >\ tri to Mht-tht-r or not striped skunks can «'limb tre.-s, although then* in no i|iit>Htii»n abouf the ability of the little spotted skunk in this re»»|H"»t. Ak with most t|uestions roijardinff the Iwhavior of animals, it Ih not i> to make an ab.soluteiy hard and fast statement ' i: ^ 'hen' u no exceptions. As a rule, striped skunks do n«»t <■ ^. or in- iiiy ether upright objects, but this rule like most others is not inviolate and we do have a few records of the climbinir of tre.^ hy thes»« nnimaU. Seton, in his "Tressed. but even voluntarily upon mvaMion. l*n?ble relat*>H the fol- 36 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME lowing instance which illustrates the habit of voluntarily taking to water in the Canada sliunk. "While paddling up the channel between AVindy and Pine lakes on September 12, we saw^ a skunk swimming across the stream a hundred yards in front of our canoe. On seeing us he redoubled his exertions but we overtook and shot him just as he reached the shore." (1902, North American Fauna No. 22, U. S. Biological Survey.) They are said also to be fond of bathing at the edges of shallow ponds and streams (Lantz, 1914, Farmers Bulletin 587, U. S. Department of Agriculture). Although skunks are usually silent animals, they may on occasion utter a low "ehurring" or scolding note especially if disturbed with- out being greatly excited, according to Seton {op. cit, p. 334). When two males fight, they utter low snarling sounds, and if one of the con- testants is overpowered it gives vent to loud long drawn squeals of fear. A characteristic "''warning" gesture, used bj^ a skunk at bay either when confronted by some other animal, such as a dog or another skunk, or by man, is a rapid stamping or scratching motion of the front feet, the tail being raised straight up meanwhile with every hair erect. Apparently this behavior is for the purpose of intimidation. Although capable of digging dens for themselves, skunks prefer to enlarge the burroAvs of ground squirrels and woodchucks, or to appropriate hollow logs, recesses beneath tree roots, or cavities in rock piles. Haystacks, covered drains and other retreats afforded by human occupation are also made use of upon occasion. When skunks dig their own burrows they seldom go below the ordinary frost line and are usually content with a rather short tunnel ending in a rounded cham- ber containing the nest. This nest is a bed of leaves or dry grasses and is raised somewhat above the level of the tunnel for drainage. In desert regions, a favorite den site is beneath a clump of prickly pear cactuses or yucca plants. In northern latitudes the animals remain indoors during the period of severest cold, although thev do not seem actually to hibernate in the sense of becoming completely dormant. If dug out at such times they are found to be quite lively and indeed they are in the habit of coming out and wandering about whenever there is a tempo- rary period of mild weather. Usually a considerable number of indi- viduals is present in the den during the winter montlis, and while in some cases there may be family groups they are not always so, for usually the members of a family separate in the fall. Some winter dens may contain as many as a dozen individuals all of which appear to be adults, wliile in otlier cases certain dens ma}' harbor groups in which young only two-thirds grown jDredominate. The striped skunk mates during February and March, and the young, w^hich number from four to ten, are born in April or May, the period of gestation being 62 to 63 days. Newborn skunks are blind and nearh^ hairless at birth and no larger than a full grown mouse. Their eyes do not open until about the fourth week. By the sixth week they begin to creep to the entrance of the burrow at the approach of dusk and move about uncertainly Avith their tails held straight up in characteristic adult skunk fashion. By the seventh week they commence to follow their mother about on her excursions, often in a long single file over logs and stones or (AMrORN'IA »'I«II ANt> OAMf. 37 ncrosA rondwn^s Tn .HUinimT th«> fnnuly Mtll ittart nut upon lU forac- iii(; lirt'on* Niiri.Hrt and rnny remain nliroad all niffht. 4. Food of Striped Skunkt and Their Ccenemic imp«n«M«« SkiinkN an* (iiiiiiivoroiiH, Init frr«l chirfly ii|miii iirarly all of whifli an* injiirinuH fi> insi'ft.s const ittitc a siirprisini;|.\ laru'-- i- niici', ^i's and similar au'ricnltiiral this tinii- (>tlii'r food iti>nis which have Ihm'ii found in of skunks arc li/.anls. turtle c^^'s, ^atiT • nuindiM's, fish, crustaceans, cartliu.>i iii>, niojc, -.,,.. iiiid \arioiis small l)crri«*s, as well as carrion It im lliaf I lie c«»mmon ;;ardcn toa«ls which arc univcnuilly r JHMiclii'ial l)> reason of their destnictjon of n always refused hy skunks with every appcai because the skin nf toads is providiMJ with a i is (listastcful hotli to hirds and animals. Amonir the insects cvrn waMps and Imm^h an* ralrn in ', and it sometimes happens that hee keeper- ' : • the attacks nuidi> by the skunk upon their i he entirely avoided, however, hy placini? the hivi's ii|>on !•• the lower, horizontal limhs of trees. The eciinomic status of the striped skunK airain and a^raiu durini: the last twfnty years lu .d* a^'ricultuie, both state and federal, in many part* of • In every case. jud;.'meut pass<>d upon the nkunk haM Inn^n and yet even today popular prejudice a'j:ainst th- stronjr in numy localities. I)oubtlc,s.s th»* unfo'ii I'fTect produced by their mlor is partly to blame ' of fact, hardly any animal can \u' rei;arde«| as more ••b«»n' the stamlpoint of the farmer The followini: M'' nulletiu \o. .'jST of the C. S. Department of ^•' as typical of the conclusions reached bv all ir itors "The belief that skiinks f.M»d mainly upon binU and bini*' egs* is so ireneral that statements to the contrar\ ar.' of- While the animals occasinnallv cat wild birds .'•■ ' '' fui-nished by stomach examinntion.H is over. **» skunks and proves that, on the whole, they are \u- observers siiu-e the davs of .\udidion have r usefulness of these animals, but popidar prej...ii. .- ... come. "A skimk makinp its home nntler sheds and other buildinsK roani« about them at nij:ht in sean-h of foo«l. ihiefly rats, n '». That it should nceasinnally learn \o take chickens ar- ' ir- prisini;, but this happens far b'ss freipiently than • -d. Tt is a habit learned by a very fow individuaU an«l not a characteristic of skunks as a family * * * Of cours.'. the individual skunk that learns to kill and eat chickcTiN should W diMrnyitl " Persons interested in the preservation and propaxration of frame birds are particidarly hostile to the skunk. Indievinj; that it destroya pheasants, quail and other eroiind n»M»tine birds and their ec^rs. As a matter of fact, evidenoe supporting' this view is verj* mea^r. while 38 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME upon the other hand, the great mass of information gained from stomach contents (see appended bibliography) points in exactly the opposite direction. Indeed, there are many records of quail which successfully hatched out their broods within a few rods of a skunk den. "The truth is that at the season when the native game birds are nest- ing, skunks have abundant insect food, and by the time this food fails the birds are strong of wing and seldom fall a prey to this mammal." (Farmers Bull. No. 587, p. 11.) Before attaching importance, then, to the loss through these animals of an occasional bird we ought, not only in fairness but from self interest, to consider the great good which they accomplish by their constant destruction of harmful insects and rodents. 5. General Habits of the Little Spotted Skunk In so far as they are known, the habits of the little spotted skunk are similar to those of its larger striped relative. However, it must be admitted that our knowledge of this animal is less extensive than our knowledge of the common skunk, perhaps because the former seldom goes abroad in the daytime and because it partakes more closely of the original weasel characteristics in being swifter, more restless and more secretive in its habits than the larger animal. In proof of its agility, it may be mentioned that when pursued by dogs, it will take refuge in trees with almost the nimbleness of a scjuirrel. Like the striped skunk, it prefers to make use of natural cavities in rocks, the inner recesses of cactuses and other thorny vegetation or the burrows of other animals rather than to dig its own den. Dr. E. W. Nelson, formerly chief of the U. S. Bureau of Biological Sur- vey, states that "On the plains of Arizona they have been known to live inside the mummified carcass of a cow, the sun-dried hide of which made an impregnable cover" (1918, Nat. Geographic Mag., p. 475). The young are two to six in number. Little spotted skunks are as playful as they are active and graceful, in marked contrast to the heavy bodied striped skunk. Dr. Nelson, in the article already quoted, gives us two delightful and highly amusing pictures of the antics of these little animals as he lay and watched them on moonlight nights. Lack of space prevents quoting his anecdote of the bear hunt during which one of these little skunks came galloping up to within a few inches of his face and surveyed him with curiosity. The other incident is related more briefly, however, and may be given here. "Once at the mouth of a canyon at the southern end of the San Joaquin A^'alley, California, I camped several days at a deserted ranch. At night I spread my blankets on the bare floor of the house, from which the doors were gone. LTnder it led several burrows of some animal which I at first supposed to be a ground squirrel. Each night while there I was awakened by the sound of little footfalls padding rapidly about over the floor on which I was sleeping, and in the dim light from the moon could see two or three little spotted skunks pur- suing one another around me like playful kittens. At the sligHtest movement on my part they dashed out the door and into their dens under the house. As there was no food of any kind in this room, it was evident that the little fellows were there for a frolic on the smooth board floor. ' ' (ALOfiKS'lA I'IMII A.Vt> flAMr 39 I r»Tall un amusm <■-%-' U_ SiiiiiniM-, al Sfripps Ik . . . i l» situati-d on a Uiuh M'auarii-fnriiii; lilnlT w of itN original wildiirsM. For vtwiri t> 'ft for varioiiH faiuilit'M of thf^w playfii \ I'llHMlCf to plTxitlN atloVl* To Ix" v < vi'iiiuk'H MOW aiul tlirii ulirn wr «• takahlf otloi, wlicn'Upoii MMiiroiii* wuuM riiiiark, 1 thasiin; flit- skunk kittrns au'ain'" Mni tl ' '" niori< than fonipt-nsiitiMl for \n \\u- Iri-ipiiMit at'trr siippi'i- Willi tin- Maslilik'lit anil pan uf l< ntf onr of the l»rii;lil. impiiHitivi* litllr rr- Ih'IiiikI old lioxi's ri«.'lit hy our fvv\ in /inu.., whirli \vr Nvoiilil throw to it. Siini«*tinirH tin- ■ tln» stairs ol" till' lm«'k poivli and Iimivo n trawry of tntiilily littlr fool- prints as tln'>' scampi'iTd about on it ion to wlii«'li I rt'l'iM*. my aunt was u'l^'ii-; ■• '•" ■■ I lowd with till' usual hiistjr of trays and triipotn in kitchen, and in th*' hurry and confiiKion tin* McriN'ii (IfMir >•■ li'ft open. What was my aunt 's astonishii to flu" kitchen, to hphohl a >kiink kitt--' ^mk ]iiid the stove with every appeiiran< • 111 justice to the skunk it should he ailde*! that it irmxl natiirrdly .illowi'd itself to he shooed oiitd(H>rs once iiion* and hack to it<( own <|imrfers in the hasenient. <»iie of the most characteristic pert'orinaiifOM of fhr- titrJp .n.ttiNl skunk is the "hand stand." called this Imtmuhc of i* 'h** human acrobatic feat of the s^itih" name wiien^in Ihr u—il for walkiuir ami the body and fe«'t are held ve-* " ' *' case of the skunks, this position mav be hehl f. : the animal stands still, or for eonsideraldv lon^'er i' 'it. in which cas«^ balanoe .seonis to *»o mnintainod mor»« miily. .1 at use the "hand stand" renction may serve, if it h« - '* • ilt to sa.\ . Tluit the reaction is instinctive seems pr ry youni; skunks exhibit it. ami that it i« eivpn whoni'vcr t) nal w startled is a matter of observation. Ilowevor. it ia that when a skunk is closely pressed and is preparim' *• • ■* .-cent it abandons this posture for a I' sli.i!-'.! feet on the jrround and b.ith *»nd!« of the • the cnrmy simultaneously. Alex Walker, u ho has raised lliesr ;iiiimals aiil>' an indication of pla\ .trii! whon LMven in a spirit of hostility e than a bluff. The stampinir reaction with the forepaws i> . in a n)ann<>r aimilar to that of the striped skunks when tlie ■> alar- r>-' 6. Food of Little Spotted Skunks and Their Economic Importance Like its striped relative, the little siu>tt»»d nktink is oninivorotu> but from the farmer's point of view it is even lesw to he censured in reirard to its foo>iiii-|i' iii'i'i it n^aiioOi'" i» r*"' "H!i!iT-' . a I'fliff I'lir ttii* iMl!niiiiiuit ii>n Wjisliitij; in <'hlori(le of iiine or . • will remove thi» odor from oii»''h IuiikIm but thi* fMrinrr i>» n«»t r- ni hrcniisr of ifn rfTi-ct on rolorol fnhrii'n C •' ua.sliiii|{ t Ill-Ill ill uasiiliiii', ainiiioniii or Inmi< ill a Kiiiiny, wiiuly place; thry may nUo be btirird in mout «oil for a few (lays or iiiiiiH'rsrd in llowini; wnti-r Skunks iiiakf intfrrstint; mu] ■ •" ..,.-•:.,. .t.,t. :f --i,,^ fniiii tin- first in captivity. Oltl in* wild, ami skunks wlijch liavr Imm-ii luiravm-d from time lo liini? by d"^ an* likely to use their seent when diHturl»ed hy '^ animals, hut skunks which have )N>rn kindly t practically m-ver u'ivi* olVeiis*' in thi^ «ay ami i settled neiv'hliorhooiU without eniiNint; annoyniiec. The removal of Hcent ^damls is very simple in yoiin^' animals, and ' 'n fake this added precaution are refern-d to i ' :k li. Ashhrook's liook ciililleil, ' " Kur farmii « Nork^ for simple directions for |>nH'edure. with dwit'rnin il directions for the care and hrecilin-^ of Hkiink.H are hImo iii>'iutir«l in I liis Work. 8. Natural Encmtct of Skunks Altliou^'li s«ciiiiin.'ly feirless in its u>ual demeanor, nnil n''* ■••v»h pos.ses.sed of a wi'apoii whose diri- elTe«-t upon other animalH : - -n witnesM'd too oftiii to he doubted, yet the skunk is not without Mverml natural »'nemies. Mountain lions have not infr«'..— re (•iiiiliniiatorv evidence of the nature of their la.st meal. ^' ••*. foxes. aiied a »• with the black and white-furred meat Ilanlly ever i« it piven to human eyes actually to witness such an encounter Ih'Iv owl. but there is one such case on record by .1 Norman \'. .^. ^ . ...... it is so vividly described as to merit tpiotiiiL' Iwre "One morniuff, late in the autumn. T was drivini; • S the wo(vls wlien T heard a flisturbanc.» in the dry ' »t a li' ■*' from the road. T stopped my horsc and. as I l..,.r,... m the .. ■ ... of the sound, saw soinethini; struui.'lin«r on the trround. As I dn*w near. I saw (dearly the eause of the disturbance. A few feet in front of me was a lartre horned owl in a sort of sitting p«Mituro His bn-k and head were a-jainst an old lojj. Flis feet were thru itself from the owI'.h elavs than it could have done from the jfiws of a steel trap. Its stniiTRles grcv 42 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME less and less frequent and at the end of about fifteen minutes they ceased altogether. Then the owl loosed one foot, settled himself in a more comfortable-looking position, and appeared ready to enjoy the spoils of his battle." {Bird-Lore, 1913, p. 369.) 9. Directions for Trapping Skunks That the striped skunk is California's most valuable fur-bearing animal is demonstrated by the figures for the total value of the fur sales for the State. A greater return is received for the skunk than for any other species of fur bearer. Skunks because of their unsuspicious nature are easily trapped and no special precautions are neeessar.y. Traps should be set in such places as the paths they travel to obtain water, or near the openings to their dens. Occupied dens will be clear of cobwebs and have a slight odor of skunk, with often a few skunk hairs about the entrance. Among the signs revealing their presence, in addition to tracks along the muddy banks of streams and ponds or in dnsty paths, are the numerous shallow pits one or two inches deep made by the animals in fields and pastures where they have dug for Avhite grubs. If the tra])s are set at the entrances to dens the^^ may be left unbaited ; if set along paths they are best baited with a chicken head, a piece of tainted meat, or best of all, a bit of skunk fur or meat. If the den is inhabited by more than one animal, time may be saved by setting several traps in the vicinity. It is a matter of common experi- ence among trappers that skunks are strongly attracted to any place where one of their number has previously been killed and that a trap site for these animals becomes better in proportion to the number of skunks which have been caught there. A No. 1 trap is the best size for skunks, although a No. 2 can be used. Traps should be set lightly and a little trash, such as leaves or grass, scattered over them in such a way as to leave the place looking natural. The bait may be placed in a V-shaped opening between two rocks, or between two traps, with sticks or stones on each side to guide the animal over the traps in its effort to get the bait. Another good set is made by suspending the bait by a wire or string just out of reach of the skunk and directly above one or two traps so that the animal will step into them while trying to reach the bait. Skunks when trapped do not often discharge their scent so as to defile their fur but are likely to do so when being killed unless care is exercised. If the trapper will move slowly, and stand still for a moment whenever the skunk shows by its actions that it is about to emit its scent, he can get near enough to strike the animal a sharp blow across the back. This paralyzes the hind quarters and prevents any discharge. Box traps are particularly recommended for use in cellars and other places where it is essential that the skunk be removed with- out any liberation of scent. (For details of construction see a leaflet entitled, "Trapping on the Farm," 1919, obtainable from the Bureau of Biological Survey, Washington, D. C). Bibliography of Reference* lo lh« ^ ood riab>ia of bhunbt Aitlibrook, i'. llt'JM. Fur fiirniiiiK fur proril MaiMHUi I*. 7 ('ii.vl.-i. W. K. lit'Ji. (ilmi-rvnllnnH on ttir hnbira of (hr iitri|>r«| akiink Jumtm Umm S. p I'll. l»i.V, 1,4-. lli'Jtl. Skunk fiUj* kiitn- .... ;. . 7 i i IHxon. .1 l1'-.'>. I'imhI |>ri-n« u( t"*Hialory uinl tur braiutc tnamnuiU. Jomr m ll««. 6, pp. .'II. MI. Il.iiiiillnn. NV. J., Jr UrJM Thr winliT fwMl uf Ihi' .i ,,..'. t ; ... Ilrwrdfi . . , i IIuwkII. a. II IIHKl. Kovicw (if the NktinkM of iin- K''"'"! >/'W-i-vu{r. .\ . \me-r r««»«. 3S liinl/. I>. K, IIhCi KiniMnH tiiiiinnitilN in (licir rflntion (<> ncHrulturv Kan. Mlal* AsHr. (•.•ll.-K<' Mull. V^K p. rWK. t'.H I iMimoniic viiliH* of North Ann'rii-nn nkuiiliM. U. fl. D»pt. Agrir. Vmrm^rm Itiill .'.ST. p. D. \.-i>..h, i: \v ini.s. \Viln. i:. 'I' Ui'_> nnlmiilo. I »ouliliHln.v I'ii(p and Co.. N. Y. 2. pp. .IHS, ISO. .SImw. W. T t'.t'j.s rill- .sprinK »iitii. f'iM«. Feolkrrt and Fmr, No. 70. pp. 29. SflL GIANT KELP UTILIZED AT MONTEREY* liy J. H. I'Hii.i.ii-.x, I'ltllfornla Stntn Kt«hr> Si: \\\ i:i;i)S arc amoujr th«« mast vnliiahle of aquatic resouim of ih.' .lapancso Kinpinv Tlu' Jnpnnok' have ineenioUHly utilize tht's«' plants to tlu'ir fullest cxtont in the iTi-ation of U^h\ ■ t* ill tlio form of jrlli«»s, soups, sal.ids aiul ^' 'iR^ : i'" '' '«^- turc of clarifyiiiLr at'cnts for l)t'v«'rau'«'s, a>^ ^r for i -r- tiliztr. as a cultural inodium for l)n('ti'ri«>lojri»*al work, ami a.H iodine. Tilt' seaweeds of California aiv utilizrtl in the pr n of chemi- ' .lis. fertilizer, food for himian eonsumption (mttnu\ « hinme and • lapaiiese\ and as a stoek foo«i. A iriant kelp l>usine.ss of minor importan«*e in in tiic •w^'ond year r opt«ration at Monterey. The kelp harvested is entirely of the it|M»cie« \rn'ori/s(i,t hitkratia. and is sonietimeH ealleil w'r'- » • • ' ' ' \tx\\\ kelp, seal head kelp, or onion kelp. It trrows in : :... :. ro»-ky eoastal zone from Point Sur northward, with an abundanoe in Puget ^onnd where it sometimes attains a length of 300 feet.** Thi« kelp IS not to be eonfiised with, another form, ^f * ' :, that is harvested meehanically on a larire .scab' in ■■■..'. water*. In the region from I'oint Coneeption to S«n Dieiro the outtin)? w done 1\\ harvesters similar to irrain reapers, which cut the kelp two to four • Submittod for luiblU-Htlon. CVtolvpr. 1?.H •• Swan. .Tnm(>s (•. On tho oc«M»omlr \-nlu«« of lh«< stent k«lp and otbvr m^»f*A* f the northwest. U. S. Fl»h Comm.. Bull, for 1«»S. voL 1». p. ST1-«T«. !•»♦. 44 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME feet below the surface. As the boat pushes forward, the cut kelp falls on a slanting conveyor and is carried onto the deck. The species of kelp taken at Monterey cannot be handled in this manner but is cut by hand. The Division of Fish and Game of California has control of the kelp beds, and stringent Iravs are in effect to govern the cutting of this marine groAvth. To protect against depletion the beds are numbered Fig. 8. Launch docking at Monterey with 6 to 7 tons of g-iant bladder kelp, gathered off Carmel High- lands. Photo by J. B. Philips, August 17, 1931. and a system of opening and closing, together with cutting regulations, has been worked out in order to give the kelp time to grow again dur- ing the closed season. Nereocystis lutkeana grows from a holdfast on rocks, the smooth stalks growing commonly up to 100 feet in length and terminating in an enlarged portion or air bulb, from the crown of which about 50 streamers, 30 to 40 feet long, float at the surface of the water. The long stalks, which are as much as 3 inches thick just below the air bulb, may rAiJroiivi* f'"" »^'' 'UMC 4f. I Fio. 9. Unloadlnir plant bladder kelp al Mom»r»v Th* •llpp»rv vt are pussod ui> to th«> d noted l>y tl>- .-lit i>urtluiu ^tx tlic bulbs xUW- I'hoto by J. B. Phllllpji. August ::o. li'il. 46 CALIFORNIA FIgH AND (JAME taper to about one-quarter of au inch in diameter at the holdfast portion. Last season (1930) about 200 tons of kelp were harvested at Mon- terey during September and October. This year it is expected that about 450 tons will be harvested ; operations commenced during the middle of August and will continue until the late fall storms, probably m late October or November. The harvesting is being done by two crews, and occasionally, a third, using gas-powered fishing boats of 80 to 40 feet in length, with 3 to 5 men comprising a crew. Gathering operations are carried on between Point Pinos and Point Sur, directly south of Monterey Ba3^ This year (1931), $10 a ton is paid for the cut kelp, delivered on dock. By dint of hard work a capacity load of 6 to 7 tons can be gathered in about 5 hours. The kelp is obtained by tying the boat to a bunch and then cutting the kelp within reach. Stalks are cut to a depth of 15 feet below the surface by means of a 10- to 15-foot pole, having an 8- to 12-inch blade attached at one end. The cutters claim that the stalks are more closely bunched 12 to 15 feet below the surface of the water, and so several can be cut at a time. The cut stalks are hauled into the boat with the aid of a hook on a pole. Only the large beds are chosen, as the working operations, in order to be profitable, can not be interrupted by much moving about. The crop is unloaded at the Monterey Municipal Pier onto trucks, and carried to the grinding plant in Oak Grove, Monterey. The kelp is ground and packed in barrels for shipment to a chemical firm in New York. The grinding is accomplished by running the stalks through a power-driven machine resembling an oversized meat grinder. The machine grinds about one ton an hour, one to three stalks being fed at a time. Excess moisture is pressed from the ground kelp with the aid of a screw press and a slotted barrel. Kelp when ground resembles small amber colored chips of wood. This product is then packed for shipment in barrels, each of which weighs from 450 to 500 pounds. The reduction in weight of the kelp after grinding is about three-fourths of the original. The final product, as extracted by the New York firm, is a dark vaseline-like substance that lathers freely in water. This product is used extensively as a binding agent in the process of dyeing artificial silk. The substance is dissolved' in water and the artificial silk threads dipped in the suds formed, preparatory to dyeing. The late fall storms that usually occur during the latter part of October or in November put a stop to the harvesting operations by tearing up the beds and washing them ashore. Last season kelp that had been gathered from the beaches was used when cutting operations necessarily ceased. Formerly, operations of the kelp firm now in Mon- terey, had been centered on Puget Sound, Washington, but the unre- liable weather conditions during the short period available for harvest- ing curtailed steady production. A. K. Anderson is manager for this company and C. M. Simpson is foreman in charge of grinding and shipping operations. I.AI.IIUKMA f 1 11 \''l> >>AHr 47 FIFTY YEARS AGO ON THE SUISUN MARSH |l> \V. W ItliM^nlM 1\ I III". ^ l",.\K IsT.s, till' yuiiiiK«>Nt lii'ir in ihe ClminlirrUin nuir -wiiiiiK ."» ssnn forniftl. It irifltwI.Ml (J. Frank Smith, promim-nt hiwyi-r of that day, California Sta' .tor W. W, 'Prayhu-, after wh(»m the Trayh)r Poml wim iiam«> tlu- Six Keacli I'hihI, riu' writer took a 10 y«ar>' h-a.se for titn a«'rt*>» aloiitf tin* Frank lloraii Sloii^'ii. lit" formed a elub tln'rr known us the Siring of PomU and iiu'liuled siieli well-known .sportsmen as Fred S. Hutlfr, Matt I'liller. Cliarlie llaiidall. Ueii Stiekney and Low Wcinmann in the iiH'iiiiiersliip. What is now the Tide Helle l*re.s«'rvf at Cy^jnu* Station waM then sliot over for a mimlxr of years by Charlie .loslyn. Frt-d Van Sieklen. n.'niiaii (>eI^ieh^ and others. Prior to that time, tl ' ' " ' it lUOl) aei-es was owned by ohl man Thiekbritom. ami u .., _ v- eral hundred aeres were owned by Timmy O'Brien, both of whom rai.sed honk(>rs for the market. During u iiuntint; M>a.s4)n, thia lanti was alive with mallard, teal aiiil jaeksnipe What is now and has been for the past 14 \<'ars. the Ibi.s Club. Ha.H then known as tlu' Ilanlland pomls Their mend»«»rship invluded 10 or 1*2 of the most prominent sportsmen in the State inehulint; Harry !*ab eoek. M ll.ill MeAllister. .lohniiie ( )rr. Ilillii- Cerln-r ami others The rrin^jle I'ontl near Suisun hail loiiu In-eii shot over by aiiyliody and everybody of that hx'ality ami alt seeured full lm»r» of canvn»l>aek!i San Franeiseo. April 14. I '.>;{!. 48 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME A publication devoted to the conservation of wild life and published quarterly by the California Division of Fish and Game. Sent free to citizens of the State of California. Offered in exchange for ornithological, mammalogical and similar periodicals. 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 Division of Fish and Game. Editors of newspapers and periodicals are invited to make use of pertinent material. All material for publication should be sent to Leo K. Wilson, 510 Russ Building, San Francisco, California. Vol. IS JANUARY, 1932 No. 1 An investment in g-ame production will pay big- dividends in health, recreation and food. Why not buy a few shares? REORGANIZED FISH AND GAME COMMISSION On January 8, 1932, J. Dale Gentry, Earl B. Gilmore and I. Zel- lerbaeh met in tlie San Francisco offices of the Division of Fish and Game for the organization meeting of the Fish and Game Commission which had been appointed the week previous by the Honorable James Rolph, Jr., Governor of the State of California. At the meeting, J. Dale Gentry, rancher and sportsman of San Bernardino, was elected to the important position of president of the reorganized commission. This act terminated the long and successful career of I. Zellerbach as president. He was originally appointed a commissioner during the tenure of Governor Friend W. Richardson, in Maj^, 1925. Never have the sportsmen of California been so fortunately repre- sented as under the direction of these three outstanding leaders. President Gentry has been associated with the Commission in the past as a member of the Game Refuge Committee and is thoroughly familiar with the needs of the sportsmen and of the actiyities of the Division of Fish and Game. The past fine record of Commissioner Zellerbach calls for no com- ment. Commissioner Gilmore has long been interested in the fish and game activities in the State and from this group may be expected some outstanding accomplishments in future j^ears. THE RETIRING COMMISSIONER, C. R. BELL During the tenure of office of C. R. Bell as a fish and game com- missioner, much progress has been made by that group. Always an interested conservationist Mr. Bell cooperated fullj^ at all times with the sport.smen and with his fellow commissioners and much of the progress of the last year may be directly attributed to liis unfailing interest in fish and game problems. GRAHAME B. RIDLEY, NEW ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE OFFICER In the selection of Grahame B. Ridley as assistant to the execu- tive officer in September, 1931, the sportsmen of California have found fAuroBNU y ♦ •• nxuK 49 tt rri«*iii j;nfn«' r|i)*rati' willi ml' mad)* liiin ati oiit.stiiiiaMt pi liortsiiirirM (groups in tin* Stato phwiH* him in a ; lUM'ils <»r liiintrrs ami nM|ii>rim'ii tliroii{;|itln>r of th«> forunnlspfl FNh •«n'1 0«»m» r'Amml'wIon hold In th« rMvl«k»n • if Klsli iiiul iliiiiu- DftU-fS ii' l.> ilnht : J. l>«li' <;ll|;ll the CuUlUsj ul lIl-- .">»'» rrimim> r.i-ii'.ii' Ho was formerly in I'harjje of Xho Hiin'au t»f Fisli t'liltun' but : n fi-ft'il frtiiii tlit> hurdfiisomt' admiiii.strativ«' tlt'tails •' ' ' '■.• ^'•^'^» a tryini,' position in onler that his j;r«'at fum! c ^ oan be nvailablc without interruption. lie has st»n-p wuih 1(1 ackiio\vl«'(lj;i' tlii'ir thiinkM ami appr- tioii and work ria- tioii. ( 'oiiiiiiciifiinf .lamiaiy I !'''" m-w prrinit foi •■• J—"—' '"^ tin- WfsttMii Hirtl-liamliiiK A ."n 'I'hr nrw j on a tanl 2J x 4 in<'ln'H in size, to rorrcMponti with the Fr<|rnil permit s\/r. This, it is frit crrtain, will hi- fotiml ■ carry on fhi' person than thi* ohi lftt«'r-si/.i'«l p. lim i expire at no tletitiite 'reat iniportanee in thin n'l^'ard, iH the i. ii.f . ..ik of leporls of handin;: operations at retpiired intervals Fadnre to do so will nvsult in automatic eancoUatioii of permitM. All applications Tor new bird handin-; permit.s Hhoidd )>«* made on •lie newly prepaii'd I'oiiii and siddiiitti-d direct to the As-mM-int- •• ' ■• ' (|uarters in Berkeley. Here the Asso«-iatinn wdl approve ord. . . the application. It approved, the permit will he mailtnl direct to thr applicant after duplicate reeonl cards have he«»n pr- One of these rei'oi-d cards will he retained for the As-siM-iation '' • *' " will he nuiiled to the Division of l-'ish ami (lame at on<'e .., , cation will either rocoive final approval or, if disiipprovetl, the permit will he canceled. Permits are signed by the Chief. Itureau of K.i._ .........^'e to cro|wi. The Cummission is intereste«l in the relationship b«'tween posted lu-eas and deer damajje, but it is obvious that many i>o«tted arean are wholly unfit for huntiiiir purposes, so ptvstin^ is not a bar to th of a permit. In fact, section <)0*J of the Peiinl Co«le pr huntiii}; on fenced or cultivated property without written j . of the owner. A huutinj; license is reipiireil. but permits and special deer tags. with postui^e paid, are issued without cost to the "• The disposition of carcasses is determineil ir, iividual case, it beiuj; the intent of the Commission that, in gejieral. the meat will be used in charitable institutions or by welfare organizations to feed the 52 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME poor. In no case, however, will the permittee be required to deliver the carcass beyond the limits of his property unless he is willing to do so. A number of agriculturists have demanded the use of the deer meat for their own consumption, but the Commission feels that the primary purpose of the legislation is to reduce the amount of crop damage being done by deer, and has adopted regulations to accomplish this purpose. It is certain that the sportsmen of the State will question the sinceritj^ of the agriculturists if they insist upon using the venison on their own tables. In the case of State aid in the building of deer proof fences, specifi- cations for the fence are included in the act, and the Commission has no authority to change these specifications. DAVID STARR JORDAN In the deatli of David Starr Jordan the world has undoubtedly lost a very great man. Here in California where we have been in such close contact with him, the loss Avill be felt all the more keenly. Doctor Jordan was very much interested in our fish and game problems. His advice and council was extremely valuable in this work and he was very generous in assisting the Division. He also was a contributor to our publications. In recognition of this friendly association, a card has been received at the San Francisco office, addressed to the Employees of the Division of Fish and Game, and reads as follows : To the multitude of friends of David Starr Jordan who recently have expressed enduring devotion to his memory and profound sympathy for his wife and family in their bereavement they wish to express their most heartfelt thanks. As all living things must do, he performed his station in life and then retired to the humble grave. In the years to come, new facts will be brought to light and many changes will take place in the advance- ment of wild life science, but it is an assured fact that his contributions will form a permanent step in this important work. IN r/iEMORIAM ALEXANDER EUGENE CULVER Alexander Eugene Culver was born in LaSalle, Illinois, on October 25, 1859. He moved to Ohio with his parents in 1861 and resided there until after the close of the Civil War. Then he moved to Missouri where he attended country school until about 15 years of age, at which time he entered high school in Trenton, Missouri, and graduated from there in two years. He taught school two terms, and then entered the normal school at Kirksville, Missouri, and graduated from there. In 1883, he went to Kingman, Kansas, and entered the employ of a large dry goods firm as bookkeeper. He came to California, landing in Los Angeles in 1884. Later he came to San Francisco and went from there to Sitka, Alaska, as book- keeper for a large mining company. He returned to San Francisco and took a position as bookkeeper for the Red Cross Lumber Company. rAI.iroilKIA •'"I' *^'T> r.KMt: Lator hv wrnt to Dtinsmiiir fiii«i ••! lir took a position hh iiuiiuii;''!' for llic NtiMii ii'iiu> A. K. CulviM- rlltilrtl tlir I'lnploV of tin- Statf ill 1!»1M. an v. •....> Miirvcyor f«>r I In- Kinh aiui ' rominisNioii, in tin- hnrrau of V Culture, wliiTi' In- inailr ni|>iauji ALEXANDER ELT.ENE CfLVKR A. A. A. STARTS DRIVE TO SAVE ALL WILD LIFE The American Autoniohile Association has tlcHnitfly ••ntetwl th** lists for wild life conservation. In cooperation with the riiite' mntcivist but mIso it often pr nature and her works. "It is clear that if depletion ol wild lite and forests continues as it has in the past ten years there will soon bo little left of our great 54 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME natural resources. To get to the heart of nature most men use the automobile. If the A. A. A. can convince them of the necessity of conservation, the battle will be nearly won. "There are too many men whose pleasure and health depend on hunting and fishing to consider the legal prohibition of such sports. "If we can influence the millions who annually 'ride into the country' after every recreation, from picnics to big game — if we can show them the necessity for a new and more rational attitude toward plants, birds and animals — if we can impress on them that they also will suffer if present methods continue, then the A. A. A. will have done the Nation a lasting service in conservation." A CORRECTION In the April, 1931, issue of California Fish and Game there appeared a short story, on page 198, entitled "Moose-Elk in Montana." The story told of the killing of an animal that apparently was a cross between a moose and an elk. Due to the source of the information it was not deemed necessary to check this report directly with the fish and game authorities of Montana. This was a mistake. Here are excerpts from a letter that was received from J. W. Carney, assistant game warden in Montana: "While reading your April issue of the California Fish and Game, on page 198 I noticed the article Moose-Elk in Montana, and was very much interested, as I happened to be one of the men who arrested this man for killing the moose, which was supposed to be part elk. "The man who did the shooting claimed to be an old hunter and a good sportsman, from Butte, Montana, and the story published in your magazine is the one he told when he returned to Butte, to alibi himself. He no doubt sent this story out to the different sporting magazines. * * * "I am writing you to give yon the facts in this case, as the moose- elk as called in the article was one of the truest types of moose that one would wish to see." It is hoped that this will right the wrong and clear the mystery and we are greatly in debt to Mr. Carney for being so generous in volunteering such excellent information. STATE HAS MANY REFUGES In the news comes the story that a speaker in southern California said "that the State should set aside refuges for the game of the State, not one or two, but fifteen or twenty. ' ' Data at hand reveals that we already have more than 40 refuges established by the State, and to proceed still farther there are at least 12 national parks and monu- ments where protection is afforded the wild living things. And not only that but money is constantly set aside by the State for the pur- chase and development of refuge lands. rAt.irfiitvi V I !-,!( wn fSAMi: 56 GAME FISH NEW EGG COLLECTING STATIONS 'I'wii l\r\\ lii-M >lalH>lls !i>r lllf cnlltTl HMI of *' ' ' t'stal>li^li<-(l 111 till* .Mount \Vliilii<>y r«' fli. millioTi I.nrli l.fvni I'lTtTs Tills IS a iiiuili laru'tT ' patt'd Till' tullfrtiMM of liorli li««v«'n vinm III tluH ^' j'ffort on tlir part nf tin* division to in*-n-a.M> thf p t|li«. vinr'ii-s ill tills U . .Ililil-f"lll Illolllltaill si'i'tinll T Kir.. 10. Otittloor ntitinrlum nt the Ycw^mi tims shiny ix-nnU'S to the t' • ' work of c-loiiiiliiK the iiqiiai 1921). rv. Hi who that liocli iit'vcii f<;<;s have Wen oolloft»»«l at this ltK-utii>ii ilurinf; tin* latter months of th«> year. Till" otluM- new station lias hovu (>.stablish<>«l on Littio Walkfr I*akp. Eastorn brook trout ejjjrs aro rolleototl h«*nv Tlu' fjJirH oolIectM have ntltltnl considiM-altly to the available supply for tin* hatrluTV in thr district. Tho Ciull Lako station, which has Ix'on operating for several yoars. lias ]iroven to be very suceessful. The take of eastern brook trout eggs totaled well over the million mark. TROUT CREATE 'STRIKING' FUND Althoujrh «;reat eountries are ei>nstantly tiisslinj? with the silver- LTold standard problems, trout at the Yosoniito IIatcher>- of the division have stolen the raareh and readily agree on copper. 56 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME Of course there may be a number of sly angles to this copper standard business and perhaps a line of discussion would not be amiss. It seems that there is a beautiful outdoor aquarium at the above named hatchery. It also seems that interested spectators are in the liabit of tossing- pebbles into the water in order to see the fine big trout rise and strike. Now then, Peter Topp, the fellow who cares for these trout, soon discovered that the cleaning up problem had assumed the proportions of a major activity. Shoveling piles and piles of pebbles from the aquarium during the sombre moments after the crowds had disap- peared sort of appealed to his inventive sense of mind. One day he dropped a shiny copper penny into the pool. The trout nearly butted each other out of the tank to get at the lure. After a quick nibble the successful trout merely dropped the copper to the bottom. And this is how the pebble tossing ended. As soon as a crowd of potential pebble throwers would assemble, Topp would edge up to the tank and casually toss a penny to the fishes — the effect was almost mag- netic on fish and spectator alike. Pebblers retired in dismay. Soon a regular shower of pennies slithered through the water. The bottom of the aquarium assumed a beautiful coppery lustre. Thus the die was cast. The cleaning process is not nearly so laborious, according to reports, and the State hatchery is gathering quite a '' striking" fund. Will some one kindly step forward with a fcAV dimes or quarters? "FLYING FISH" Airplanes are obtaining excellent results in fish planting opera- tions, according to word received from Warden C. J. Walters of Inde- pendence. In a recent report to E. L. Macaulay, chief of patrol, Walters said: "We have been busy planting fish night and day, by airplane and every way possible, in order to get them out before the cold weather sets in. "Hope to be all through this month. On August 28th, 1931, we took 10,000 steelhead trout by airplane from Lone Pine to Monache Meadows — it took the plane 14 minutes to make this trip. Two trips were made in all. ' ' Under ordinary conditions this trip would require about 26 miles of automobile travel and 12 miles by pack train — a real hard trip for one day over a high mountain pass, not only for the men but for the fish also. TROUT LIVE LONGER IN REARING PONDS Trout live longer when held in rearing ponds and spawned by arti- ficial hand methods than when allowed the natural freedom of the streams, according to W. H. Shebley. Several reasons could be advanced for such a conclusion, he said, but the main cause can be attributed to ' ' better care. ' ' In the rearing pond the fish is protected from natural enemies, is fed regularly with the proper foods, is spawned at the proper time and leads a more peaceful life in general. < AI.IKOKVIA t'lKII AN'P fSAUi: 57 III tlir Htrciiiii.H till* trout not only iian to r (Irpi'inliMit, to a Kfriit I'Xtoiit, on tin- v ' ■ that, S|i)|)|ii in fhi- sIkiIIhu wit.is in trout TimmI h«vp Via. 11. ShowliiK iiirthtHl of Tracy to southern Cullfor-' ■ S«'H aiul N«'\\|>i>rt i;.i\. '1 Phi>tii sulnnlttiil l>y K<'ti.ic ...... IxtMl i ... ., too 31. ita*. hav ranged I'onsidtM'od a vtM\\ t>xt't'Ili>nt plant wIkii it is oriijinal, and i>Mly, plants in tin* San Kmt. •;-•.. of less than .")()•) youns; striped hav,. Th- thrro is now a pliMitiful supply. Workers who .seeured th«' ha.ss • to (MLrht iiu'ht's in liMijrth aiul wt'iv •• in i'hari;e of the Hur«'au oi" Fish 1. aiul K were seined in the braekish waters that |MMielrate the sloughs ol the San Joaouin Vallev near the eitv of Traev. * • • • Sportsmen in this southern s«'etion of the State have btNMi dtsciis- sinjr the possibility of introiluein}; the favorite "striiHr" into some likely waters, and due to this keen interest the division sent experts to make a survey of the situation. 58 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME Whether the striped bass will adopt the new waters and become an abundant game fish of southern California is a question that is beyond the power of man to decide, the executive officer said. One of the big problems that the fish will have to overcome will be to locate a suitable spawning area and, generally, upon the success of this quest hinges the life of the project. ATLANTIC SALMON IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Atlantic salmon, a great and prolific food fish native to the north- eastern coast of this continent, have again been introduced in substan- tial numbers along the rivers in the northern section of California. Records show that this plant consisted of about 40,000 fish and occurred during the month of October, 1931. They were reared in the Mount Shasta and Burney Creek hatcheries and then transported by train and truck to branches of the Smith Eiver. As the division's distribution railroad car is equipped with air hoses and all modern facilities to give the fish plenty of oxygen, the loss en route was negligible. In addition to this plant, Shebley announced that there were also planted approximatelv 15,000 of these fine fish in Beaver Creek, a tribu- tary of the Klamath River. These were planted under the supervision of E. V. Cassell, superintendent of the Mount Shasta Hatchery. The Smith River planting was done under the supervision of J. C. I^ewis, superintendent of Fort Seward Hatchery. He reported that the young salmon averaged better than three inches in length and were in excellent condition. A part of the eggs for the plant was received by the division from the Department of Fisheries of the Dominion of Canada through a friendly exchange for other varieties ; a part was also received through the United States Bureau of Fisheries. The Atlantic salmon is an excellent variety of food fish that seems to prefer the cold waters of the northeastern coast of North America. Its life habits appear to be somewhat similar to those of our own steel- head trout ; that is, these salmon do not die after spawning but return from the ocean to the parent stream from year to year until the life cycle is completed. Salmon familiar to us on this coast die after the first spawning. The Atlantic salmon also groAvs to a very profitable size for a food fish. In the native waters fish weighing from 40 to 50 pounds are not uncommon. Like our steelhead trout the young fish run to sea as soon as they are strong enough to assume the rigors of life development and it is in these secret waters that they find the nourishment that pro- duces size and weight. If these fish will adapt themselves to the water conditions of the northern part of our coast they will prove to be an invaluable asset, but, like other types of introduced wild life, it will require several years at least before an accurate determination can be made. DON'T IMPORT OR TRANSPLANT FISH It is absolutely against the law to import or transplant fish in the State of California without the authority of the division. fAf.irnuviv Jisif Asri fiAwr S9 OccaNidtiully ri'portN coiiiv tu the tliviNion thnt \ft tinn.H nrf» (M)iitrnij)latiui,' Hurh plnn* ' ' • . tt) \h- f,'iv«'n to the daina;,'"' thnt • Hcconlin^ to fiNh culturiNtN III ifjjartl to thr Mubj«M't, .John L. I'nrli'V, i-x- r of thr (livisinii, said: "()iir rmtivi* fish ami i^aiiM- rnust ' • * undi'.sirablf MpecioM frtinito. No i\nh. f\%\\ rinpi, or ai|iiatie plants or seeds may he le^'ally hroui^ht into the State for th«* purpose of prnpiij^al ion without proper notiee to th*- l)i ' " -h ami (lanie, followed by an inspeeti«»n of the pr<'....^..' . .;i. The division nuiy destroy diseas4>d shipmi*ntM, and .t or destruetion of delet«'rious tisli. r\:\is, aipiatie plant.n or immhI.h ' All sportsmen and public spirited oriraniziiti' • in the eradieation of siieh mistakes. With full r.-..j.. , .. . , . ., j..., sible to keep sueli danirerous prnetiei's down to a minimum ANCIENT FISH HOOKS ropju'i" tisli iioiik.N useil \t\ li>h« rm«'n on the Uiver Kuphrat«-s thou- ^rinds of years aj:o are in the possession of the Field MuMMim. and are said to be not very ditTei-ent froni nunlern h«M»ks, aeeordini; to a July, r>:!|, issue of Scienrr \nrs Inciter. RETURNED FISH SURVIVE Do infnntilt^ fish, jerked aboxi- w.iter t"or their tirst ir •■.-'- = 'i-(i \ iew of the world from the end of an ani:ler's line, die o: k after beins its invest i have proved that the per *•' of yoiinjf fish Rurvivins:: an em-ounter with the hook justities sp ^idy ob^rv- anoe of the law. It has urped antrlers to remove hooks carefully, wet- tinp the hands before touehinp the fish. WORM FARM Demands of present reparation for the trip have en'atitl a new and sonie- wliat wrifTirlinsr industry near Los Anpeles. Fishing-wonn farms are said to bo doin«i a squirminir business. 60 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME Angleworms are raised in special earth beds, fed scientificallj^, harvested by tender hands, placed in comfortable containers and shipped hither and yon. And just as this nniqne business gets under way comes the report that Lieutenant Governor Earl Cooley of Colorado has invented a rubber fishing worm. It wriggles and twists, too, reports say. It is not only designed to fool the fish but relieves the anxiety of those who suffer qualms cognizant to the mistreatment of angleworms. SNAGGED STREAMS MAKE BETTER FISHING Streams can be made more attractive to game fish by building snags out of logs, brush and rocks. By changing or slowing up the current water pockets are formed, it is easier for fish foods to collect or become attached to the obstructions and areas of shade and rest are established, according to the American Game Protective Association. Restocking experiments carried on in Michigan waters by the late Dr. Jan Metzelaar and his successor, Dr. Carl Hubbs, State fish research specialist, have proved the value of the so-called resnagging system of restoring fish to small flowing bodies of water. When nature is left to follow her own method of taking away and rebuilding the earth's surface, obstructions are formed. These natural barriers have been removed in many streams throughout the country as a result of driving logs, a desire on the part of landowners to change water courses for landscaping purposes or to make possible the navigation of small craft. Dr. Metzelaar 's survey shows that fishermen using streams where resnagging experiments have taken place generally approve the work. To snag a stream does not mean to dam it up altogether, but to slow, up the water course at convenient points. People owning stream or river frontage can build satisfactory obstructions with material at hand. COMMERCIAL FISHERY NOTES DECISION ON STRIPED BASS CASE Early in September, Frank Vitalie, a commercial fisherman of Collinsville, was taken into custody by wardens on the patrol boat Quinnai, and charged with taking striped bass other than with hook and line and taking more than five bass in one calendar day. A writ of habeas corpus was granted by Judge Hugh Preston of the Appellate Court, Third District, at Sacramento. This case, which was designed to test the constitutionality of the new bass law, came up for argument on October 5 and attracted a great deal of interest on the part of sportsmen and commercial fishermen. On October 19, the court upheld the constitutionality of the law, dismissed the writ and remanded the defendant to the custody of the sheriff of Solano County. As this decision is important as well as interesting, we give the main part of the decision: "It U nrKI|r«l llini hrt rii(niiKlr«| kn Ihr mrmh •»( lawfully fiienK*'«• Inn- lIuTi' ii|>|MiirH iiM K'omI rt-.li.. II v* i.fiN iiion< frf<|ui>iilly (•> prevent the ItniM trum titfi au4 iL<:u cciura u liter. Neither Im the net niiihlcuoutt or unrtui" kIuiiI by ineniiH nf ii net tlnriiiK n iK.relini ' lmit>i in pruliiliiliii. fi>r the reiiMni that ft fnmi hin net. The fmt Ihui one nmy l>e uimM-- i- net when he Im lawfully xeinine for iihinl. «l"e« not r unronHtilullunnl. If one may not lawfully rntrh nhiicl without ui IdlMH, llie niiilt niiKlit rimliT tin- ili:i.l (m rniir ll. Iiltlire !•> n-.lrirt Ihi- riililuii^' "f '• ■ ^ '■■• ■ '•"■ HH It) uphojil the law if re, "I nii-l fnnillieH i>f liMh. There in nil .... .. . •■ ""i"- ' anil plaee of MpnwniiiK. or that llii-y >iwlm In the wini. IJoth of the«» f«i of IihIi lia\e I n Irah'.pliiiiliil to tl • ' •' .- ■ '-. ' ' ^ I.eKinhitiin- has wi-M-ly n-.-^trii-teil the u iiatiiin. In the ahuenre of evidence to the o»ntrnry. we ntuit n in the rules fur reculatini; lishiiiK fur nhml nn-l '^■" »• "• ■ >•••■■ ,. 1 reaMiiii. ll'JNa of the I'enal Coile is lioi ■«• jfrapli two prohiliitN the catihiiiK o( «• uf tt hook anil line, while the latter portion of the i Nule of sui-h ha.sN in u s|MTilieil ilistrirt, ilurinc a U«-.».. i- '-* are 'aiiiiientaliy taki-n" while lawfully xeinitiK for iihatl. Thi* entir** •« In- an unreaiMinable rrculation In tbr toUtuitrT ot hxhiiiK for lias.s. The ipicstion as to whether the petitioner wan rncacecl in (Uhinf for ahad In jtoimI faith, ami was respoiisilile for the illegal catrhinc ■ "» ot defense. Mere matters of defense whith do not go to the -lion will not avail to di.sdiarRe ii petitioner on halM-an «i>rpus. but must be : •! on the merits to the trial i-ourt. ( \'A Cal. Jur. 'S\s, »,«•<•. 10; "JU i\ J. -14. ar.- .>•> i The writ is di.sfharKed ami the petitioner ia remanded. J. TllouifMt.x \N f eoneur : .1. lMrM.\lKK, r .1 I'KKSTON." LOS ANGELES ENLARGES ITS FISH HARBOR liO.s AtiL^i It s i>. ^pnulinj; an aililitii>iial $MMttMM» in .iif.ir.'iiiL' ami ini|)i'(ivin>; it.s li.sii iijirl)iir at Tt'iiiiiiial Island, m '> llailitii, wlnTi" till' tuna and .sjtrdini* ranni'ri«*s iir»* ltK*Mt»'ti, hoM bi'- ti»i> .siiijill to ai'i'oiiiniMdatr tlu* ti.sliin^ !»•. '~ T' st'iiir l)(tats and tin- laii;t' tuna i"lippfi*>% ;... . tlation.s. riu' t'nlarj;«'d harbor will maki' rtHiiu for ^^^ •< in^ boats. It will jjivo ovt-r two miles of iHTthiiijf lor tisliiiiLT boat.s. Tlu' plan.s proviib' for tin* ' ' '■ $l.O()l),()l)0 lor jt'ttiivs and breakwaters, wlii.-*- i^-. .--.■- > Fish Harbor one t)f the host in tin* world. INTRODUCTION OF MEXICAN FISHES INTO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WATERS Duriiiir till' suuuncr of li)31. tho California livo-bait boat.s fishing tor I una otY Moxii-o ivturned to Snn Pedro with Iwiit. taken in tlu-se southern waters, still alive in their tanks. These tish were released in J 62 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME Los Angeles Harbor or in the region adjacent to it. Should any of these fishes succeed in establishing themselves, new species may be added to our California fishery. In the month of September occasional specimens of anchoveta appeared in the fresh fish markets of San Pedro, taken incidentally in the round haul nets supplying these markets. The following species have been identified from collections secured from these live-bait tanks when the tuna boats returned to San Pedro : Anchoveta Cetengraulis mysticetus. Thread herring Opisthonema libertate. Runner Oligoplites saurus. Big-eyed bass Xenestius calif orniensis. Conodon s&rrifer. Micropogon ectenes. — F. N. Clark, California State Fisheries Laboratory, Terminal Island, October, 1931. MACKEREL CANNING Although it has fallen from tlie heights it attained in 1928 and 1929, the mackerel canning industry is still one of the most important fisheries of southern California. Four Los Angeles Harbor canneries packed mackerel during the summer and fall of 1931. Two of these had to pack steadily to keep up with the numerous orders that came in. The others packed inter- mittently in advance of orders. The market for canned mackerel was much better than in 1930 but prices remained low ($2.25 to $2.50 a case, according to reports) due to the competition of the large pink salmon packs of recent years. Both export and domestic markets have picked up markedly. The Philippine Islands, which were the best market in 1929-1930 and the poorest in 1930-1931, began to take considerable quantities in July. Fairly large orders have been received from Greece, Italy and the Southern States of this country recently. A recent development in the mackerel industry is the manufacture of canned dog and cat food from mackerel. One cannery has this animal food in production and reports increasing sales. A carefully planned newspaper and radio advertising campaign, something new in the California fishing industry, is probably responsible for the success of the venture as much as the undoubted quality of the product. The amounts of mackerel delivered to Los Angeles County can- neries, by months, for the summer and fall seasons of 1930 and 1931, are shown in the following table : 1930 1931 Pounds Pounds June 920,000 1,180,000 July 790,000 800,000 August 120,000 1,610,000 September 220,000 930,000 October 4,090,000 1,850,000 Totals 6,140,000 6,370,000 The availability of the mackerel to the fisherman varied consid- erably during the period under consideration (June-October, 1931). During several periods of about a week each the fish were so numerous I'AiiroHVM I'tmr wd cauc 6S I hat Ihf fiMhiMiii'ii liiul littl.- (Ii .-lir lo Sail I'rilifi. At iitlirr liriu'H tli>,\ u. nr -'>l always .siU'CT.H.sriil in tlirir «|U»-Jil. Tin* !• . " ninaiiH'd coiiNtniit at $10 por ton for ih** \>' (HliFornia Stut«' KislnTii^ Liiboratory, Trriniiini lilaml • OYSTER GROWING IN CALIFORNIA Kaily ill l!»;n a iM»o|HTUtivr arraiit'.'Hirnf fi.r\Vi.'n th.- I»ivinir,n nf i''isli ami (laiiu* ami the !'. S. Bur- wlit'ri'by llif Imn-aii was to ffivi* tli • the : an oy»lrr ••xptTt, tlif (lirt'ct ohjfft lii-iiiu' to iMi •• thr > ' --••-n. Til"' I)ivi.si(»n of Kish and li a In- „ ';t, uliitli arraii;;riiu*Mt is in liiir with the policy of th-- hur«au to . m the State. The survey started with llumholdt hay. where it ■ d that eumlitions are not ri'^dit lor the culture of Ka.>teru or •■ . - oysters but are very favorable for the cultivation of the wnall native oyster of the Pacific Coast. There is a jjootl supply of • in and about the mouths of some of the slouuhs tlo'. .lud their Lrrouth is remarkably fast. There an* at 1< : tide hnul. in Humboldt Hay. which are suitable for the rniMinf; of native oystei's. For many y«'ars we have heinved that tli ' '••test in this State for the development of all '<< low to pet good results with Atliuitic oy.sters. and very 1. :t is now being expended on them. Some slijrhl elTort has been devoted to the little native oyster, found from Mexico to Alaska, the .v h has made fajuous the city of Olympia. Washinj.Mon. wi ' 'ni of the native oyster has ijrown intt» an industry of , u», mainly for the reason that the industry was wise to employ bioloirists to direct their work. By intellijrenl methixis they have accom- plished wonders. A number of yeai-s aj;o. the division employed Dr. IlaroUl Heath to investiirate the possibilities of deveb.pinp the native oyster industr)' on Tomalcs Bay. Doctor Heath reportetl that he believed the industry could be profitably developed but that it wouhl require that a biologrlnt 64 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME be constantly on the ground to devote full time to the work. The United States Bureau of Fisheries was then appealed to, but at that time the bureau was not able to supply the demand for an oyster expert for the Atlantic oyster industry, an industry much more valuable than that on the Pacific coast. Since that time, however, the bureau has developed a corps of oyster men whose researches have developed improved cultural methods that have given new impetus to the industry. Our recently renewed appeal for aid in developing the California oyster industry resulted more favorably, as already stated. Although only very limited surveys and experiments have as yet been carried out in California, it is confidently believed that in a number of localities both the native oyster and Japanese oyster can be satisfactorily cultivated and the area of suitable oyster ground is suffi- cient for the development of a very large and profitable industry. — N. B. Scofield. SOFT SHELL CLAM BEDS IN THE VICINITY OF SAN FRANCISCO BAY The soft shell clam {My a arenaria) is not a native of the west coast but was accidentally introduced with the first shipments of eastern oysters brought to San Francisco Bay in 1879. Since that time the clam has spread along the California coast to the north until it is found at present from San Francisco Bay to the Oregon line in every suitable place. Its natural habitat is a firm mud bottom with a fair amount of current. Although so widespread in distribution it is nowhere very common unless given protection. The stingrays and flounders eat vast quantities of the clams. The stingrays will dig and eat the whole clam. The flounders bite off the siphons. If only the tip of the siphons are lost the clam can replace it, but if several inches is nipped off the clam dies. A good sample of what protection can do for the soft shell is illustrated by the bed of John Connell at Bay- shore. Connell fenced off the cove at Bayshore in 1925, intending to plant the enclosed area with soft shell clams. About the time he fin- ished fencing he took a job in another city which kept him away for two years. At the end of tliat time he returned and, as his fence was still intact, looked the cove over with a view of carrying out his original intention of planting clams, flowever, he never planted any. The protected area inside his fence was thickly set with clams and he has dug clams from it on a commercial scale until this year (1931). It has been demonstrated by this and other similar instances that any favorable mud flat in any of the larger California bays will pro- duce clams in quantity wherever they are protected from the stingrays and flounders. A great number of clams are dug annually by ama- teur and professional diggers on public unfenced beds, but the pro- portionate number found on such beds is very small compared to the number inside a protecting fence. There are only a few enclosed beds in the vicinity of San Fran- cisco at present. Several beds have been destroyed or abandoned dur- ing the last two or three years due to expiring leases and pollution. Soi'Tii San KHASciMro Hat Roiitfi City (near Kiilltr I'ainl Workm, a fn I of «hrjut 25 ncrcs. Tlir \uu\ was stakiMl iti Is!mi at ' ■ \hi'u t I rvrr wner \>y a faiiiily iiaiiicd .Mail/.iT. It is in ;.;. ;.a|M* at , . ... W.sttrn I'ipn and Str««| I'lant. Thin Iw'd wa« frnrM in ITOO by .loliii ('(iiiii)ll ami wn.H worked by hitii and Intrr by hiji mod. U wm <|t'.str(iyt'(l ill 1I>2() liy tli<* sliijiyard uliirh wmh built tb«T«' Hayvicw. A .staked bi-d of '><) arr»'.H hiid «)ul iti l^in) by f'«>iin.l| It was worked until IDM), when it wn.H abaiuloiied due to in d uastcM which an> dumped into the bay. Thi« condition haii brrn steadily inirpasinj; as more and moro faotori<^ lo*^ato on that part of the i)ay. liayshore. This bed was stakod in 1925 by Connrll. It wm an enclosed bay of about 10 acres. It was dcstroyi'd in 1931. Connrll'ii lease rail ouf and the city took over the cove and i.s now Ailing it up with ret'use from the incinerator. San Leandro Hay. This ln-d is not fcnciMl. It is (juite larjfe. A gootl nuiny clams are du^: for the market fron> this In-d by ChincM?. NoKTii San KuANCisctJ Hay All the beds from Sixteenth Street. Oakland, to Cosy Cove with (lie e.\t'ej)tion of (^uoni; Sanir's bed nt Albany nr«« njcrely op»'n flat* whore any one fan dij? clams. Albany. This bed is enclosed by a v»'ry modern s<|uare -1 wire fence on redwood pasts. The fence encloses about !<><) a' I there is a small house where a couple of Chinese live who act ay - and dii;i,'crs. Martine/ and Napa Kiv.i-. I iiave not seen these U-d.H. They arc reported to be j^ood. niLTLrinLT on them startetl this year. The rei>ort« I have received all claim that clam beds so far up the river are due to the lack of fresh water and the conse0 a r- s. „-^ to the Pacific Oyster Co. and was oriirinally intended for It is at present under lease to the Hop Luni: Clam Co. Although there are soft slioll clams all over Tomales Hay. they can only be found in I>aying ipiantititvs insitb^ this fence. BonEUA Bay Tlie whole bottom of Hmlesia Hay is j;oottoni is fenced. 5—90465 66 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME Enumeration of Clam Beds Location Acres Started Destroyed Owner South City : fenced 25 1890 Maitzner South City fenced 25 1890 1920 Connell Bayview fenced 50 1890 1930 Connell Bayshore fenced 10 1925 1931 Connell San Leandro Bay unfenced 100 Public Sixteenth Street, Oakland_unfenced 150 Public Brooks Island unfenced 50 Public Sobrante unfenced 100 Public Wine Haven unfenced 100 Public Cosy Cove unfenced 40 Public Albany _ fenced 100 1928 Quong Sang Tiburon fenced 3 1930 Connell Tiburon fenced 2 1930 Connell Strawberry Point fenced 3 1930 Connell Tomales Bay fenced 300 1910 Pacific Coast Oyster Co. — Paul Bonnot, November 15, 1931. NEW FISH BULLETINS IN DEMAND BY PUBLIC The four fish bulletins recently issued by the Bureau of Com- mercial Fisheries have been so well received by the public that scores of readers have felt urged to write us praising certain features that were considered especially noteworthy. The "Handbook of Common Commercial and Game Fishes of California," by Lionel A. "Walford (Fish Bulletin No. 28) has been more appreciated than any other publication because its photographs and brief descriptions serve to identify easily the species and settle questions as to the use of common names. Hundreds of sportsmen, marine research institutions, housewives, business firms, scientists, commercial fishermen, libraries, elementary and secondary schools, uni- versities, and plain staj^-at-home citizens from all parts of California, as well as from other states, are writing in for this handbook, the schools and universities often requesting several copies for use in zoology classes. Some 4500 copies have been distributed already, and the indications are that the flood of requests will continue for many months. Fortunately, we have a large supply to meet this demand. Another bulletin in great demand and one that has also brought letters of praise, is No. 29, "The Striped Bass of California," by E. C. Scofield. This is of special interest to the army of anglers and surf fishermen of central and northern California, and requests for copies of this booklet are still arriving with every mail. The clear, direct style of writing and the interesting material included have made this bulletin more acceptable to the ordinary reader than is usual in a report covering rather technical subjects. Bulletin No. 30, ' ' The Commercial Fish Catch of California for the Year 1929," appeals to the reader as a citizen rather than as an angler. This is the third and best of a series of bulletins picturing the impor- tance and diversity of the fish catch in this State. The text makes for more entertaining reading than you are led to suspect from the title, and several of the articles have received warm praise from leading citizens throughout the State. Some of the most flattering letters have come from the eastern states and from officials and tradesmen in Europe. "Studies of the Length Frequencies of the California Sardine" (Fish Bulletin No. 31, containing two articles on this subject by Frances N. Clark and H. C. Godsil), is a title that warns the reader that the CAuroKsik rmn an-d gamk 67 .sulijr'ft niattJT JH trclinical, but lh«- 1; 'h hi^,' words and the stylo in Jiimi ' • is. .'^ iS not tin- widi" a|t|ii*al (»f llu* j ijh'HI, di'tuand by th(>K(> intvrcHtrd in the Hnrdinc indiiHtry. Tlit'so bulletin.s arc piiblishpil for frci* d ■■ e Siali- Mild copii's may \u- had by writiiij,' t"» :;.• ' 'i- ••rits Laboratory, 'rtTrniiial Inhiml. Any ftTort.H M drputioM toward (?iviii{; thrsc piibliratioiiM widtT ; .iy will be apj)rei'iHti'd. SALMON PROTECTIVE MEASURES UPHELD I'rofiM't ivf iiifasurt's If^^'isliitcd by thr Stat** for our •* ' ••- been uphehl by Superior .hul^'e Warren V. Tryon in th«- IJl County court. Th« case revolves around restrictionji which t the transportation of salmon tbrou^'h eloscil distrietM durinij elo ■ i ■-■ i "UJi ami has bfen of special interest to both comniereial fiMhi-rmrn aiiU con- s<'i-\ ationists. In the districts involved, Nos. 6, 7. 8 ami 9, the commercial fuhing season on salmon closed Septend)er I'jth. Kishermen then announced a (jt'sire to lish beyond the three-mile limit, on the hiph seas, but resitric- tions pn'vented tliem from pos.session of salmon within t* -• *^' ■•■• !inut« ill that territory. They soujrht an injunction to pri-vi-nt • ' '>n of I'ish and (huue from enforcinj? the State law. .Iudj»e Tryon ruled that I be order restraining; the State from enforcing? the law be ilisjtolvcii. The reason for such a restriction i.s not to form a hardship on the tisbiii}; imlustry but to hold the conuiiereial catch, as near as (KMAible, to a point where a supply is insured for seasons to come. The district* are opened aJon^ the coast when the s^ilmon, through years of study, are known to be running in the larjfer si/.es. In ruling a^'ainst the po.ssession of sidmon ilurinjj th'- •' \ teasoo. the State is not oidy endeavorinj; to protect the ti.sh wr e three- iiiih' limit but also on the liitjh seas. These are the fish that run and spawn in our rivers, according to commercial fishery authorities. CATCHING SEA LIONS ON THE LOWER CALIFORNIA COAST Durinj; the early jiart of Aujjust, VJ'M, the San Dicjfo ZoologicaJ Society sent an expedition into Ix)\ver California for the puriMMe of collect inj; sea birds and sea lions for their zoo. I was privilegeti to be on this expedition and at Asuncion Islaiul Dr. Harry We^eforth, President of the San I)iey;o Zooloj;ieal SiH-iety, ami I caught the five California sea lions {Zaloi)hits californianus) we brt>ut?ht back with ua. The methods and equipment used for this work are We used a three meshed trammel net of the .same type used for : 'y it waa of larjrer mesh and heavier twine than is ordinarily us. . ... :ish neta. The net is 50 feet long and 25 feet deep. The cork line is well bouyed and the lead line has only comparatively few leads and is tbereiore light. The eenttM- webbing is of 9-inch mesh and the two outside pieeM are of 25-inch mesh. Our mode of procedure was to lay out the net along the kelp jost outside the breaker line and close to a beach where the sea lions were hauled out. A good many of the animals would leave the beach while 68 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME we were laying out the net and, as they are very curious, swim around and around the boat. We tied one end of the net to the kelp and kept the rope at the other end in the boat. When a sea lion hit the net it acted in the same manner as a gilled fish, floundering and kicking and becoming more and more entangled. It never seemed to occur to them that they might endeavor to back out. When we had four or five young sea lions, preferably yearlings entangled, we signalled for the motor tender which towed the whole thing to the ship. By towing slowly none of the animals was drowned as they could raise their heads at intervals and breathe. When we arrived alongside, a large wire crate was lowered on a boat davit and the tangled net and its catch were carefully floated in and the door dropped. The crate was lifted to the upper deck and the animals released by cutting a few meshes of the net and gradually working them out under the door. We made only two hauls, after which the net had too many holes in it to be effective. In each haul we caught a big adult cow which we did not want. Both of them managed to free themselves before we got along- side. We successfully crated six sea lions but at Guadalupe Island a couple of hours of unusually bright sunshine killed one of them before we realized that an^^thing was amiss. We turned the salt water hose on the remaining five. They seemed to thoroughly enjoy the bath. Their crates were then covered with canvas. They were landed in San Diego in good shape and taken to their new home in the San Diego Zoo. — Paul Bonnot. NEW FISH BULLETIN "The California Halibut and an Analysis of the Boat Catches" is the title of a bulletin published by the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries of the division. Authorship is credited to G. H. Clark. This report is presented to aid directly the administration of the division in their conservation program. The bulletin gives an account of the California halibut fishery and a detailed analysis of the catch in the Los Angeles harbor district by means of the catch per unit of effort expended. The paper is so arranged that the general and fundamental aspects of the fishery and the results of a catch analysis are briefly given in the first part. For those who may be interested in the detail of the fishery some of its life history and methods of boat catch analysis employed, the balance of the paper will be of importance. This bulletin, No. 32, wiU be mailed free of charge to any person writing to the California State Fisheries Laboratory, Terminal Island, California. HARBOR IMPROVED FOR FORT BRAGG FISHING FLEET End of construction is in sight on a jetty being built by the Federal government at the mouth of the Noyo Eiver, Fort Bragg, to provide shelter for fishing craft. Several hundred salmon trollers operate out of Fort Bragg during the fishing season and the breakwater will also give protection to the larger trawl boats from San Francisco. In the past, fishing boats have been able to cross the bar at the mouth of the Noyo only at high tide. When the work is completed CAtaioUMA nun ASU UAV': M then; will Im" n (rlmniwl. KMJ frit wi«li» ami 10 frrt de«p from th«» motith up till' river i:»M) f A total of $I7'»,"|"» s I) HIV ■ ' ' ""' u for the dmltrini^' of fli-- cliaiinfl ;1 p. 29. OYSTER VERY POPULAR The oyster is found in every wneiijiHt Stnt«« in thi* country, and a eomnirrcinl (IsIhtv for it in r(iiiiluete<| in all tliev •<■ ' « " and New llainpshiri'. A'-'-"'- '"u' to r«'ernt flj;tiri><« ;. oyster nuats in I'J'JH was 1 l.iKK) poumU, vnlue«l n' lo the eoininereial oysternji-n A eonsiijerahle proportion of thw w taken fro!ii |)rivati'ly owned oystfr bfds upon wliieh th«' <■ ' * that is, the oysters an- planted and harvr.sf»M| in a J:. to the plantiuj^ und harvesting of erops on Innil. — Fnh Trcuie. UPLAND GAME BIRDS STUDY LIFE HABITS OF QUAIL California valley quail are eertainly pettinij a very fair opjjortunity to detnonstrate their abilities as tield numnpers under pres«'nt modrm CDnditions. In nuikini; advaiued stu«li«'s on the life habits of this excellrnl upland ^'anie bird the division has established two traets of land in San !)ie«;o County win-re conditions afTeetiuf? the valley quail will be observed by reseaieh worki-rs for the luvxt few years. One traet of lainl remains praetieully undisturlj^-d. aeeordinc? tn the plan, anil the birds are all{»wed t«) proeeed un«. CATALINA CATS AND QUAIL lu a It-port received from Herbert M. Sanjjler, volunt«'er »leputy, it is revealed that there are quite a number of (juail on Catalina iHland, but the binls do not seem to increa.se from year to year in large numbers. "Tiiis is due to the fact, I believe, that ther-- "•• in.tiy stray and homeless cats which roam the island in s«'arch ^>^ lid. "Since January 1, 19:11, more than 110 cats have b«fn trap|>ed. Fish seraj) is used for bait. The number of cats »h(^ and killeil Ls not known." He also reported that many cattle, goats and horses roam over the island and probably destroy many of the quail nests. The refnirt also stated that dove are not i)lentiful on the islaiul, due in part, to the same reasons that afTect the quail supply. INCREASE GAME BIRDS IN SOUTH Plans for the increase of upland game binls in the southern part of California were discussed at a meeting hoKl at I'pland between mem- bers of the I/.aak Walton League and ofiBcials of the Division of Fish and Game. \'cry much interest was taken in affairs by the southern sportsmen and the problem of propagating greater hatches of California valley quail at the State game farm at Chino for stocking purposes was con- sidered in detail. 72 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME It was broug'lit out at the meeting that many localities are making complaints which state that quail are causing a considerable amount of damage to certain 'agricultural crops. State game officials feel that trapping and transplanting of quail and general game management in the field should be practiced before the commission resorts to game farms as a major source of supply. These birdb respond readily to protection and feeding. Field methods should be supplemented by work at the game farm. It was also revealed that large areas controlled by water companies have been closed to public shooting for years and that through special lease it will be possible to open a part of these lands to sportsmen. Other parts of the area will be established as quail sanctuaries and will yield birds for the trap-plant methods. Members of the league expressed satisfaction with the plans as out- lined at the meeting and it was believed that some very constructive work was accomplished. Among those present from the Division of Fish and Game were John L. Farley, executive ofScer; Grahame B. Ridley, assistant executive officer; W. H. Shebley, fish cultural adviser of the Bureau of Fish Culture, and August Bade, superintendent of State Game Farms. DOVES AND PHEASANTS ON REFUGE Other game birds besides waterfowl are nesting on the Grey Lodge migratory waterfowl refuge, according to Asa McLellan, superintendent in charge of development work. The refuge was recently purchased by the division and is destined to be a fine resting ground for migratory waterfowl in proper season. Chief among the nesting birds noted so far are pheasants and dove. Both of these fine game birds like plenty of water, McLellan said, and they find conditions ideal here for propagation. "There is a wealth of tall marsh grasses and tule clumps on the refuge," the superintendent said, "and I have not had the time to ascertain the approximate population of these birds, but I know that they are here, and doing well. ' ' He also stated that the land was quite free from predators and that it should not be a difficult matter to keep this problem under control. Former owners of the property conducted a very successful war against waterfowl and game-bird menaces and this asset will give the division a long head-start in development work. DOVES SHOW INCREASE From all information that can be gathered the past season has been one of the best dove years sportsmen have experienced in a long time. An official report from Jack Boaz, of the Bureau of Educa- tion and Research of the Division, revealed that: "Many limits of doves were checked by the wardens throughout the districts of south- ern California. The great abundance of this bird was noticed in the Imperial Valley country. From all reports and appearances, this species of upland game bird is on the increase." I Al.ir "MiNlA flHIi A-.i» nAilK 73 DON'T SHOOT HOMING PIGEONS A l.tt.r WHH n-ffivrjl by the DiviHioii from W K 'A I'liivtT.sity Avfiiiir, Hcrkrli'v. uliirh Hit - • ' an- l)t'iiit? shot arnl mutihitrd iliinni; tr Till' iiotr Haiil that "duriiij? th«' I'.KU) yninik' I' HoiiH' valuahh' birds that eaim- hoiiif. flyinu tlintaiuM's ran^'i'it; up lo :'iOU milt's, with thfir \viii;js and hr«'aslH pim-i-d with nhot " " ■' -^ birds air valufd at iin»ri' tliaii $1(M). |iij,'rou t-Iub •■•'''•' ' thfir worth as iius-sfiit^i-rs in tiiin*s of war or iiiinicasiiralih'. Dovi'S can hr «'a.sily di.>artridi;i's appfar to bf iiuMt-asiiii,' • ' in Fp-^no I'oillity, aft'orditiir t" .1 I'l'ii- r.-.'.i\r.I by flf I)ivi>i.. (Irortrf W. I'ifrson, rancher. This species of upland ^'amr bird was ndeased on the Pirpton Haiifh diiriiit; thf past yt'ar by Au},Mist Had**, Sup<'rint«'ndfnt of Stat** danii' Farms at both Voimtviih' and Chino. Tin* ranch. -r p^portinl that he counted between 50 and 7') birds in one canyon where th*>re was a sprini; ami some preen feed. Picrson also .said that: "At other p(»ints on the ranch and down throu!.rh the valley I have seen other small numbers of lit!"' ■-• m partritl^'cs and I feel .satislied that there has been a nice in« : ..f these birds ilurinj^ the season." The Huntrarian partridfje, known in Europe as tlie jjrey partrijlp^, is considered by many sportsmen as the best tranie bird of all. Hade said. In the State of Washin^'ton a check showed that they multiply just twice as fa.st as phea.sants or quail. Their bnKKl.s. aeeordinu to that check, averaj^ed sixteen, while «piail and pheasants could do no better than eiirhf. These tiirures are for matured families and not the number hatched, the superintenilent saiil. In discussing; the habits of tlies.' fjame bird.s, Rade said: "The averajje nest of the Huntrarian partridge will contain at least twenty e«;i;s and the larirer jicri'ditau'e of matured birds from that ha* ' • is due mostly to better care on the part of the parents. Very I^ . .ids show so much practical knowleil-re of how a family should be reared. Botli parents have an etpial share in the family life and thU care and jruidancc ctHitinucs until the family breaks up ' ' th«' f sprint: for the matinir sea.son. At no time in the .... ;y of th^ do tluy come toircther in tlocks but remain as separate family in. "This practice leads to a wider distribution of the hiriU over any }?iven areas, as one family will battle another for the territorj* they have selected as their own. When this trait is ut"'- '-^hhI it Ls easy to see why. with their prolitie proiluction. they will ; te a jriven area sooner than any other «;ame bird." 74 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME' Bade also said that these birds will not flush from cover when some one of its enemies of the air try to get them excited and on the wing. A hawk will do little with birds that refuse to flush, he said, and this factor alone probably will be a great factor in aiding this bird in its bid for existence. CITIZENS PROTECT WILD TURKEYS Wild turkeys liberated in Humboldt County by the Division are receiving full support and protection by citizens in that locality. This has been demonstrated in a case decided by Judge E. G. Kay of Blocksburg. The guilty party, Felix P. Senestraro of Loleta, received a sentence of $250 fine or 125 days in jail for having wild turkeys in his posses- sion. Arrest of the law violator was made on the Fort Seward Range by "Wardens Captain J. D. Dondero of Lakeport, E. J. Johnson of Gar- berville and Scott Feland of Fortuna. Information that the birds were being taken by a clever law viola- tor was received in the bureau of patrol through the cooperation of citizens. The three wardens from outlying districts gathered together and made the drive. The confiscated meat was distributed among needy families in the district. WATERFOWL CONSERVATION OF OUR WATERFOWL By the President of the United States of America A PROCLAMATION The long-continued and severe drought of the past two' years has inflicted not only economic hardships by seriously curtailing crop and stock production, but also has resulted in an emergency condition as regards the present and future safety and abundance of the waterfowl of the continent. In large areas of the United States and Canada, through lack of the water on breeding grounds essential to rearing the young birds, the drought has entailed widespread destruction among the former hordes of the wild fowl that migrate to our several states. This devastation has constituted so great a menace to our wild-life resources and to their future enjoyment by our people as to impel the Secretary of Agriculture to adopt a regulation compatible with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (40 Stat. 755), whereby during the coming fall there will be an open hunting season on these birds of only one month. Now, therefore, I, Herbert Hoover, President of the United States of America, do hereby urge that all persons take cognizance of this emergency, and I call upon all game and conservation officials. State and local, all members of game-protective organizations, landowners, sportsmen, and public-spirited citizens generally to lend their coopera- tion to effect full observance of this regulation, to the end that adequate C'AMtOIlMA J J.1II A.NU (JAMi; 75 nuinb4>rs of watrrfowl riiny rftiirii to th«'ir lirri'Mint.' tfnminl* nrxl •|»rtr.i.' and that fhcn* may hi« no r(>|>ctition of t that has nlifatly ovi-riakni Honn" H\f 111 witiu'H-s wh'Ti'of, I havi' h"-; seal of the IJnitnl StatoM to Ix- nfllx«"(|. Doiir at tho City of NVashiiij^'ton thi yrar of our Fionl nitn'tmi hMinli«'«l aii»l fl Ufiiff III' thi' I'liitfil Slatt's of AriK-rii-a tli' llidiiinrr Hootsm. hy ihf I'rcsiihMit : WlI.MAM K. {'aHTI.K, Actiiij? Socrtary of State. AuffUstlMJ. li):n. CLOSE BIRD REFUGES TO HUNTING Till' SoiTJ'tary of Apriculture has revokod ordont that hiretofore permitted huntiiifj on Fech'ral bird reservations at Salt Hivrr, Arizona; l?ij» Ijiil<«'. Arkansas; Tide liake, California; Deer Flat, Idaho; N • I'ipi' aiul Pablo, Montana; Hio Crande, New Mev , i ,• i i v. - Oref^on. Tills aetion was taken. ofVieials of the I. ,. . - . I )'l»artment of Aijrieulture, explainoil. l)eeau.He of the droiiirht emer- Heney confront iiij^ wild diieks and jjeesi*. Of the I'it^'hty one reservations I'stablisli.-d by • plaeeil under the administration of the Miohnjieal ^ . . are the oidy ones on parts of whieh hunting; lias Iwen |>ormi new series of refufjes beinj; establishiul iiiuler the niijrratory birci <•< :. servation art of l!)2!) will be inviolate siuietiiar' • - » ' ' — • • will not be permitted after they arc niid.'r a. in lojjical Survey. The secretary's order, it was j)ointeil out, is in line with the I'r- >. dential proclamation of Auunist 2r)th shorti-nini; the - • - ' • jjeese, brant and coot, to thirty ilays and calling: for C" , eoii.servation of waterfowl. These enier}»eney raeasuren, it was explained, have been necessitated by severe drought in the n- plains states and westward to the (^aseade Montr • ■ ' • "' provinces of Caiuida, the principal wild-fowl br ^ „ eontinent. The dryins? up of Hlou>rhs and marshi*s in this region has prevented the binls from rearing normal numl»«»rs of younf?, and as a rt'sult the annual tliirht of ducks antl peese tliis fall is exiH«ctetl to lie the smallest on record. WATERFOWL SHOOTING REGULATIONS FoUowini; are the migratory waterfowl shooting retndalioiiii as observed in California during: the se.'isi>n of lOltl : (California's huntin}; season on ducks, f;e«»s«', brant and coots or mudhens opens at noon November 16 an»l elos«»s at sunset on Decem- ber If). Basi and posses.sion limits arc as follows: Ducks (except wood duck), 15 per day in the aggregate of all kinds; 30 in possession. 76 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME Geese, including brant (except Ross and cackling geese), 4 per day in the aggregate of all kinds ; 8 in possession. Coots or mndhens, 25 per day. There is no open season on the wood duck or Ross and cackling geese. It is unlawful to shoot migratory game between sunset and one-half hour before sunrise. Throughout the State hunters may shoot on any day of the week, except that shooting days on commercial clubs are restricted to Sun- days, Wednesdays, Saturdays and all legal holidays. The season begins at 12 o'clock noon on the opening day and the last day of the season is a legal shooting day throughout the State. Blinds on commercial clubs must be situated at reasonable distances from each other, but in no event are they to be less than 80 yards apart, and at no time shall more than two hunters occupy any one blind. Commercial gun clubs are strictly prohibited from guaranteeing bag limits. It is unlawful to shoot game from a power boat, sailboat, automo- bile or airplane; or to hunt waterfowl from a scull boat in districts 8 and 9, except on Wednesdays and Sundays, or at any time in District 12, or in the Napa Eiver south of Edgerly Island, or to use a shotgun larger than ten gauge, or to possess an extension automatic or a cane gun. STATE WARDENS ASSIST FEDERAL SERVICE Waterfowl regulations as prescribed by the United States Depart- ment of Agriculture were strictly enforced during the past season by State game wardens. Such action was almost imperative since more than 120 of our deputy fish and game commissioners were drafted into the Federal service during the drought emergency period ; they supple- mented the force organized and working under the leadership of George Tonkin, Federal game protector for California. It was purely a coop- erative action between government and State, with all interests centered on the protection of the depleted waterfowl supply. $25,000,000 FIVE-YEAR WATERFOWL PROGRAM PROPOSED BY THE AMERICAN GAME ASSOCIATION The American Game Association was born of the original struggle to protect migratory birds. For twenty years it has studied the situa- tion and has recommended constructive programs. Only part of these have been put into action. The present waterfowl crisis demands heroic and immediate measures. Restrictions upon shooting wiU always be necessary, but instead of more resfrictio7is ive must have more production. Until nationwide and international producing machinery is put to work in a big way, we will never save the ducks. The remedy for the present calamity divides itself into five major phases : 1. Restore and set aside ample breeding, feeding and resting grounds, scattered at strategic points throughout the entire range of our migrants. 2. Adequate enforcement of the regulations to stop poachers, duck bootleggers and game hogs. I CALIFOUMA KIHII A.VO OASCe 77 ■ i. Orcatrr protoction of the l)rf'«Mlin(? (n'f>uniU ai^aifiHt natural ■I. Mon- \vnt«Tf slow t<» i;»*t (piick results. In view of the fore'^oin<;, the American CJame AsxK'iation at a mectini,' of its board of directors on September Hi, VJ'M, ileeide, and to supplement that proj^ram in several important direetion.s, Congress will be urged to enact legislation as follows : (a) Bond Issue: Provide a spwial fund of $25,000,000 through the issuance of special bonds at the rate of $.").()()().( KM) annually ftir tive years to purchase, lease ami nuiintain migratory binl breeding groumls. (b) Federal Tiicense : Retire the.se bonds from funds >■ I tlirouijh a $1 Federal license to hunt migratory game bird- «.ii- tinuc the work thereafter from .said revenue. Licen.scs to be .. -le at postotTices to attach to State licenst^;. Exempt landowners on land.s whereon tliev reside. It is believed the income from such a license will be $-J.r)00.000 to $3,000,000 annually. (el Contributions: Make provision for the acceptance of contribu- tions to this migratory bird conservation fund from organized groups, public-spirited individuals, and others to expedite the program. 78 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME (d) Division of Funds : Use not less than 70 per cent of the income to this fund to purchase, lease and administer breeding grounds and refuges, the balance for enforcing the migratory bird regulations. (e) Cooperation with Canada: Provide that any part of this fund may be expended in the establishment of migratory bird breeding grounds in cooperation with Canada under a workable plan to be evolved by the officials in charge, or by an International Migratory Bird Commission established for that purpose. o, (f) Cooperation with States: Provide for State and Federal coop- 1 eration under this program of establishing breeding grounds and refuges on a fifty-fifty basis of participation in cost, such jointly pur- chased areas to be turned over to the states for administration under the Federal regulations. This will double the amount available and will be especially helpful in the creation and administration of many small areas of 1000 acres up. 2. State and Local Action: Urge the states to expand their refuge systems to benefit migratory birds. Utah, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan and several other states have already shown the way in the matter of waterfowl breeding grounds. All other states should follow their fine example. Encourage local associations, communities, clubs and individuals to restore and administer breeding grounds and refuges wherever possible. 3. Natural Enemies: Control the natural enemies of our nesting birds on the northern breeding grounds. Crows, certain gulls, coyotes and other predators are said to be destroying terrific numbers of eggs and helpless young waterfowl, shorebirds, and song and insectivorous birds annually. i Fence off portions of good breeding sloughs and marshes to prevent undue disturbance and destruction of nests by live stock. 4. Waterfowl Breeding: Help develop an acceptable plan to encourage individuals and clubs to raise wild ducks both for shooting and for stocking purposes, and urge its general adopition. Numerous clubs are producing as many ducks as they take annually; some of them considerably more. 5. International Surveys: If further surveys are needed, they should be initiated at once ; but- ij the waterfowl needs of both the United States and Canada are quite well known by the officials in charge. They can very quickly assemble any additional data and agree upon an interlocking program of action. 6. Treaty with Mexico : A compact similar to the treaty between the United States and Canada should be consummated without delay between the United States and Mexico. This program is somewhat similar to the one the association and its coworkers recommended ten years ago, which resulted in the adoption of the Norbeck-Andresen program in 1929 — but this plan is much more comprehensive and will produce results far more quickly. 1 CAUrOUNIA » I.Hi I ASH UAMt 79 Had tin* oriKi""! I»l»'> •"•<•»> lulopti'd morf than ♦ir>/KX),fKX) worth of rt'<'Mtal)lisln(l hriTdiiij,' marshcH wotiM now \h' proflurtitK duckA iimtrad of thistlfs. To l)uy up iiiari^'iiial and unwiMdy drained landit and flood ihrm with watiT will take millions of nrrcn out of (>om|>olttion with pro live farm landH, th»Tfby ludpin^ tho furmrrn «>f Ami-rirn and lutAuruiK it futiirt- supply of miifratory l)ir! ""•"••'^ "•'• ''••■f ■•»..;.;, All I'onsiTvation and sportsman's cluhs and a ;» ofllcials, and others are nrtffd to join with th«* Ammcan Oann* Aks/k-ir- lion in tin* promotion of this cnnTpMiry proi^'nim. Ac '" Association. Investment Building'. Wjishinyton I> (' llKll. MOUNTED POLICE PROTECT MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS 'lliousautis of niii^Tutoi V ;,'imn' hirds lluit visit a ^froup i>i snidil islands in the St. Lawrence Iviver just eiust of the Islantl of Orleans art? to rt'ccive special protection by a patrol of two Quebec mounted police, accordiufj to a report received throujjh official channels by I*aul 0. Kcdiii^'ton, chief of the l>ureau of Hioio^'ical Stirvey of the I'nited JState.s Department of Au'riculf urc from the American consid at (Quebec, Canada. The ()l)jcct of this patrol, accordint? to the local division of the Provincial A.s.sociation for the Protwtion of Fish and (Jame, is to pro- toot the birds that rest on the islands durinj: their spring' trip north from molestation by resident hunters. The only known floek of ^'n-ater snow geese comes rej^ularly up the St. Lawrence each spring after win- tering in Virginia and Nt>rth Carolina. These birds rest several tlays on those islands before continuing north for the summer. Other game birds appearing tliere at this season are Canada ge«'se, brant, black ducks. i)intails. mallards, atul teals. These siime birds return in the autumn with their young en route southward. It was reported that a similar police patrol for 2.1 days of Aprd last year stop|)ed much of the illegal hunting of these birds. "Occa- sionally," it was stated, "hunters dres.scd in white clothes were making u.se of motor launches i)ainteil white .so that their approach wouKi not be readily discerned by flocks on the river surface, the stream being usiuilly partly lilh-d with ice and snow at this time of year." In commenting on this effective cooperation to con.serve the wiKl birds of the continent, Mr. Kedington. who heads the branch of the United States Government charged with carrying out in this country the provisions of the Migratory Hird Treaty, said that patroL ,: — -'ir in purpo-se are being maintained by the Biological Survey by n .f game protectors stationed in various parts of the country. "It is only by such cooperative measures on the part of the two countries," he said, "that wo can hope to fulfill our ol)ligations under the tn^aty and save our wihl fowl for future generations. Both Canatla and the I'nited States are also creating and maintaining nationwide systems of refuges that furnish sanctuary for many species of our migratory birds." — U. S. Department of Agriculture. Office of Information. 80 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME MAN-MADE DROUGHT A resumption of wet years will not materially cheek the downward trend of this continent's wild fowl supply, now at its most alarming level in history, H. L. Betten, member of California's advisory com- mittee on waterfowl sanctuaries and nationally recognized authority on wild life conditions, declares in a statement made public by the Ameri- can Game Association. "In the great prairie regions of America and particularly in the wheat belt of Canada unwise and unrelenting reclamation and drainage projects have been extended so rapidly that a perpetual man-made drought now exists on the most important breeding grounds, ' ' he claims. Lines of transportation flung across Canada and the northern tier of states have sprayed millions of settlers over the land, paving the way for drainage of tremendous areas of lakes, sloughs and marshes which served as natural reservoirs for water as well as waterfowl and shore- bird nesting grounds. "Under the direction of private interests and a governmental bureau obsessed with a mania for reclamation, ' ' he charges, ' ' hundreds of worthless projects have been foisted on the country, bringing ruin to thousands of settlers. "Congress might well direct an investigation in such channels to determine responsibility for these unwarranted if not criminal develop- ments and to check further useless desecration of invaluable water sources and of wild life resources. ' ' The crux of this restoration problem lies within Canada and can be reached only through cooperation with Canadian sportsmen," he believes. DUCK MARSH POSTED IN MICHIGAN Conservation officers in California who post their territory with signs warning hunters and anglers that a game warden may be watch- ing them at any time have nothing on special conservation officers in Ottawa County, local hunters report. Before the opening of the duck season last fall signs were erected all around Bruces Bayou reading as follows : ' ' Hunters beware. This entire marsh is being patrolled by conservation officers. Don't start shooting until a half hour before sunrise and don't shoot after sunset. Giving the ducks time to feed and rest is good conservation. Remem- ber guns and boats can be confiscated if you are arrested." The signs were printed in striking black letters on red cardboard and were put up in conspicuous locations. Inquiry among hunters on the bayou indicated that the results obtained from this posting were well worth while. CALirOKNlA t'lHIi AN't> OAMI! 81 MAMMALS THE TULE ELK rill' lull' «'lk |)i(tp«»sitioM lias hi-i'ij iM'forr uh for Honn* tinw. ait«l mumTdUs facts liave Imth ilisrus.s4>(i in rcuard to their past hintory atul what tln'y will do in tlw fiitun'. I ani M«'ii(lin^» you n frw fact* I hav.* patliritMl from ohstTviiiK' tln'in. I liavf lu'anl from tlif old tiim- H<'ttl«TH in tin- Ituttouwdlow duitri«-t that st'Vfral tliousainl r\k rnanuMl tlirrn at on»' tirinv Ilo\v«'V»'r. th«Tf jir»« only about 170 tlu'n* now. During' tin* latlt-r part of I'.iJT 1 niadt* srviTjd lounts i»t thfs*- v\k, having thf ln'lp of two or thrr«' mm at dUTrrtnt timi-s, and found that IhtTi' wi'rc (»idy srvrnty two at this timr. Now, four yi'ars luti-r, «•• havf ahout 170 of tlu'sr aninuds, whith nu'an.H Ix'ttor than 100 jwr rent iiu'n'as*'. 1 bt'lii'Vt* tlu'y will incrrasr fastrr in an ••ludosun* if it i.s jtuit- ahlf for tlu'in. The tulf I'lk ran^'«' in widi' areas, travelinj; four to Mix milon to waiti- At one tiino this sprinp durinjj the jrreon jfrass pcriotl one herd of ahout tw«'nty-i'i}.rlit was known to ko for twcnty-fiv*' days without wattT. They may !)»• able to p> a lonj;«'r pori<»d without drinking;, but 1 h;i\t' nut any rci-ord of sUfh an evfut. Anothi-r unusual trait attributed to tin* tule elk is that while they art* an excellent jumper for heij;ht, an ordinary wire fence with the bottom wire about six inches from the ^rrouinl will hold them out of a (ielil of ^ooil feed. If the btittom wire is twelve to ei^'hteen inches above the j;round they will crawl under the fence. It is quite a sij»ht to .see a bi^ bull with a larjje spread id* antlers (^oin;; under a low wire t'cnce If you are crowding; a herd and they are runnin-r, they will run tlirouj;li a wire fence and break it down instead of jumping over it, which they couUl do very easily. When a small herd was run into the pen in the Huttonwillow district one cow elk jumped and cleare*l the fence which is built on a steep bank. The jump woulil bo e«|ual to eight feet, sheer hei^'ht. This is the onl\- instance I ever witnessed where an elk jumped a fence. Durinj; the breeilin«x season these elk ilo not mate, but run mudi the same as our California ib»i'r. The bulls are severe tijrhters and usually one bull elk is boss of the herd. Once 1 fouiul a dead bidl elk with his horns broken bailly and the jrround torn up for two or three hundreil feet around. This indi- cated that lie had been tiijhtini; and was evitlentlv killed bv another bull. When a herd of elk are traveling the bulls always take to the rear as thoufjh to watch behind and to hurry the cows along. Whenever they are beiiitr chased there is always a cow leader. There are always a few bulls with a herd of cows, even though it is not in breeding season, but there is also a herd of bulls running alone. These elk are about the fastest animal I have ever setni. They can outrun a fast horse easily. They do not jump like a deer when in full 82 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME V WA^ .'<" 'b. ^^f /;v ■ii*'- •1'':.- J u p. CAUFORSIA I'lHlI AKD OAMB 88 IliKlit, Ijut run like a horw. Thoy food ot nJKlit like deiu>' aiiimalt do. 'I'lii' «'lk are a li^'bt brown in sunirnrr ami a dark brown in wintrr. 'I In* bulls will wei^,'ll about ;')()() pounds and tbe cowh alxmt rV) on f<»<)l. rill* bidls sbed tlieir liornn every year. A. K. Ain.Hwortb, Warden. DOES HAVE ANTLERS Two dof.s who had the niisfortutH- to ifrow antb'rs ar ' ' ' anionj? the luissin^' from the h.-vil's harden I)i.Htricl of th. National Forest. The.se were killed by Kujjene Patton of Lakeporl and Calvin Simms of Odarville. «lurinu' the VXl\ sea.Hon. Both car- Via. la. DisiTt inoiiiii.iiii .slu - mala uro extroiufly wary uml o.n.stUiit«' n nioiil .; i- .stuily. I'hoto by K. S. Cheney, OoIoIkt. 192'J. lied tine antlers, being 26 antl iN inches in spread, respectively. While all the l)ueks had rubbed and polished their antlers at the time these were killed, both ihn's were in the velvet, which wa.s, however, thoruuj^hly dry, iinlicatiuir peilmps that does whtMi bearini: antlers do not rub them. Other male eiiaracteristics were evident on one animal and botli were evideiitiv wiiiiout fawns. — F. P. Crouemiller, Forest Supervisor, November 13,' 1931. INVESTIGATE SHEEP DEATH Duriii}^ the past fall a report was received that licM^rt n n sheep wore dyin^r from thii-st at Hidden Spring in southern Ca-... .;..a. The report said that: "Hidden Spring, a strange, bubbling pool in a 84 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME canyon several miles east of Mecca wMcli for many years has been an oasis for wild animals of the region, was reported as having dried to a mere cupful of water. Near the lessened water supply, which rises mysteriously from the desert sands with four or five gaunt palm trees standing guard over it, were found carcasses of two yearling sheep. The animals had died of thirst." An investigation was made by Deputy R. J. Little, of Banning, and he reported as follows : ' ' Have checked up on this report and find that it is true, but can't say that the two sheep died from lack of water. There are other water holes within ten miles of Hidden Spring and mountain sheep will go far for water. I think that the two animals died from other causes. ' ' The water holes on the desert side of San Bernardino are lower this year than ever before to my knowledge. I found two dry springs last week ; heretofore there would be between 400 and 500 quail at these locations but now there is no sign of any birds. Almost all of the pros- pectors on the desert keep the water holes open for the quail and animals. ' ' Reports from Inyo County indicate that desert mountain sheep are increasing in numbers. E. H. Ober, authority on mountain sheep, told D. D. McLean, field naturalist, that quite a number of big-horn sheep have been observed watering at Deep Spring Valley in Inyo County. Ober is the author of an excellent article on "The Mountain Sheep of California," which appeared in the January, 1931, issue of California Fish and Game. EXCELLENT DEER SEASON Deer taken during the past hunting season totalled 25,805, accord- ing to figures tabulated by the Bureau of Refuges of the Division. This shows an increase of 1673 more than were taken during the season of 1930. Counties in which more than 1000 deer were killed include Mendo- cino, 1706 ; Siskiyou, 1516 ; Modoc, 1486, and Humboldt, 1069. Out of the entire 58 counties in this State only two were registered where no deer were taken — San Francisco and Imperial counties. Sutter County holds the low record of but one deer bagged. Sacra- mento runs a close second with a grand total of four bucks on record. The remainder of the counties range from 10 deer on up to well above the thousand mark. Such a successful season reflects not only the practical results of sensible legislation and effective enforcement, but also indicates that sportsmen are giving their full support to the protection of these big game mammals throughout the year. DEER IN CAVE It is easy to imagine bears, pumas, or skunks in caves even though we may never have seen one there, but a deer in a cave seems quite out of place. I was therefore somewhat surprised as I walked along the bridle path below the old village, to see an adult doe bedded down in a large cave. A large rock which had fallen down over two smaller rocks formed a cave about eight feet wide and ten feet deep. The opening was considerably smaller than the space within and the deer CAurouNiA riHii and game 86 wuM lyiiiK with Iut ln'ad aboul hIx i'i<-l from lip- i-ntriit)<«v 8hc wn* ttHniii srcii in the hhuu' cavr twjri' tin* f»»lliiwinif wwk. iiliowinj» that tiuM wjiM Imt rejftiliir rotreat whi*n not (urnKiuu A. E. Hon'II, ranger- iiatiiraliMt, Yo.si'iiiit*' Nuturo Noto«, OctolMT, \'Xi\. SHOTGUNS WOUND DEER Sliotjjim liUMtriH liavr vvoiiiuhMi innnv <1«mt in tho northi'ni part of tlif State. Tin- cnrruHJM'M of the aniiiials havi? Immmi found by iiporta- irirti and intlifaf ioiiH show that in many vniU'S Uw aniinali {M^riahed .iftiT much sulTt'iin);. Wliili' hiws .sciiii not to havf Immmi n«T«'HJMiry to pri'Vi-nt thia type dT (h'cr hunting, every effort is heinj; Tnatle to diMeouraf^e the praelice. Sportsnnii will iMuloiihtfilly t'0(i|)iTafi- in eliminatini; the uhv of thin type of >;iin from the hiij ^rame field and this will not only |)revent mtieh sutTerinj: anumt; the animals Init will also help prevent ^^real lojwru in the doer population. BRUIN AND THE FLUME Where is the elassitication line between aecident and lidut and how can it be applied to the bear family? This (|uestion has eome down from the mountains of Amador County and the Division of Fish and (Jame is huntini; for the answer. And the reason for all this serious study is none other than Mr. Ilruin — a 400-pouiid bear. He has been splashinf? around, aeeidently oi- otherwise, in a ik \v hydrm^leetrio development flume alon}? the .Mokeluiniie Kiver, if all reports are true. The first time this ^'reat mammal was di.seovered in the tlume. a ery of -Aeeident ! arose amonir biir hearted workmen, so Bruin war rescued and deposited on dry land in a rather undi^jnified manner. A lasso around his neck, coupled with a wire looped to one hind lejj. aeconiplished the delicate task. Due to the nature of the subject at hand, no one had the time nor inclination to make a count of the man power applied. Several ilays later when Mr. Bruin was ajrain sijjhted in the sparklin'JT waters a cry of protest arose from the "reseue" crew: "It inuNt l)t> a Iial>it." they declared, and decision was made to let the furry clown do a little rescuinj? on his own account. The bear evidently succeeded in lo«'atin>; a runway escape from the coiuM-ete water chatinel for he was later observed swairirerinp Inildly up a mountain side. It is easv to ideiitifv Mr. Bruin because he still carries a w ire danplin«» from one hintl lep — notoriety of some sort awaits the p(>rson who attempts to remove this decoration. His presence in the tlutiu^ has been observeil s«n-eral times since. Takinu: all couilitions. inchulintr icy water, into consideration, the prob- lem is a puzzle. Whether he is entering the channel through accident or by habit is a question that, so far. defies solution. Members of the Division of Fish and ("tame account for one certain fact, however. Bruin is a real t(Mi<;h customer. BEAR MEAT SHOULD BE COOKED All persons who obtain bear meat should cook the food thoroughly before using. 86 CALIFORNIA PISH AND GAME Several eases of trichinosis are generally reported to the Division every year following the opening of the bear hunting season and these could be eliminated in a very simple manner. The danger lurks in eating jerked bear meat or otherwise utilizing the food in the raw state. In commenting on the subject of trichinosis, Dr. M. Hobmaier, pathologist for the division, said that bears are often infected with a parasitic hair-like worm known as trichina. The larva of this parasite enters the blood stream through the intestine. From the blood stream the trichina work into the muscles of the animal. Many conditions regulate the effect of the parasite on the health of the animal. "It is possible for a bear to live many years with this parasite in the muscles," Dr. Hobmaier said, ''and this is true with other infected animals. The parasite will live in the animal after death for several weeks so that if another carnivore should feed on the carcass the disease will be transmitted in this way." The severity of the infection depends on the amount of infected meat that is consumed by the subject, according to Dr. Hobmaier, but the discomforting effects, even in ease of recovery, are liable to pursue the members of the human species for many years. The disease often creates a condition similar to rheumatism. By cooking thoroughly the parasite is killed and the meat is as harmless as any other useful foods. This method of insurance against infection is by far the most satisfactory. And, in conclusion, don't feed the raw bear meat to your dog, or any other animal, because if the meat happens to be infected the disease will be transmitted to the innocent party. Nevertheless if you would be sure that your bear meat is free from trichinosis, send a raw piece of the diaphragm muscle to Dr. Hobmaier of the State Fish and Game Laboratory, Hooper Foundation, Second and Parnassus avenues, San Francisco, for microscopical test. ALASKAN BEARS PROTECTED The monarchs of North American wild life and largest carnivorous animals in the world are losing some of the illusions of dangerous ferocity built up around them by sportsmen — ^but gaining a new grip on existence, says a bulletin of the American Game Association in announcing recent measures to save from extinction the giant Alaskan brown bears. One of the outstanding moves has been the extension of the formerly inland Katmai National Monument to the coast line of Shelikof Strait. It was found that the brown bears — often weighing more than 1200 pounds — like nothing better than to amble with their families down to seashore resorts for the summer, where they have been an easy prey to an increasing number of sportsmen. Other recent regulations, announced by the U. S. Bureau of Bio- logical Survey, increase from five to seven the number of Alaskan areas in which brown and grizzly bears are protected by a hunting season limited to the period from September 1st to June 20th. Lately conservationists have urged protection of the Kodiak bear, famous cousin of the brown variety, through creation of a preserve on CAUFOItNIA riHII AVD UAME 87 Kn,. ,| for Anifriran spori.snHMi. Tin* laru'f Ifars, i «I tropliirs, have l)«'«'n faord with extermination. DON COYOTE STEPS FAST llow last rail a iii\i)ir run/ .\fc(. rilinu' to a rrport by .Iirsi-ph .lolTt?, assistant supiM-intcndt-nt of Yrllowstonc National I'ark, om- ha« boon tinH'tl at .'!.'» miU's per hour. The superint«'ndent was travelinjf in his automohilf over tin* snow one day whon Mr. Don Coyote npp«'ared ill the roadway. lnst«'ad of hidintr in tin' woods thr aiumal strurk out down the road. dolTe spt-rdid up and leaiiK'il that the eoyote eould hold his own at a very lively elip. After a fast race the coyote dodged to one side of the road and was last seen doubling? back on his trackn. MISCELLANEOUS GLENN-COLUSA APPEAL Defendants in the (ilenn-Colusa !rri}»ation District ease have appealed to the Supreme Court from a ri'eent dfeision of the Sup«'rior Court, ac'i-onlin^' to .lolin Speneer, in ehaige oi the Bureau of Hydrau- lics, ivalph Seott, assistant attorney for the division, said that it would jtrohably be several months before the higher eourt nuule a decision. This ease has been of keen interest to those coiiin-eted with the con- servation of fish life and irri of no value, that the pereentajre of loss ^'oinj; throujfh was small, that screens would preatly interfere with the operation of the pumps, and various other reasons. Judi^e 11. S. dans, presiilin^r over the Superior Court at Willows, uphelil the attitude of the division when he tlecided the case during the early summer. REPORT BIRD BANDS TO U. S. Sportsmen huntinj; wild fowl and other paine birds are urged by the Division of Fish and Ciame ami the American Game Pro- tective Association to keep a close watch for bands on batrjred birds and report those found to the Cnited States Bureau of Biological Survey, Washington, D. C. 88 CALIFOENIA FISH AND GAME Bird-banding cooperators of the bureau, in advancing its studies of North American waterfowl, have banded game birds at more than fifty stations in the United States and Canada, from the Arctic regions south to Louisiana and Georgia and from Maine to California, officials of the bureau announced. The Biological Survey desires a report on every banded bird that is recovered, and requests the cooperation of sportsmen. The report should state the number printed on the band (including any series designation, such as A, B, or C) and the date and locality where the bird was obtained. In return, the Biological Survey will tell the person rendering the report where and when the bird was banded, and send interesting information on the application of the banding method to bird study. Bird banding, as conducted by the Biological Survey and its 1700 cooperators, furnishes a means of obtaining information regarding con- servation measures. The banding records of the bureau have furnished much information on hunting and conservation problems, such as show- ing the regions that are visited by particular concentrations of birds. The solution of these problems means much to the perpetuation of the sport of wild-fowling, and sportsmen are accordingly urged to examine the ducks and other wild fowl in their bags and report banded birds to the Biological Survey. FIRST EGGS OF HARRIS'S SPARROW ARE DISCOVERED A gap in the bird study of North America lasting for almost a century has been bridged with what is believed to be the first authentic discovery of eggs of the Harris sparrow. Credit for this find goes to the naturalist, George Miksch Sutton, and his associate, John Bonner Semple. Both have recently returned from an expedition to Churchill, Canada, on Hudson Bay, the nesting region of the bird. Harris's sparrow, a shy individual with a black hood and white underparts was one of the few American birds left whose eggs had not been found. Sets of doubtful identification, however, have been pre- served and descriptions generalh^ held erroneous, also given. In reporting his discovery to Science Service, Mr. Sutton said: "The eggs are not 'creamy-white' (as a previous description states) , but are very pale greenish-blue, spotted, blotched and scrawled more or less all over with brown, lilac, gray and rusty." It was not until the nineteenth century that the breeding range of the Harris sparrow was known. Half the year the bird haunts the Missouri River basin and migrates northward to breed with the approach of spring. The bird was unknown to ornithologists until 1834 when it was discovered near Independence, Missouri, by Thomas Nuttall. — Science News Letter, August 22, 1931. CAUrollNIA riHIl AND OMtt DIVISION ACTIVITIES BUREAU OF FISH CULTURE Fish plants math" un«au have exprrssi-tl the ht'liel' that water shortat'i' will not \)c as atiitt' this fi.miii;; season as it was in the past ami that the ftHh life will hcni'tit ai'i'orilin^'ly. Salninn eu'^rs totaling' l.{,()4:i.(M)0 were taken at Htations along th«» Klaiiuitli UiviT atul wi'iv ilelivereil to Fall Oeek and Mount Shasta liatcluM-ies. This is thf jrreatest wilnion I'U'ir take in the past tive years ami flu- youiiLr fish will he rea»ly lor plaiitinj; in the early sprinir. Saml ami jrravi-l filters have been installed at various hatrheries ami other improvements are heinj; nuule that will add to the efficiency of the entire trout propajjation system. The fall take of e^'U's. from the fall spawninj? si)fM-ie>, *v.i> eom- l>!('tetl and prepai-.itii'iis ;ir.' uiuI.t w.iv for tlie sprinu' spawning artivities. BUREAU OF FINANCE AND ACCOUNTS lIuntinET lictMi.sfs, wliidi lnTt'tofore have Immmi on a ealeridar basis, are for an eij,'litoen months' period, bcint: etTeitive from .January 1, \\y,V2, to .lune ."JO. l[)Xi. Thereafter, they will \)c on a (Iseal year basis. The denominations for each class of huntin*: lieen.ses for this particular ciirhteen months' period are one and one-half times the repular fee, as follows; Class Kt-'iular jrti Inrretisrd fre Citizen *2.0(1 $3.00 Citizen, junior ' '"^ l''>0 Nonre.sident U). l-''v^> Alien -''OO 37m Declarant alien - KV'X^ l'''>^ Commencingr "with the 19:^^^-34 series of huntin}; lieen.ses, the denominations will revert back to the re;:ular fee. While the dcmorali/.injr ctTci-ts of the «lrou};ht and jjeneral busi- ness depression somewhat curtailed the activities of sportsmen, certain branches of field sport, particularly deer huntinp. not only held up well but sliowed a substantial iTictvase in revenue over pn^vious -is. It is believed tliat with tiie promise of better waterinp ci :. .. . iis durinir the coming seasons, outdoor sports will call many perstms into the field. 90 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME BUREAU OF GAME REFUGES Predatory animal control work on and adjacent to refuges is being developed under a very careful plan, and in all cases a record is being kept of stomach contents of animals killed, so that their food habits may be determined. Mountain lion hunters were very active during the past three months and during the month of November alone took more than 23 of the large predators; this brought the 11 months kill up to 258 lions, ending in November. The Gray Lodge waterfowl refuge, near Gridley, more than lived up to expectations and proved to be a wonderful resting grounds for the migratory birds. There was ample water on the refuge and yet enough high ground exists to raise feed for the ducks that remain through the dry part of the season. The new refuge on Joice Island, in the Suisun Marsh, was made available and is an excellent location for conservation purposes. This refuge is subject to complete control of water conditions. The past deer hunting season was one of the most successful in the history of the State. Records show that nearly 26,000 bucks were taken and the loss to the deer population was not perceptible. BUREAU OF PATROL In order to enforce Federal regulations limiting the duck hunting season to one month, all State wardens were appointed Federal Game Protectors by the U. S. Bureau of Biological Survey. Comfortable living quarters were maintained in both the Sacramento and San Joa- quin Valley duck areas, giving our field men a chance to change into warm clothing promptly after their work for the day or night patrol was completed. It is gratifying to note that practically all hunters complied with the regulations limiting the open season to one month. Very few arrests have been made for shooting before the official opening date. Our bay and river patrol reports that striped bass violations are now largely confined to the use of set lines, some of them being over 1000 feet in length, with many hundreds of hooks attached. Due to the unusually heavy snow fall in December, many of our wardens have been busily engaged feeding deer and quail, particularly in Modoc, Siskiyou, Shasta and El Dorado counties. BUREAU OF FISH RESCUE AND RECLAMATION The season of 1931 was one of the most arid in the history of the State. Many of the lakes, streams, and a number of artificial reser- voirs, all containing valuable food and game fishes, became dry for the first time in history. Added to this condition was the excessive heat, causing rapid evaporation which necessitated the hurried removal of live fish and placing them in living waters. "With the valuable assistance and fine cooperation of wardens, sportsmen, and various individuals and organizations, the bureau was enabled to rescue 7,855,865 fishes during the summer and fall season CAuroRNiA rmu and oamc 91 I nil. liH'luilcd ill thf r«'H<*no«l Jl>iln?j« wi?n* 'J, 5 "ill, 4. '»6 Uri^' mnnthr-.l uk bajw; l,:n!M(M) liliirtfill HiiiiHNh; 1,()1H.I>UJ un-.n nunfbih ; catHHli; .'rj-l,4'>0 calico hnsH; .i'J.lMM) Maliiioii fry; I hatm, anti <»tlirr varictii's, iiaiiD'ly, Sacramcnld perch, Mt«'<'liir;;ani/atioiiH tor Ntockin^? piirpoMCM. The larger finh of the Hpawn- iii;^' a^'c will furni.sh a pcriiiaiicnt .su|)ply of naturally hatchctl tUh for lln' future. It i.s not uiicomiiion to rcMtn' in the State throut;h tli*- l.-i-ture pro<;ram of this bureau. Members of the bureau have ai"'"-d in almost every secti«)n of Calilornia duriiif; the past few n. and have addressed and shown motion pictures to sportsmen '.h orf^aniza- lions, clubs, fraternities, schools and other ajjencies of public interest. Six instructive motion picture reels were completed dur- '■'» past three months and are now in circulation. Followint? a . d re(|uest from the east coast, three reels were arranged and shipped to the American Ciame Conference which was held in New York City (lurinir the first part of December last year; these reels were arranged to cover a wide raufre of subjects and met with instant favor. l''icld research men have continued with (piail investigation work and some very valuable information is beini; a.s.sembled. An exceed iiiLrly important paper on duck di.sea.se has been pre- pared by Dr. M. Hobmaier and appears elsewhere in this i.s.Nue. Work on various bird studies and deer damajre is propressinp uiuier detailed plans and publication of results of some of these iiivesti','ations will be made in the future. Durinir the past three months approximately \')(M) new • clippin;:s were returned from stories sent to the pre>s from the ! ilie.se clippiufjs represented about ^00 newspapers. The library is beinj? used constantly, not only by our own office ami field fon-e, but also by thi>se recpiirinpr definite information on some partiiMilar activity. BUREAU OF HYDRAULICS The improvement work on the Fol.som fishway at the Folsom Dam on the American River has been completed and has the . inee of a very will )m> more Ntork binU to plaiif ill tlfpli'ti'tl an-as. BUREAU OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES Tlif Statr |)tpnitturnt of I'uhlic Hraltir.s ipuirautiuc on inu- ami clams, which ran to Scplcmlicr 30, was cxtendod to Octolwr 1;') for fhc coast hctwccu the (iohlcu (Iat«' and the Klamath Hivcr. Tests hy the Department of PuMic Health showed that miiHsels mid clams around liodc;;a May still carried enouuh of th(> poison to cndatiu'''r the iifi of those who (>at them. Tlu* quarantine au'ainst takiin; iiiuh- sels or clams in the rc^jioii from th«> (iolden (Jate to San Kuis Oh {'outity was lifted on Oetoluu" 1st. as it whs found that south of :;. (joldeii ari'ntly be laid up soiiu* wc«'ks. Stii|)c(l hass continue to be plentiful in tlu' San Franei.seo Hay and ii\ir districts, and the price paid fishermen deelineil in Oetolwr from ]'2\ c«'nts to 1<> cents a j)ouml. These bass are beini; caucht by t'ommcri'ial hook-and line tishermen. as it is unlawful to tak«' them in nets except while tishiiij; t'(U* shad between March I'lth anil May 1st, inclusive. The Hurcau of C'onnnercial Fisheries is very anxious to get an accurate reconl of all ba.ss caui^Jit commercially ami wouhl like to have the wardens sec that all bass bouirht from anuders are properly reconlcil on the tripliv'ate receipts furnishctl by the «livision. There is still much confusion on the part of comujereial fishermen and dealers as to the jirovisions of the new law and it is believed that these receipts are not bcintr made out in many cases, uiuler the Ndief that it is unlawful to Iniy ba.ss which are caut;lit in districts which were fornu^rly closed and in eases where the tisherman has more than five bass in possession. IIultIi K. Israel has been cni,'ai;ctl by this bureau lo undertake an invest illation of the life history of the ralifornia shrimps. This work will be carried out under the supervision of Dr. Frank Weymouth, of Stanford University, who is also in eharije of the Louisiana shrimp investiirations for the V. S. Hureau c^f Fisheries. In compliance with a resoluti»ni passed by the Assembly at the last ses- sion of the Loijislature, a committee composed of Assemblyman Hubert 94 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME B. Seudder, Jerrold L. Seawell and Henry McGuinness was appointed and instructed to make a study of the fish and game in California with a view to its protection and conservation. This committee, accompanied by Major Farley, visited the Klamath River early in September to investigate commercial and sport fishing conditions at the mouth of the river. On September 9th this committee was joined at Monterey by N. B. Scofield, where it put in three days studying the sardine fish- ing and canning methods at that place. An all-night trip was made on one of the large purse seine boats and the committee was able to get at first hand the method of catching sardines with these large nets. Near the end of the month this committee visited southern California, where they took in the State Fisheries Laboratory and the fish packing plants at Terminal Island. From this place they were driven to San Diego, where they made a study of the fish canneries and the large tuna boats which catch their tuna from as far away as the Galapagos Islands. Lionel A. Walford, of the staff of the State Fisheries Laboratory and the author of the Handbook of Common Commercial and Game Fishes of California, resigned at the end of September to enter Har- vard University, where he will study for a doctor's degree. The Hand- book is having a widespread popularity, being in great demand by schools, libraries, sportsmen and those interested in the fisheries indus- try, and Mr. Walford 's resignation is a distinct loss to this bureau. VOLUNTEER DEPUTIES That farmers and land owners are taking interest and actively cooperating in the state-wide campaign being conducted by the Fish and Game Commission through the medium of the volunteer deputies for the development of the supply of native quail in open breeding grounds, is evidenced by the fact that Mr. Anthony Crafton, a farmer who resides near Concord, Contra Costa County, has established upwards of 75 quail sanctuaries on the lands of farmers in the San Ramon Valley. Volunteer Deputy Captain John E. Warman, of Stockton, reports that upwards of 150 quail sanctuaries have been established in the San Joaquin County district. In order to know whether or not the quail sanctuary campaign has been a success or a failure in its intended purpose, a questionnaire! has been sent to each of the 1300 farmers and landowners who have set aside land as an inviolate quail sanctuary and game refuge. With- out exception, those who have filled out and returned the questionnaire state that there has been a decided increase in the supply of quail on their land during the past season, and that the establishment of the sanctuary on their land has proven beneficial. Volunteer Deputy Edward C. Gordon of Los Angeles has con- tributed a .38 caliber Smith & Wesson revolver as one of the prizes to be awarded to the volunteer deputy who sends to the office of the division the greatest number of predatorj^ bird and mammal stomachs in the aggregate of all kinds, during the sharp -shinned, Cooper hawk, and bob-cat prize contest, which closes March 1, 1932. \ i cAMroRN'iA rirtii Asr> r,s\ip 95 Tlu' urtivitii'M of tho volunti^r ilr|)Utii'«« in pr*»«lntory binl and iiiitiial cdiitrol oil <|iiail wiiictiinrit'H lias resulted in '* ^n of ilioiit i'AHH) of tin* various m| !••>• ■■'' l-i>.|- nii«t n , . ..I ar«» illi'lfiMl to br the riirniioH of (|uail LIFE HISTORY NOTES BASS TRAVELS THIRTY MILES WITH LINE On llif iinMiiiiiu' of .\«ivfmbfr 1, n Cliiiu'si* lad. F. Thorn of ('upitol Stri'«'t, was tiollinj; noar tin' Sfars I'oint Hriiltjf nt Vallrjo with a rt'<'ord and Thoni lost alioiit 'JO feet of line alon^ with spoon and hook. I should mention here tliat Thom had scratched his name and aiMresM on the Hpooii. No more was thoui^'lit of the incident until the following' Saiturday wlu'ii a .Iai)iinese by the nime of Kirmauri. of Post Street in San Fran- cisco, callcil on Thom and asked him if he had hooked a fish and loMt a spoon. When told that he hatl. Kirmauri asked TIn-in in i-..mi>- Iu i\\> <-.m if he wished to see the tish that took his line and spoon. The strijM'd bass with the spoon and line still dan^'linj; from his mouth weifhed 48 pounds. Kiiniaufi said that it had b«'en cau^dit that momintr in >ui>un Siouj^h. a distance estimatetl at about :{() miles from where the tisli was hooked by Thom. The fisli was finally taken on sardine bait. — S. A. Ma^'istrini, L"J1 (ieorj;ia Street, \'allejo. California, NoveiidM'r 17. i!t:n. MOUNTAIN PLOVER AND KILLDEER IN LARGE FLOCKS lietwcen (iilroy and llollister to the east of the Bolsa road are liroatl fields which are pr«'tty thorou^dily j;razed by cattle. On Xovcnd)er 10. lll|}l. while .scoutin;,' about in search of shore bird ilata I chanced to come upon a larj;e tlo«'k of killdeer feeilinj; in one of llii'si' dry tielils. There were several hundred individuals in this flock. While watchiji",' these birds throutrh the <:la.sses 1 noted that scattered here and there amoni; them were a ir»>odly number of mountain plovers. Since that time I have been throu^'h more of this .section and tind that there arc more of both species scattered here anil then* over the whole section. This, 1 believe, is a recent western record for the mountain plover which normally winters in the San Joaquin Valley on the east side of Mount Hamilton ranjje. There are other records from the Santa riara Valley but none of recent date. It is also intcrcstinij to note that the killdeer were in very larpe flocks anil not in small scattered companies. — I). D. Mcl>»an. 510 Russ Huilding, San Francisco, November 17, 1931. 96 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME QUAIL NEST ON FRONT PORCH Soon after_ moving to our home in the Sequoyah Hills, Alameda I County, we noticed that quail in the vicinity were becoming very tame. H. L. Dewing, who lives mth his daughter, Mrs. H. A. Post, cultivated the friendship of these beautiful birds by scattering feed for them. The quail became so tame that they would not fly very readily although we approached quite closely. We have counted more than 80 of these fine birds on our lawn at one time. When nesting season arrived in the early summer, one pair of birds selected a hidden corner in a window flower box on our front porch. Although the nest was but a few feet from the front door the birds were not the least disturbed as we passed back and forth. Pig. 14. It is not difficult to cultivate a friendship with California valley quail. H. A. Post, of Sequoyah Hills, Oakland, observed a pair that nested and hatched a covey in a window flower box on the front porch of his home. Photo submitted by H. A. Post, August, 193L After the young birds hatched we observed the mother bird coax them from the nest. It was only about two hours from the time we discovered the first bird until the entire young covey, consisting of eleven birds, was ready to follow their mother. She flew down onto the porch floor and began calling to the tiny "chicks." Soon one little bird jumped down to her and she continued fluttering around the window flower box until they all joined the party. After the last bird had responded to her calls she took them to one corner of the porch and hovered them for about twenty minutes. Her next move was to lead them to the steps and down onto the ground into some shrubs near the house where they hid for several hours. It is very interesting to watch the matured birds feed when other birds are around. The quail do not seem to molest the sparrows but I have seen them dart at blue jays and chase them away. — H. A. Post, Sequoyah Hills, Oakland, California, August, 1931. • Ai.iMtti.M.i KISII A>i' >,\Mi 97 PRAIRIE FALCONS A frtiiah* pruirii' falcun, a Hitpp(M4>ler 1-*, I'JAl, uliile patrolling west of the Milk Kaneh, near lli^^hlamiH I>akoM, I niaile the I'ollnwinj^ observation wliieh may be of interest t<> sportsmen. Shortly after I arrived at a hunter's eanip, one «)f the men came in with the antlers of a fine four-point buek, aloii;; with thf hintl«|iiarterH. One ^'lanee at the antlers indicated that they had come olT at the thimble where thev norniallv drop when shed. The hunter told the story. As this partieular buek JuuiimmI h«" lired aiitl hit the deer throu^'h the n«'ek, droppin;; him imni«'diaf<-Iy. T'pon walkin;,' up to the btxly, he was much surprise*! tu tind both antlers lyinj; on the };n)und, one on either side of the «b'atl animal. Upon dressing; out the eareass, he found that it had previously l>een wouiuItMl tlirou^'h the testieles, the bullt»t raiiLrini; on throinrh the flank On examining: the hind(|uarters, I found that the wound was mon* or less infeefed, nlthou<;h the injury stMMned to have (K'eurreek flume of the Mokelumne River project, near the Hear River roa«l cross- iiif^, and they reported that a larjre ea<;le suddcidy flew at them with its talons extended in attack. They drove it away twice, and the third time it flew at them, thev hit it on tlie head with a shovel. Thev took it to camp and turned it over to James Smith, I'. S. Fire Wanlen He in turn presented it to Henry Warriiij^Mon, of Sutter Creek. \Varrind approximately twelve pounds, with a winp.pread of six feet. -Information furnished by Pai'ifie (Jas and Klectrie Company, SeptembtM-. VXW. WHITE COYOTE A white coyote was killeil during October in Monterey County. This coyote, probably about nine months old. has been running on the A. L. Eade place in the Sweetwater district. This property is situated about five milts east of KitiET City. Tho animal was the only white one in a litter and had furnished a bewildering target for many an unsuc- cessful hunter. No one seemed to be able to get the proper range on 7—90465 98 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME the animal and it remained for the automobile to accomplish the deed. On the night of October 18, Eade was on his way home from town when his automobile struck the white coyote and killed it. Because of its unusual appearance it has been prepared for museum purposes. — Orben Philbrick, King City, California, October 22, 1931. FOOD HABITS OF THE PACIFIC HARBOR SEAL {Phooa richardii) In the Journal of Mammalogy for August, 1931, Theo. H. Scheffer and Charles C. Sperry of the United States Biological Survey have an article dealing with the examinations of the stomachs of harbor seals taken about Puget Sound and Willapa Bay, Washington. Dr. Scheffer has championed the seals and sea lions for many years and has been able to demonstrate his beliefs about them by many stomach examinations. He says in this article, "The seal's habit of feeding commonly in the tidal reaches about the mouth of a stream tends to reduce in numbers and frighten away predators upon young salmon fry that are swarming about before dispersal in the salt water. Any fish culturist will agree that the enormously preponderant losses in fish propagation occur in the egg stage or when the young fry are learning to dodge the foes that are besetting them on every side. From the evidence of other studies in the struggle for existence among animals it is not at all unreasonable to assume that the seal will save alive many more salmon by preying upon the enemies of the young fish than it will have opportunity to catch when of edible size. To strengthen this assumption with factual data will require, in turn, a study of the food habits of the creatures preyed upon by the seals in their activities about the influx of spa^vning streams. Certain it is that balanced relations were sustained between salmon and seals in the days when both were very much more abundant than they are now." After giA'ing a detailed account of the stomach contents of 100 harbor seals a summary is given as follows : "Fish comprised 93.58 per cent of the food. The chief species were tom-cod, flounders, Pacific her- ring, hake, sculpins, cod, blue-cod, pollack, and shiners. Salmon were found in only two stomachs. Squids were eaten in winter and octopuses in summer, the two comprising 5.82 per cent of the food." Whenever a scientific study has been made of the food habits of the seals and sea lions, the iuA^estigator has in all cases found that the food of these animals consisted of species which were of minor importance as food for humans, or of species which prey on food fish and whose destruction is a direct benefit to the fisheries. Still, there are organiza- tions and individuals who brush aside this evidence and demand the slaughter of the seals and sea lions. — Paul Bonnot. A NOTE ON THE FISHING OF THE CALIFORNIA SEA LION On August 8, 1931, at Cerros Island, Lower California, I was afforded an opportunity of observing fishing methods as carried on by a California sea lion (Zalophus calif ornianus) . The animal was a large cow of that species. We had hung a flood light over the side of the »AI-IH)llMA risll AN'I) IJAMI: 99 ship uiiih'r uhich liiul «'(j||iM'ttMl a larj,'*- nuint>«rr of tlyiUK 'i*i». «» ^""^ I cDriiiMiants ami n vast nmiilx-r uf littlr yrllow nrrrin worinn all ?•■ ' • • ahoiil ill till- piilrh of li^'lit. 'I'll-- '♦••a wal«'r luTt? ih v.-ry ilr^-p anfn.s of life it was i)ronjptly diM-arded with a jerk of the liead.- Paul Honnot. MONTEREY SPANISH MACKEREL LANDED IN MONTEREY Two sjieeimens of the .Monterey Spaiusli maekt-r'-l < Scomht romorus voncolor t wei«' lande Phillips, (October. Pi:n. WOLF-FISH TAKEN AT MONTEREY Duriiii: tlu' year elapsing' since tlie last report (,Cai..ik«»kni.v Fish AM) ({ami;. Vol. 17, No. 1, j). So. VXM) on wolf-fish {Alepisnurus aescu- lapis I at Monterey, no less than three of tlu'.se voracious tislies have been taken at Monterey: one in March, one in April, and one in September of li^M. All were eauj,'ht in the surf in an exhaust»'d comlition, the natural habitat of this fish beinj? at considerable tlepths in the ocean. — .1 H. Phillips, October. VXM. RIBBON FISH TAKEN AT MONTEREY Probably one of the rarest tishes taken olV the coast ui i aiilornia was brouLrht in from Monterey Hay on October 7, P).'U. The remarkable specimen belonprs to the family known as ribbon-fishes or "kinp of the herrinirs." and is calleil "kinj? of the .salmon" {Trachypterus rex- salmonontm). Only a few specimens of this apparently ileep-water fish have been reconlod ofT our coast, as it is cvitlently taken only through some accidental cause. The jM-esent specimen was fourteen inches long, but mlult specimens may be as lonp as seven feet.* The body is com- pressed to exceptional thinness, and is covered with a naked skin shining • Kino.nlil. Trovor. .\n .innotated Hat of Puget Sound flshes. W».- of this sprciini'n is n-ally rfinnrkahl«*. Dunntr llir \*X\\ s«'ason, ill fact, li.HlH'iiiuMi had diflli-ulty in jjrtlin;; anv nundxT of skipjack ul>ovj« thr ininiinum Ifjjnl \vri}»ht of ftvp pounds The skipppr of the White Itose, Captain Ishikawa, rau^ht this exi'('|itinnal ski|)jnfk on the Han(;«'r Hank olT liowrr Cahfornin alHiiit 40n niilfs .sinith of San IN-dro. Some ffw years ajfo, the CoaHt Fishinp ('(unpany received a ship- inent of frozen skipjack from Hawaii that contained a numlvT of 40- pound fish, .K-cordiiii,' to Mr. Takahashi, the foreman, hnt such lari^f tlnh have not hitlicrto heeii reported from this coast K. S. Crok«'r. ("ali- fornia State Fisheries Laboratory. Terminal Island, October, 1931. 102 CALIFORXIA FISH AXD GA:ME REPORTS SEIZURES OF FISH AND GAME July, August, September, 1931 Fish— Abalones 58 Barracuda, pounds ___..^ 660 Bass: Black -. 93 Rock, pounds •_- 160 Striped, pounds 5 608 Bluegills 43 Clams 1,468 Catfish : 19 Crabs 58 Lobsters, pounds 262 Perch 12 Mussels ---- 200 Skipjack, pounds 6,800 Smelt, pounds 75 Sahnon, pounds 13,830 Trout 242 Tuna, (YelloTvfin) pounds 19,239 Traps, lobster i 50 Miscellaneous fish, pounds : 113 Game — Deer 69 Deer meat, pounds 702 Doves 218 Ducks 37 QuaU 42 Rabbits 19 Shorebirds 1 2 Squirrels... 7 Nongame birds 2 Pheasant . 3 FISH CASES July, August, September, 1S31 Number arrests Fines imposed Jail sentences (days) Angling License Act; ^nolations of Abalones; small; over lunit Barracuda; small Bass — Black; selling cf; over limit Striped; small Catfish; closed season Clams; overlimit; small Commercial Fishing License Act; violations of. Crabs; closed season Dynamiting fish Illegal fishing apparatus Fishing near mouth of stream Lobsters; closed season Nets, seines; illegal use of Night fishing Salmon; closed season Trout; over limit Totals 55 20 1 11 36 1 42 7 1 3 9 6 6 30 2 6 18 255 Sl,081 00 395 00 10 00 690 00 984 00 745 00 75 00 25 00 200 00 30 00 100 00 330 00 925 00 50 00 95 00 347 00 $6,082 00 59 30 10 10 30 650 789 ( AUrOltMA KIHII AND UAMK l»]l 103 l^ unpnc ■ llunliM U«MM> A |)rrf ; cTijKol •ovi'.i ^ . iir lajrlu. •!(■(■. unlACtnl l"» l> 1 1'.. . i; orrt liii. «. S .Sntu, II. I't...... . 1.. ( 't rm^.^......«^ .... *.»...*^^ a 1 'V 1 1" 1 It 1 14 ) I S * M a 1 'io <)o t.lKT ■" 0 1)11 I .'>'. "1 1 ' • l» 40 ToUl« I M 104 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME on c: -^ ■^ t-* "^ CM O 05 '2^ CM I— 1— I ^< c^ 'TJ" -- QO 05CM O •-< CO en >o O OS CO o CM CO O to t^ OS CM t-^ CO o -^ OS O coo ■rO -3< CS O COOO O C3CO Ci-^ ^ OOO CM ^ ■^ 0= '* CM ^ i-H QO CO -^ lO O CO CD t^ CO OS CO CM CM '«»' -^ Tj- CO lO CM O '-' C» CM ^ ^ CO CM CO CO o m CO •^ -^ CO OS CO ooo ^H f— f-H 1— t r*« O^^ »0 CM CO 05 CQ CO CM »ra ITS t-- OS i-H OO 00 CO i>- 00 lo toco CO lO CO CO OS O CO CO CO CM CO Tf CO coo t— CO CO CO OS OOiOCM O ^P OS CM CO ■^ CD CM — ■ CO 1>- CO CO uO OS t-- '^ lO r- oo 00 CO t* CM CM '—I ir— -^ lO b--^ OS ^^ iC OS CO CM lOt^ fD OS Tf CO t~- OO 00 lO OS toco CM CM CO '-<■—< 1—1 CO 00 lO CO CO OS Tj* W3 -^J^ CO CO^H CO CO CO •* CO OS 1—1 Ir^ CO CM CO OO CO OS o coco •* CO CD OO CM ■— ( CO CO I>- ^- OS CM CM ^ CM COOO OO CO b- -^ -^ CO CM lOt^ C• »-< lO OS OS ^H !>. OCOCM CM OS OS lO ■* lO CO O CO CM m r O OS ^ I C^J 00 ^ 1 ^c<» •^ b* O t* O ■^COO CO cq rt< CD I ^ Osr* CM i^sb~0 CI CM CO »r5 CM ^HCOOS l>. ^ CO lOTt' CM OSOO QO t-t OOO CM CM OO^ ^1 lo ^co I^CMIOOCO t>-^ COCO 1— < CM 1— « *-t ■* t^ CO lO •— I lO U3 OS »-H t^ GOOOs ^HCX)CO »-^CMt-« o < ITS 1— 1 OS t-* lO OS ^1 CM OO CMCq ■^OS CM-^ CM CO H t>. CD ^^ ^ CMOOtJ^CM CM ^H i-t 1-H CD CM cor- U3 ^ t-- lO 1-H t'- ■^ CO lO i-< CM OS t— CM ^^-^ CO CM CM^ lO CM CO CM CM OO ■^ OCO CM CM O OS --n-< CO 1-1 ■<*< 00 o CMCM ^ GC Ld UJ a -* T-i o coo 00 »-< OO CO ^^ CM OO O ' COCM OS OS I t^ OO i-< CM CM OO CM CM 1 t^cOO-*** I CD •* t— OO I CM 1-1 ■I I>. OS ''S' CM ■"•I t--^CM CM i-H Oi t- 1-1 OOO 00 1— CO lO ■^ Cq CO OS UO CM CM CMiO CM >-- CD OO CD ocM r^oo IC COi-i lO t- -* CM 00 00 1-^ "f CO O O lO 00 CQ to CM CO CM CM CM CO »— < iO r-o CM lo -*O0 CM •* CO 00 Tf i-< t— lO CO 00 1—1 CM 1—" OO ■^ CM CM CD ■* CM CDIO O OO OS CO CO CM y-> CM to 00 CO CM CD ^ t>. OS ^ ^CM O COCM OS OS OOCO OOCM CMCO 1-1 H lO CO CO CO OS CM to CM CO CM r-l ^H Tji CO CO lO CC « OO ^ ■^ ^ CI •-»< OS 1— « -^ CO oooo ir-oo CM CO »0 lO CO -^ CO CO CO CO 00 t^ CD CO OS t— r- CO to CO CO to o 1-C CO CO CM OS !>• t— CO OS 1— t l>- CO os-^ toco CO 05I>» CM t-*CO i-> CM CO CM CM CM CM O CO ococo to toco CM CO t— 1—1 CD 1— f CO CM to CO toco 1^ ^H CM OO TT T-i Tj« -«J« CO CM to CM o OO Qwm I^O—i S e oj S H c. — 3 O ow£ c ~ 2 C3 03 OJ OJ O B c Kcma CAUroRNiA risii \si) nxMt: 105 Ha: sg siiiBn S5'9» -nils 8-= a n\ "i iE92a B§»l= -3ilii 8^ as; «3 sHsaii a=»fi5 -^HiS !=>§ 3a; -3 «ia«B Si^BH -1882 S«=" = *8 : «l »=ir-2 2|'i5- -gfiHS 52a 1 9S : -s -««-£ Rg'-a- liaSs aa« c " : "« -gS"2 UJ'R* lasfi" Ha:: s 5 Ha : jS "S'-g 5g«.^« •:2ai« SKS SS :5 -ss'S ^g'-as ;5«2= sa- S3 IS "sa-g SS'-?^ -aaa^^ a«2 g as •or- 283=8 '!s*aK "ksSS s&a ? »* ss -g =5S=s SRSgS — »» — »i^^ 106 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURES For the Period July 1, 1931, to November 30, 1931, of the Eighty-third Fiscal Year Function Bureau Administration: Executive Clerical and office Printing Automobiles Traveling Postage Telephone and telegraph Freight, cartage and express. Rent - Accident and death claims- Accounting prorata Legal Premiums on bonds Publicity Total bureau administration. Bureau education and research: Chief and assistants Clerical and office Traveling Telephone and telegraph Freight, cartage and express. . Photographer Librarian Research Blue printing Publicity Exhibits Lecturer Total bureau education and research. Bureau patrol and law enforcement: Chief and assistants Clerical and office Automobiles Traveling Postage Telephone and telegraph Freight, cartage and express Rent... Heat, light and power Captains and deputies Launches Fish planting Volunteer deputies Premiums on bonds Temporary help Cooks Total bureau patrol and law enforcement... Bureau commercial fisheries: Chief and assistants Clerical and office Automobiles Traveling Postage Telephone and telegraph Freight, cartage and express Rent Heat, Ught and power Research Captains and deputies Launches Laboratory Blue printing Statistics Fish cannery research Fish cannery inspectors — seasonal Total bureau commercial fisheries $46,533 90 S2,938 29 Salaries and wages $3,400 00 9,125 81 1,125 00 2,750 00 S16,400 81 $2,500 00 934 95 600 00 850 00 4,375 00 1,575 00 $10,834 95 S4,595 00 1,605 32 87,916 33 2,377 72 360 00 24 00 525 00 $97,403 37 $6,645 00 4,300 00 3,961 00 7,075 00 5,270 00 13,600 00 5,682 90 Materials and supplies $413 86 5,539 95 126 43 $6,080 24 $94 34 12 78 118 58 $225 70 $19 63 3,827 85 768 63 606 04 539 81 $5,761 96 $174 56 335 93 13 16 128 18 1,715 95 314 91 255 60 Service and expense $138 25 153 96 1,157 50 1,967 53 2,000 14 1,397 82 6,394 39 1,538 68 137 23 12 50 68 86 $14,966 88 $107 38 2,808 02 11 43 79 76 75 32 17 12 66 353 94 8 25 $3,411 39 $8 68 1,752 36 48,733 90 142 19 668 98 16 96 215 45 6 82 214 62 468 61 205 00 539 47 $52,973 04 $66 67 133 05 9,464 01 2 52 285 92 320 95 535 00 112 61 22 22 269 01 567 26 2 52 689 35 3,750 00 $16,221 09 Property and equipment $150 23 75 55 $225 78 $620 35 69 63 28 00 $717 98 $11 47 613 76 142 90 $768 13 $41 00 3 00 53 54 10 00 167 50 108 12 42 15 $425 31 Total $3,400 00 9,828 15 5,539 95 280 39 1,157 50 1,967 53 2,000 14 1,397 82 6,394 39 1,538 68 1,125 00 2,962 80 12 50 68 86 $37,673 71 $2,500 00 1,136 67 2,808 02 11 43 79 1,297 10 964 58 4,521 58 12 66 353 94 8 25 1,575 00 $15,190 02 $4,595 00 1,645 10 6,193 97 48,733 90 142 19 668 98 16 96 215 45 6 82 89,042 48 1,074 65 3,122 53 360 00 53 647 24 00 525 00 8156,906 50 $6,686 00 4,544 23 468 98 9,464 01 2 52 285 92 320 95 535 00 112 61 4,027 70 7,235 40 7,422 46 14,590 29 2 52 987 10 3,750 00 5,682 90 $66,118 59 CALl>t>KMA 11 It A*.t» rjAMi: 107 tTATCMCNT or i xri NUi luNU PuMtioa m4 awl r '^ Hurtau Arab eullufv: I'hiel aivl MteUoU Clcfieal bimJ otTlM Aiittiliiiihi ro r •| 1 . Kent lUnU li:'lic(> MAUUiil iH-nA: aotinn: Aut. uUittlo(ait« Travrlim I'lwlaitT' Trlriiliuiio ami telrgraph 1'— •' • \gr ami pi 11 .^id |)OWrf . M _ .■ A.iiuiiiaaia Total buraiu (anir (ifitivaicatiiiii Burinu fiah rrnfur Cliirf and aioiitantj* Traveling Kent Total bureau fiah rnicur Burrau rtan«< rrfintr Chirf and a.'^.^i.it.'Uit.^ u ...^ I'ltttofo , Tflr|inonr and teleiiTaptt . . . Frright, r»rtai;r :\nd ri|>rnia Lion bunion ami (rapivra. . . Rrfiiiti> ixwtiiiit IVrxlatory anima! oontrai TomiHirAr) hrl|> Ki'fugr maiiitriianrr Total bureau (ainr refute ir.' 13 i* II OM VJ 475 00 :U) uo 7il 00 ,375 00 40 00 »-■•' IIS 44 J04 S4 «,ll« IS 17,531 15 12.152 00 12.153 00 13.541 65 888 71 3.378 50 I»5 00 4.330 M 2.375 00 tU.0I8 53 1333 3fl 1215 73 4.408 16 I4.618 m 13 17 405 87 218 33 108 40 W7 n I 00 4 n 4 1 nr> 'itt : t.'n,',, 1 44 ll.4:« 01 41 n ••■. 24 J' 1 00 4 » IJ90 00 MrtM 75 141 44 6 07 4.'0 7y 4« riJ ll.tMS 00 1144 83 1.250 .M ■ •• • li.iri 'w «') ijij : 7V I - < 1M 7« ... «,ll« U IS oo 114.134 0« I2J90 tt • .'^ >4 JO tl.4«0 Ot> III! 44 I.5W "' i -iU 04 M taa 00 2.340 00 13.148 47 1 15.101 54 1703 47 MOO i 541 44 BM»< fkw^ Vi lII II •'■,1 K y 1U31-33 ■!■ w ■■ • ■ ■ I 1 Irom importm ( . Full j.a.^. n' Ul. , Fltil la»f i.ilril i; . -^•m . I >nk tatlarx-ni K... .... MUKMillaiKWiu *Bln> Total ottiT inrontr Total dpiartmeotal inroiur liirum<> for the Htale fnivefwly Kun'l Krlji Us i«-o«»». iMul j; it»ija7« IJHM tuto IQQlMaOO MM UM IMM I70J37 40 to 00 1 1 oo 1 WJ 1 IS 4* %4<^\ \juk »ii ».:'jI.'.:: ■>: IS a 110 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME CC ui CO Ul a. UJ M 3 II U 3 e: < > F -1 3 E O o li. .. O o 3 «5 es I h- 3 Z CD O ? E cs UJ C3 I ^ H c cs oc £ o u. b. < A > CC ■g til z CO ■i. U I UJ CC u. < z CC o u. _l < u Monterey 19,162 31,441 93,669 8,602 I CO 1 '"' r TjiI>.cO CO CO 1 CDOO I =^ 15,986 16,284 318,432 105,711 OS l>- 'CO m 367,549 4,201 1,968 1,953 33,624,249 o CC CO Santa Cruz 1 1 c^-^ 1 looS lOO 1 "^ § 1 1>. '3 CD»0 O C» 00 CO 1 00 CO CO t^ cq 108,442 59,644 59,748 coo oocq U3 CO CO San Francisco, San Mateo CO CO 1 OS i03 I 00 1 CO I '^ oot^-* OiO '^ lO CO CD Oco COM OCO c^ CO oo CO os" 1— < COU5 OO OS u5 to CM OO CO CD CO CO CS'iJ^^OO Cft ^^ 00 i-^oTtM CO OS O CD -* CO CO Alameda, Contra Costa »o CD (M oicq ooc^i ^ Sacramento, San Joaquin toio (M o o as 'J' o> CO CO (M iM Solano, Yolo. CO 00 Oi-* T-Tco CSJ CO Del Xorte, Humboldt- 1 ; CO s 61,155 810 411,398 oo 156,161 198,148 2,225,683 105,262 CO Albacore. Anchovies Barracuda ■1 o m 6 t 6 o 1 o .= a 3 C 2 1 1 1 i ■fc 2: 1 1 J= c c« a CO "i PL, (1h c a 0) O E PC 1 1 cS c o £ B 'S 1 J PP 1 m PQ 1 i pq S CO P3 CO Pi 1 II 5 II i f-AUroKNIA VmU AND UAUt: },^ 53n§ 3 in r^a 51 I S5 2 :iS : i n ^-. :3; §:eRMI ss a •3| i 5> ;, ^. s- •/. J 1- ^ f_ illi^ill HHHe-^*>S I 1 i£ I I I III 112 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME o I Ul a. lij CO o z < I- < Total from south of the International Boundary brought into California. From south of th** Interna- tional Boundary brought into San Diego From south of the Interna- tional Boundary brought into San Pedro Total- is r* CO lO ■^00 CO oT cot* CM 00^ coco Cq CO 05COCgcOCSll>-C7iOiOC005000'^iO'-i coioo-^i— 'wriOOTtico'-HCD'-i 050<:D'^ eo oo ooi" CO N c4" i-hoo loeo-^io Cq 1— I CM O CS »0 i« !>■ lO ■--< T-H CO CD CO T-H ,— I Cq lO 1— I CO o c^ 1— iCDOiGOlOOiCOiOCOt-*CMCOI>-CDOiC. O 1— I OS Cq T*< CO CM 1-t CM C. lO CM O >0 OO CO o o CM CS5 CO '—• O t^ iC CO coo -^J^O L- £ 09 X Orange. b* !:OC^i iOCOi-1 CM CM t-H O '^ o 00 CM Ol-H CM Ir* lO OO OS CO t~*CO O lO CM OOOO o C3 S es LlI T a> 1- IL. oc O O li. o CO (» 1- o a 5 >> u ^ o T3 fr (S Q. '5. > t oc Ul o X tn u. I a> tiJ DC Los Angeles. OO CX) Ci C:j OO O '— I O CM CM »0 O CO O O ^ O Qi ^^ !>• TjlOO CO 1— I CI C5 i— t rH »r3 CM O *^ ■^ T-H -^ CO O *-<■•-* CO Csl lO o CO cni-^ ^ ^S* 05 ■*0 "5 05 CO OO c:) O CM CO CO CO »-< ■^ as CI CO Tp t- CQ CO CMO CDCO '-' OO lO l>- CO O coco CQ COi-H cfco '-H CO CM CM C =^ o 5 ci o aj c CD pat? ., II 3 °.S • \,.,i .>'.:^ '^ • '-" tn >^ ^ ^ SSs SH8 :a :"3 ^8 in ■ -'■■ ! '5 ^ eo>< S— 90465 illlll III I I I hi ililiiliii ^ >c5e "S<: ?j? I ABSTRAa CALIFORNIA SPORTING FISH AND GAME LAWS VALID UNTIL 90 DAYS AFTER CLOSE OF 1933 LEGISLATURE 1931 OPEN AND CLOSED SEASONS 1932 WHITE SQUARES INDICATE OPEN SEASON. NUMBERS IN SQUARES ARE OPEN DATES OA.JME> DEER l-lVri s4-as Rabbits— Cottontail and Brush Bear, Fur Animals Ducks, Geese, Jack Snipe, Mud Hens Quail— Valley, Desert and Mountain Dove ALL CXCEPT 4% ALL -pqr I StPJ I OCT. I KOV. I DEC. nsasDEja BAG AND POSSESSION UtUTS, ETC No Does, Fawns or Spike Bucks No Forked Homed Deer in Dist. IX No sale of Venison or Deer Skins Two Bucks per Season except in 1 H where limit is one S« Notes 6-9-I0-I2 ISpertfiy. 30 per week. No limit in District 4 No prolcttion in i% bet Note 7 Pralalwy itiwls ijii;rolttlt< i» feltkis 2-l'A-i-H'/i 15 Ducks, 30 in Possession; 4 Cecsc, 8 in Possessitr, ;0 Snipe, 25 Mini titns. No Ross Snow of Cidlinij Ctest 25 Ducks, 25 Snipe, 25 Mud Hens, 50 Per W««k Coose limit SeeNole 4. See Noles 9-I0.II-I2-U m nnnuHEiimm All EXCEPT 4-4Vi-4y. 4-4>/j.4y4 BJJBiBLL Valley and Deiert 15 per day. 30 per week Mountain 10 per day. 20 per week 15 per day 30 per week There is no open season on Elk, Antelope, Mountain Sheep, Sea Otter, Tree Squirrel, Sierra Hare, Rail, Wood Duck, Pigeon, Swaa, Shore Birds (except Jack Snipe) , Grouse, Sage Hen, Imported QuaU, Wild Pheasant, Partridge, or Wild Turkey. I^ISSH Steelhead and all Trout (except Golden), Whitefish Unlawful to take trout in waters closed by Gov- ernor's proclamation Klamalh River. Uhe Almanor 2U Tfuckee River ■HE ■■■1'^ 5«(Nolc22 ■I IH Winter KIdiTuUi River Golden Trout BLACK BASS DuuiZUIZ __„__rr] ■pgnii Russjdn, Ndvdrro, Napa and Ee lDisl2)IillewalerDisls-2 3-l5 ALL Sunfish Sacramento Perch and Crappie CLEAR LAKE IN LAKE CO. ALL ALL EXCEPT CLEAR LAKE BAG AND POSSESSION UMITS, ttC. Bag limit for taking and poiseuion, 2S trout or 10 pouodt and one trout. 5 Troat rettrdlell o( wctgbt No Sale No Spearin; For oUier leslriclioiis See Notes 12-15I6-20 21-22-28-2} 31-JJ On this ard ) Trool rcgirdleu of weight 20 per day. None under 5 inches Not more than 10 Ibi. and one 15 per day Clear Lake 10 per day 25 per day No Black Bassunder9In(. No sale Book and line only 25 per day 10 per day Hook and line only No sale Striped Bass Crabs AIL tXCtPf 1 Vi-6-7-8-9 Abalones ALL EDffl Esuma None under 12 inches, 5 per dir- None to t>e taken from Sjllon Sea. See Note 19 See Note 24, None under 7 inches. No female Pismo Clams Spiny Lobster ALL GRTJNION AIL Salmon and Shad May Be il DDDHDO:! U Onfr tor rood. Miat be bfmifM to there efi.e In skd tngliat UcBKe R^iiind. S« Note 27 None under 5 indies. No sliipmciiL 15 per diy itnutni! licemt Reanired Distritt 18« Oiut NeWcetMraL No«ciM«» to^erevte ItimJMe See Note 24 aken ai Noted in Paragraphs 19-23. No open season on Sturgeon (poMctiion prohibited). NOTES IT IS ALWAYS UNLAWFUL 1. To hunt, kill, possess wild birds or mammals, to possess firearms, except under written permit from tlie Commission, witliin districts la, lb, Ic, Id, le, If. Ig, Ih, li, Ij^ Ik, Im, In, lo, Ip, Iq Ir, Is, It, 2a, 2b, 3a. 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h. 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4^, or General Grant Refuge, or the Mt. lamalpais Game Refuge, including Richardson Bay, or San Francisco Refuge, or Silver Lake Refuge (water fowl may be killed in 4a and 4e), or to hunt quail in the Bolinas Quail Refuge, or to hunt or discharge firearms in Huntington Lake Refuge or San Leandro Bay Refuge. 2. To hunt birds or mammals excepting predators without a hunting license. 3. To possess any bird net or to net, trap or to hold pro- tected game or birds ot any kind, their nests or eggs 'except under written permit from the Commission. 4. To ta,ke or possess more than 8 geese per day or 50 per ■week; or more than 8 honkers or sea brant per day or 24 per week- 5. To take or kill non-game birds, except blue Jay, butcher bird, English sparrow, sharp-shinned, Cooper or duck hawk, great horned owl, linnet, white pelican, shag, and in diatrlcta 1, 2, 3, 4 and 4}. blackbirds. 6. To hunt deer without a deer tag license. To fail to attach to the horns of deer immediately on killing, properly filled out license tag or at the same time to send duplicate tag to the Division. To carry a deer into a closed district with- out having license tag countersigned, or to have untagged deer in possession. To fail to retain in possession during open season and for ten days after the skin and portion of head bearing horns of deer killed and to produce upon demand. To use more than one dog to the hunter in hunting deer or to allow dogs to run deer in closed season, or to possess doe or fawn skins, or deer skins not bearing evidence of sex. 7. To trap for profit bear, ring-tailed cat, coon, pine marten, skunk, fisher, wolverine, mink, river otter, fox, beaver or muskrat, or to kill these animals during the closed season, except when destroying property. To interfere with the traps of licensed trappers. To use saw tooth or spike jawed traps for taking fur bearers. 8. To use any animal other than a dog to stalk wild birds. 9. To shoot game from a power boat, sailboat, auto, air- plane ; or to hunt waterfowl from a scull boat in districts 8, 9» except on Wednesdays and Sundays, or at any time in dis- trict 12 or Napa River south of Sd^erly Island, or to use A iO/,., - > • Ml I* .M i.M ^«M^« r.* I'k fciiaaax *A »tl«1k«l*A kiaH r* aA« ki^^^M.^A k<4AC Th t *k« M«.c« («.&« I tik.-vnift* ft«« *•# E •4 1^ .1 .1. . *. I 1 1 Ik l< t t ! t ! 1 t •>• •!«««( I : I > f». T. In< Ik. II.. «• MaU It. Td upmntm m «>iun*nUI lii»lla« clok *lllM«t Utiaii II T. It. 1. • 1» T !••.. 111-. • I. \ : II. «. -» In 41 ,1 4<.^rV.«« f>M w w In laMHMlon (or llm% m akftar* Csutanu* ••• !■■• » 4 ^ Un.|»■■«<■ LICENSES LICENSE PROVISIONS "ooMamvATtoN or wilo lifh nmot SACRAMENTO. APRIL, 10 !2 \ . 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS I'auk AUTIKH'IAI, MI0TllOi»S OK I'UOI'AUATINU OAMK MlltMS Auf/uat llaJr JJT KIFTY-KIVt: YlCAUa AGO ON TlllO McCLOUD HlVKIt t:dw€trd .V. J/«.. UAMACK HY 1>I:KU TO CItOI'H IN CALIF<.iHNIA Ourdun U. True, J, YSTKU I'lOSTS IN CALIKOllNIA Harvvy C. UiMtlUn A faul Btmnot UT IKCLK IJII.L NKTTINO FOlt SMKLT / ll l^H^lli^. ICI'KLLIONTS AND DKKH DAMAUE CONTUOL Uurdtm H. Tru«, J, ooKINi; AND CLKANINd LOSSKS IN CANNING TL'NA D. U Frv, Ji \ SIMI'KIO MKTHOD ».)F AGE DETEItAIl NATION OF STRIPED HASS _ _ Eugtne O. «eo/l#W Ua HE I'UESKNT STATUS OF THE I'lSMu C'l.AM (TIVEKA ST f LTOU I' M ) - . . Framcea X. Clark 1 ; 0 t:i)rr<.)HiALs .,. COMMEUCIAL FISHERY NOTES DIVISION ACTIVITIES MS REPORTS— Stutciiu'iit «»f Ini'oino 1»1 StateiiuMit of Ex|>enditures \9Z Vluliitloiiii of Fish iitiil tfiinie LjfiH.s _-__--__ 19* FlsiJu'iy I'riuluftji, tvtolKT. Novumbor uiiU UtOfinWr, 19S1- 19< ARTIFICIAL METHODS OF PROPAGATING GAME BIRDS Hy Al"0U8T Baob, Supt-rltUfmlfiit of Sf;it.> HiiniK Farttvn rf^llH MOKE WE DELVE into tins inu'ivstini: Mil)joot of , .il iiK'ubatitui ami broodinji ami bei'ome familiar with i*- ■ i- tics. the more we are ooiivinooil that the system lias c tv and p:anie birds of tlie future will be prtxluced via the incubator and brotnler. Quite naturally there are a few minor details to be worked 93971 T 118 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME out, but practical breeders of the present day are well agreed on funda- mentals. The adjustments that will be needed will be more in the nature of changes to suit local conditions. Brooding practices will hold quite true in all localities but the incubator presents troublesome details that will test the patience and ingenuity of the operator. "We should not be discouraged for history tells us that the orientals are past masters with artificial incubation although their equipment is very primitive. One traveler relates this interesting story. While visiting in the Hawaiian Islands he witnessed three Chinamen taking off a hatch of 14,000 ducks. For incubators they used holes dug in the bank of a rice paddy and common manure furnished the heat. Each hole or incubator contained about 100 eggs and about 90 per cent of the eggs produced ducklings. Surely if a Chinaman can secure such good results with primitive equipment we ought to be able to do equally as well with the fine equipment at our disposal at the present time. Modern engineers have given us positive heating elements in gas, oil, and electricity, as well as ventilating systems that change the air in a machine as often as desired. In addition to heating and ventilating systems, our modern machines are equipped with moisture devices that will meet the incubating requirements of any kind of egg under any climatic conditions. Experience has shown that chicks properly hatched are easy to brood, so the time to start getting results from your brooder is in the incubator. The best of brooding equipment, the choicest feeds, and the best of care will not make good poults from poorly hatched chicks. It is not enough to get the chicks out of the shell, but rather the important thing is the way they get out. Many chicks develop within a day or two of the hatching time and then die. Some even pip the shell and can't get out. These facts are indicative of poor incubation. Generally speaking heat, moisture, and ventilation are the chief factors in incubation. Or putting it in another way, and possibly the correet way, it is the proper combination of these three factors that produces fine healthy chicks. Modern engineers have given us positive and dependable heating units in electricity, gas, and oil, so that we know we can maintain an even temperature in any kind of an incubator. At the same time ventilating systems have been tried and proven so it is possible to change the air in a room or incubator as often as desired. A power driven fan is usually employed for this purpose. Incubators using this system of ventilation are called forced draft machines. The Buckeye, Jamesway, Lincoln, Bobbins, and Petersime are representative types. Then there is another kind of incubator in which air circulation depends entirely upon the principle that warm air, being lighter, will be replaced by cold air, and in that way the machine is ventilated. This type of machine is called a flat top. The Charters (now "Wood Bros.), the Petaluma, Prairie Queen, and J. "W. Miller machines are typical types of the flat tops. Probably the greatest factor in good incubation is a well ventilated and arranged incubator room. The best of machines placed in poorly ventilated rooms will give mediocre results. A basement, an outbuild- ing, or unoccupied room is often pressed into service as an incubator CAUrOKNlA KI.HU ANh ' '"f HO room with poor rittultw. Many tiiiioH llio particular iy\*e of mu iisi'tl \h t)laiiii')l Tor tlir ■'••siiIlM wlii'ii tin u matter *if furt thi* fauli itc» •'iitin*ly vvitii room coiulitioiiM. Siiu'<> till' iiuMil>ator must brruthc or taki* up tlu> air in the room. It iM cuHily NCiMi that if the riNim in not MuppliiMl with frc^h air the iiMMihalnr will siilTiT. Wi* an* all familiar with th»- ■■* of havini; slipt in a poorly vnitilati-il room. Aftrr an t-Ki; I' -,..■ to incutMitr and till* K*'>'>i> (li'VflopH it throws olT carhon dioxidi' juxt an we incuhator. Most of the l.'ite model niachines have ample moisture facilities S4> with the aid of the hy trroinetcr it may he known ••xai-tly what moisture iniiteiit is present in the ma«'hin»' at all times. Tin* hys;romet»'r is just as iiiuili a part of the eipiipinent of a •;o(hI incul>att)r as the titer- iiit>meter is in reailtiiu' the temperatiir<> in the machine. If a forced draft machine is hein^' used it shouhl be st't for a i> oi peralure rcadiiiLT of !»ll. and the machine let run for a day at least lo he sure it is holdin^r this temperature. I'or the first week the hyj^rometer should rcail TO and this n-adin^ may be inerea.setl Hve points each week. After the lirst hatch is otT it is possible to cheek more closely on the moistuie c.niteiit according; to how the ejrjrs liateh. A ^'o

ment cd' the air cell in tin* etrj;. This can be done very well by sett in"; a hen at the siime time the incubat(M' is started and compare the etrj^s as the process of incuba- lion proceeds. The hen should be set on the •jround with just enou^'h of nest litter to jirotect the eir}r< from cominir in contact with the soil. If conditions are ri;:lit the air cell at hatching; time will occupy about two-fifths of the len<;th of the ejr}?. The development of the air cell shouhl be frradual and if the air cell in the incubator epps is not dev(>l(>pin'^ as fast as the ee discarded. I'luler the li};ht of the opj; tester the infertile ejr}j:s will show white and the fertile ones will show blood veins and the form of the chick. As the incubatinj; peri<^l advances fertile epgs will become darker and the only liirht spot on the epp will be the air cell at the large end of the egg. 120 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME If a forced draft maeliine is used it is not necessary to air the eggs as is the common custom. There may be some justification for this procedure with the flat top, although it is a debatable question among hatcherymen. But the turning of eggs at regular intervals is very important. They should be turned at least twice daily and four times during the twenty-four hours if it can be done. If eggs are not turned, crippled chicks will be the direct result. When the flat top type of incubator is used the temperature read- ing is different. Experiments with this type of machine show that the best results are had when the temperature is held between 101 and 103. In taking this temperature reading care should be taken to always have the bulb of the thermometer in the same relative position, which should be the center of the egg. It must be remembered that the heat in a flat top machine drops rapidly as the bottom of the incubating chamber is approached. This test taken with a thermometer will con- vince anyone of the necessity for always taking the temperature at a given point. The following table of temperatures and relative humidity will aid the operation of flat top machines in hatching game bird eggs : Time Temperature Relative humidity First eight days Second eight days Last eight days 101 to lOli F. 101 to 1011 F. lOli to 103 F. 45 45 45 to 55 DRY DOWN OR EVAPORATION DURING INCUBATION As the period of incubation advances eggs become lighter in weight and experiments have shown that the best results are had when this evaporation takes place according to the following table : The first eight days will show a loss of 4 per cent in actual weight. The next eight days will show a total loss of 9 per cent in actual weight. The last eight days will show a total loss of 13 per cent in actual weight. If one cares to check this closely the tray can be weighed when empty, and then weighed when full of eggs, and the difference in weight at the end of each period noted. Present day incubators are made as near fool proof as possible with automatic controls and thermostats, but there is always a place for the personal element and the ingenious operator will always get added returns for his care and painstaking attention to details. Seldom are two places found identical in climatic conditions so it is useless to lay down hard and fast rules and say that they will at all times give good results. The safer way is to master the fundamentals of artificial incubation, study local factors, and adjust your machine to meet the requirements. A record of outside temperatures night and day, average room temperature, and a complete record of the machine, will generally help the operator to solve local problems. And if these records are not kept accurately they will be of little value. If there is a local hatcheryman in the locality who is successful, he should be consulted as he may be familiar with local conditions and in a position to give real help. CAt.irORNU riKII A.VD OkUK 121 TIIK AHTinriAl. liHOOUKK ■ fill rits of th«* two only to rrnuirk in pasMini; that in th«> past fi'W yt'ars tin* ratlianl typr has t'r«»\vn into (;nn(>ral nne ami i« pnssilijy opi>ral(>«| with h'ss attrntinn to drtails. If till- hn>o«|i'r room is well vcntilati'd, ami it Hlionhl tio, vrntilation . of no conforn. cxrfpt as it applii>M to dran^hts. wImmi thr rntlinnl type <»r hroodfr is iis«'d. if tlu' hot air hroodi-r is iis»'d, attmtion nnn»t hf y:iviMi tn its ventilation in ordrr to got y^nnl ri'MidtH. KiK'. Ifi. UAPIANT TYPE KI.K" "TIMc ' lloV) r. IIO volt.H. r)00 wutt.M. will takf r.ir.- of 1««rl(>it of 30 (lays. Thl« o«|uipintiU wi>rks \Diy nic»ly lit uii i x li-(o*>l room with 11 6 X r.'-foot rini. In the study ol ailitii-ia! inenhiitn-n we were f«.iurru.'a with but three factors, heat, ventilation, and moisture. In hnxnlin}; we arc "idy interested in heat and ventilation. As was pointetl out under ineid)ation the first step in successful bromliii}; is a well hatched chick. Th(^ next consitleration is the kind of eipiipment, and the third is a baliuieed feed ration. The particular type of bromler is not so essential but it must have positiveness so it will maintain the proper heat at all times and under aJI eireumstnnces, with ventilatinir facilities, either in the bnu^ler. or throu<;h the room ventilation, so that a uniform temperature may be had at all times of the day and nifiht. Of all the brmxlinj; ills chilling is positively the worst as it leads to many other incurable 122 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME i troubles. In the selection of the brooder it should be made certain that it is equipped with a thermostat and ample heating units so it will be able to keep the temperature at an even level, day and night. Fig-. 17. SMALL INDIVIDUAL BROODERS. — For the person who desires to raise but a few broods of birds this equipment is ideal. Tlie hover will fit into the average field coop and the heating elements develop about 150 watts. Fig. 18. CONSTRUCTION OF SMALL BROODER. — These .small brooders are made either square or round. The square type here shown is 14 inches across the base and 6 inches at top. Height of side is 10 inches and length of legs 4 inches. There are many types of thermostats in use and like incubators and brooders they vary in dependability. The cheap type of thermostat very often proves costly in the end. Care should be taken to get the CAUKOR.SIA riMIl AND OAMC 123 |)«'Nt \vii(>ii hiiyiii^ a tliiTiiMMtiit, iiiiil tlii-n if Khotiiw i- ..•.■..! ix>fore chick.s uro put in thv brotnlrr. 111(1 MiDINii TKMI'KKATt'KK The iiiirMfi'V i-lititiiliiT of tilt' iiii'tilmtor. if tiu* lint top ly\H! in UH«'»I. will \u- alxiiit I'M til- ^(» it is w«'ll to start ' " ' ' ■ r VITV «lits«' In this ti'Ilipi;.;: ill onJiT that th>i it i*haM{;r to caitsr cliilliiiv'. In tin* haiidiiiit; of llo' rhir. i- hator ciii'f NJioiihl )><> takfii to avoiil (•hilliiii;. Do not rfiiiovc lh(* ft li'tiiii till* iiinthatni- till tlifv ai'i> «li'V aiitl tliilTy IT t) nursiTV tray of tin* mnihator for twi'iity fntir Ih»ui . ...-^ ; bcttrr n'siilt.s will he ha*l than if lliry urt> roiiiovcd hooikt. 1 1 thrn* art- «>ii(>ii(;h rliickM for two hroiHl«>i*}i it IM well to j»raKKS AM> KKtMiiMii ,......: • i.iiiif liirds can not be i'row«b*d in a broodfr t>> iii>- i\i'iii that ilonicstir poultry can, and one fact to be rcmcndn'rcd at all tim«*s is i'> pive th«'iii amph' s|)acc. Kxpcrituicc has proven that pheasants and birds of that type reipiire at least It) sipiare feet of floor spaee per l)irtl in order to i tioiM the edjre of the hover and ^rradually widened as the birds develop until about tiie end of the tifth day it will be out at least two feet fn>ni the ed^M> of the hover and tlu'u it may be removeil entirely, '^'ivinjr the birds the use of the entire room. If the weather is very warm they may be permitted the use of the screened in run for several h«»urs after they are six or seven days old. The back portion of the brooder ro<»m ll«»or. the space ti x )3M4H>t where the brooder stove sets, is coverer may be eoveretl with riee hulls to the depth of an ineh. This atTords tine floor litter as well as providing: snudl ;;rit for the birds. The floor «tf the run in front of the brooder is covered with loam mixed with fine sand to the ilepth of two inches. This screened in run not only afT(»rds extra exereise s]iace but a tine dustinir place and brin«_'s the birds in contact with the direct rays of the sun. The front of the brooder lunise is covered with one inch niosh poultry nottinp in addition to havinp a muslin curtain that is used at niirht and on cold ilays to keep the room warm. On warm days this eurtain is removed, allowing extra ventilation as well US direct sunliijlit to enter the room. 124 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME For convenience in keeping the room as well as the run in a sani- tary condition the floor of both is made of concrete about four inches thick. The brooding period lasts about thirty days after which the birds are ready for the open rearing pens with no heat but that furnished by their well feathered bodies. The litter of the brooder room floor as well as the loam on the floor of the run is removed, disinfectant applied, and a new coating of sand, rice hulls, and loam put on, before another lot of birds are placed in the brooder house. If this procedure is followed little trouble will be experienced with any of the many ills coming from unsanitary conditions. So much then for the large brooder house and its equipment. Many people want to raise but a few birds so we have devised a small brooder stove and equipment that will meet their needs in a very satisfactory way. This brooder stove is equipped with a small '^^ ^^'^"^ ^ yt'^^'^'^ ^— •> few«p-Tw ""5'^'^ ft',-.. BK2£*«i^' ito^e^-Si"*—.- Fig. It). SMALL, BROODERS HANDLING QUAIL.— This picture was made May 22, 1931, at the Los Serranos farm. Six hundred Valley quail are being brooded in this battery of small brooders. lieating unit of about 150 watts and will take care of from 16 to 20 pheasants or partridges. These hovers are built to fit into the ordinary field coop that was formerly used when the domestic hen was the source of brooding heat. These hovers may be either square or round in construction, and are supported by four inch legs. Experiments have proven that chicks placed in this type of brooder and treated in every way as though a hen were their foster mother respond normally and naturally to this metal hen. However, the metal hen has this advantage. She does not step on any of .the young birds and is always hot and ready to brood them when they become chilly. Anyone who has attempted the raising of pheasants or quail with domestic hens will appreciate this feature of the metal hen. This is not the only advantage this type of hen has over the Buff Orpington or Rhode Island. The metal hen carries no CALIFORNIA riHIl AND UAMK 125 (liwJiMc i)r external puraHiU-H to worry Ijrr votinj; «'hari:r^. but i* clean ami .sanitary in every way. If tln' artificial rearing of >;ani«' Innlji lunl no i*tj iitxl it has many more than havi- Im-i-u i«nnm<'rnt«M|, ih*- • imu.i.i i- ^ of Fig. 20. BROODER IIOUSI3S OF VARIOI'S TYPES. — Hero are various t>-p*« of brootlcr hou.fos In uso at Yourdvllt.- farm. Notice whlto mualln curtaJfm. n.>— '• '•■ phico aiul others laid back to give more ventilation and direct sunllRht. tlu' ili.^t'iiso hazaiil wuuKl ju.stity its uso. It has Wen truthfully said tliat this is an oleetrie aj^e. Tho averaire boy or pirl knows more or loss about electrical appliances and is familiar with the savinps in labor and actual results accomplishetl. It is only natural then that 126 CALIFORNIA PISH AND GAME this type of equipment should appeal to them because it embodies the every day practices of household duties and much of the common work of the farm. But when it comes to domesticated hens and their handling, there is an inclination to not be interested, and as a matter of actual fact how many of our younger generation understand the hen and can get along with her? Not many, I assure you, judging from experiences on our game farms. But it is different with electrical equipment. Our boys put in long hours working with the incubators and brooders and at no time do the hours seem to hang heavy. The work is interesting at all times and the results are far better than they were a few years ago when the old domestic hen held forth. There is another advantage seldom thought of and that is a matter of actual room required, and the general working conditions. The Fig. 21. The Ring- Neck pheasant in breeding- pen. average back yard can be utilized for the rearing of many birds up until the time they are ready for liberation, which is about ten weeks, and the space so used, and the equipment, is easily cleaned, disinfected, and made ready for another lot of birds. FEEDS AND FEEDING METHODS According to experiments at both of our farms during the past three years we have secured the best results from a combination of the wet and dry systems of feeding. A dry mash that is made up of the following ingredients is kept before the young birds at all times. DRY MASH FORMULA 25 lbs. ground yellow com 25 lbs. ground barley 25 lbs. ground wheat 15 lbs. best fish meal 5 lbs. dried buttermilk 5 lbs bone meal 2 lbs. ground limestone OALIFOKNIA KIHII AND OAMC 127 For tin* (list two wprk«' fprilinK the dry lunnh w if round in the oidiimiy WHV, but aftrr tluit n ronnM-r jfriiul '\h uhjjI am tlwrc U \cm wiiHtf in tin* friMlini* pro<"*H«. Tin; WKl MAM I 'I'lif Wft iiiuhIi Is iiiailf with viirioiis riimltiiiiit loim at lue uprratur ami his pa.st ••xpfrifH''-- 'f '"• 'uis had un> I •• in liiosf i.'f4l ^•r..•l•- t,]„\.-r t.ffu... knif, or alfalfa) S.'l'-; l''ur thf first tla> fi tw.. it jn w.II tn fi'i'd just th«' urat.Ml .-^^i; wjlh Ihr ciJttap' fhiM'Sf or Milki). ami a litth' (»f thf lim'ly cut >;n'«'iiH. Aftrr this thf n'yular ratimi inav he us»mI for th«' m*xt two w»><«k.s whon th«* ainiiiiiit of •'j»},'s is diM-nMisiMl ami its place taken with morn i^nfiis l»v the cud of the third week leave tin- e:;;: out entirely, ami at thin lime chan;,'e the ninnhcr 12 meal for the number .'», whi"-'" '- •''■• •"••>' lar«;er size. now TO I'UKI'AKK IMIKASANT MKAI. Pheasant meal is a very dry. well cooke<| prit'f(lintj pens. KlK. -o. Til- J>iilI(lliiK'« lincl jiome of the titet?! rearing pt-na at t> of an IS-lnoh circle sot to start with iiboiit six Inches from e hover. Day by ilay this circle is enlarged and at the end of »". ■.-' J entirely. KINDS OF COVER CROP Buc'kwhoat has proven one of the best cover crops for the rearing of young birds. It alTords cover protection as well as excellent green 130 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME food. For breeding pens, transplanted kale plants, about 24 plants to a 24-foot square pen, with oats and vetch drilled in rows 8 inches apart. Seed the oats and vetch together. In order to have breeding pens ready for the season it is necessary to start preparing them in the fall so they will be suitable for the birds about the first of March. BR3^^ffff»^ J ^ik 1 B " J immmkmv ■ wm^c-:MKmBmmmm^^-^''-''^''i 1 m : aB^^^^^^k ^HL , -• t J^^^^^^^HH^^^^^BM^^^^^H ^9^^'^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^fft/i/ii9lSfK/ Fig-. 25. Dry mash feeding trays and watering jars are placed near the hover until the birds are well acquainted with this equipment. This picture shows the division of the brooder room floor, the back part being covered with sand and the front half with rice hulls. RATIONS FOR BREEDING STOCK A good scratch feed and a wet and dry laying mash will prove beneficial for all kinds of game birds during the egg producing season. Use covered feeding troughs or hoppers for the dry mash and metal plates of some kind for the wet mash. The scratch feed may be fed on the ground. Pheasant meal number 5, prepared as before mentioned, 10 per cent erissel, and 25 per cent rolled oats, will give a good laying ration. The following formula affords a good dry laying mash, and should be ground coarse. Ground yellow corn 30 per cent, ground wheat 30 per cent, ground barley 15 per cent, fish meal (good grade) 12.5 per cent, dried buttermilk 5 per cent, alfalfa blossom meal 4 per cent, ground oyster shell 2.5 per cent, and ground limestone 1 per cent. Ring Neck and Mongolian pheasants breed well in the ratio of five hens to each male with at least 64 square feet of pen room per bird. Valley quail do well when mated in the ratio of 7 males to 10 hens. Most of the partridges are strictly monogamous and seem to do better in pairs. Silver, Golden, and Amherst pheasants do better in trios. The Reeves breed well with three hens for each male with plenty of pen room. CAUrORMA riKlI AKD OAUC 131 ruliT t It Ih not advihiililr to wl i- y kept in conflni'nu'nt either for plfiwurc or profit. Kinj; N«'«'k plicuMint 2.'i to Ul dnvM. .Moti^'oliati pli)>nsaiit 21 to 'J'l davM. (^iiail (Valli'V aiul Mountain) '22 to 2.\ flnys I*aitii(lt;rs 22 to 2'.\ tlavH. Silvt-r pheasant Ud days. AnihtM'st and elul qiinll brooilor. Tills brooder, seven fe«'» \r>ng. two f««t wly two partitions Into tl>r«'«> i-ompartment."*. ■'»• r»>oin. Tlio houtliiK olt'inontst uro niUTonif wlr««. Ti ir to that u.soil In .sin.ill Incuhatorji. The l)rooartni«'nt. At the enil of ten day.t the tw . nre retnovod aiKl tho hlnls trt\itt>d as one Hock. These brooder houses are vlKht fe«l squar« with an 8 X 12-foot run. Tn siu'h a sli(>rt bullet in it is not po.ssihlo to j;o into all the iletails so we have tried to lall attention to the more important facts as they iiave impressed ns in our years of experience breeding ami rearing j:ame birds. It is the liope of the antiior that some poixl may bo done and the wimU of the amateur breeder made easier. 132 CATiTFOBNIA FISH AND GAME FIFTY-FIVE YEARS AGO ON THE McCLOUD RIVER By Edward N. Moor FIFTY-FIVE YEARS AGO I received the answer to a long desired wish, to fish the McCloud River in northern California. I have a record of this trip in an old sketch book, with dates on the sketches that pin my memory down to June, 1876. At that time, even when all the streams within easy reach of San Francisco presented good sport for the lover of angling, the McCloud was looked upon as being the one place of all others to visit. I recall in those days the possibilities within easy reach of this city, and the man who now passes these places in his automobile, unquestionably doubts that such could have been the case, even in horse-and-buggy days. A small rivulet that passed right through the present town of Burlingame was "fishable" in April, when the season opened, and enough could be caught for a fair mess ; San Mateo Creek from San Andreas Valley right through the town and to tide water, was good; San Francisquito, and all the small streams below that to the south, would surprise one, for they were overlooked most of the time. In Napa County every ri^nilet that debouched into Napa Creek on both sides of the valley was well filled with trout ; in fact, a trip to any of these places brought satisfactory results ; a bit further away in Sonoma County, both forks of Austin Creek, Ward and Kidd creeks ; the Upper Gualala; all almost untouched by outside visitors, and even the residents, farmers and stockmen, seldom indulged in the sport. It was the exception when one met another fisherman on these streams, and there were no beaten paths or footprints on the creek bed, gravel, or sands that told of a procession of fishermen being ahead of you. There was no limit, and I do not remember a single instance wherein waste or wanton catches were made. There were always plenty left for the next fellow. Even all these possibilities of April first paled when the McCloud came into one 's thoughts, for that place was the ultimate. The train trip to Redding, an all-day ride, and the stage from Redding north about 9 p.m., an all-night ride, brought one to Sisson's the next morning about breakfast time. It was a rough, rapid ride, thoroughbrace stages carried the mail, and they were hard riders, and all bumps worked vertically — on the passengers, and plenty. Sisson's was the starting place for the sportsmen, and they came from far and near at times to that place, seeking a good game country. Mr. Sisson kept a hostelry wherein everything could be had to go north, south, east or west. He knew the country and had about him men fully capable, and good companions as well, to give the visitor every answer to his desire to angle or hunt. My companion, Jim , and self joined forces at Sisson's with two San Francisco business men off on a trip, and we four, with Jerome Fay, the guide, outfitted for a visit to the McCloud. Jerome was one of the best men I ever went out with and he had many tales CALirOKNIA KIMir *^ti OAMK 1*^*^ nf (•xprriiMin'K ill that ciMiiitry Om* limt rviilnirifl Ium Mtniiiliiit; wom ol' a iiiu'lit pa-ssril oil till- siiiiiiiiil of .Mount Slidnta Willi that woiuiprful loviT ftf natiirf. .loliii Muir; caiiu'lit in a storm latr iii tli«- ••-•• th«*y (lid not ilai'f ilcsci'iid tlir inoiiiitain, and |iaK>M'd tin* niu'iil I .' the I oiiirortaliN- wariiitli of a hot sprint' >)«'low the Miiiiiinit Mr Muir. in lii«i iiitrrt'st in all nhoiit liiiii. could not Im« lun'd to lowrr kvrU until too latf to do so with nalrty. 'I'lii' ridt' to the McCloud tixtk one through lint* tiiiilNT. uiitourh<*ttiiHl down and u'oi into sha|)e to stay indefinitely until we had ' h. I owned an Hnj,'liNh ;.'reen-heart salmon tly ro«l. and a.s s4m»ii a.s ; ...;!ie ri^';:ed up and soiij^ht the eenter of the foot loj; at tin* head «tf the pool. It was hait lishin^'. with spawn, for it was accepted that when the Halmon came up to spawn that was the only methn — rainbow, witli the exct^ption i>f one Holly Varden, six and one-d in watching them I shot one, and (;ot hini aft«M' u'oin^' in up to my shi>nld«*ni and stuhhint; my toes against his hody, for I luid elippi'd th<* erown of hi.s head off a.s it ju.st cleared water, swimminj; upstream, lie .siink in easy \*atiT and air hid)hles showed his loeation. We nm.sted his tail, and rhat' l)uttt>r in tirkins and hauh-d it out at tht> fiul of the .M'a-son. Sisson told me afterward that he did not know of a K4)uI that hail tislu'd that upper streteh of the river, ami there was no indieation of fanipiiii; anywhere to he sfcn. One tnan in an hour eould take more fish than we eould eat in a ilay. Too far away to j,'rt out to anyone, ami the oidy way was t<» ilo .somethin^j el.se or stop fishing; We sent the t»'am hack to Si.sson's and f^ot some of those butter tirkin.s from a harn'l factory there, a supply of salt, and the larire IinIi were ^plit down the hack ami put up exactly as New En^dand mackerel are. and each of us had plenty to take home. They were fine eatinj;. That was fifty-four years nao, and if anyone ever earapetl in an ideal spot that upper river certaiidy was the place Arrivinir at Si.ssctn's on the wa\ hack, the balance of the party went home. 1 joined a party of four and we went to Vreka. and from there north across the Klamath at Whittles Ferry, and from then' into lower Oretron, and northerly to a sjiof called Buck Lake which could not have been very far from Ashland. Orc^'on ; from there hack, northeast of .Sha.sta, touch- ing the lava beds, ami back to Si.s.son's over an old emi(?rant road to the north of Shasta. On this trip after pa.ssin«; the Klamath no one was met until we ^•ot back to that river. Throuirh the country to Sisson s I ilo not believe we met half a do/en men. We encountereil a very larjre band of antelope north of Sha.sta. at least three hundrctl in the banil. Did not hunt them. On these journeys cnoui^h venison was had to meet camp nee lu nortiicrn California at that time. I am the only one remaining of all those men, and fifty-five years brinii cliauiros in country, and as well to thase livinf; in it. that certainly mark time. 136 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME DAMAGE BY DEER TO CROPS IN CALIFORNIA By Gordon H. True^ Jr. THE EXISTENCE of competition between wild deer and culti- vated crops in California has long been recognized, but only in recent years has the problem begun to assume economic propor- tions. In many places, today, we hear demands for relief from those of California's agricultural frontiersmen who, on their far-flung battle line, are waging war against the depredations of the last and most DEER DMAGE IN CMJFORMtt AREA OF KIR POPULATION AKEA OF DEER DAMAGE 1 Fig. 27. CAMroKMA KIMII AN't> (iAMK 1.17 Miirc<*>4.Hfiil ot Miir liiu' u'""'*' Hp'Ti's flu- luitivf l»ljirk aim i I iliMT. SiiuT it iMM'iijiM* (il)vittaii(l thf f \ln<'>aitl lu'.ir utUt laixl vv;;, or kllloil by tlfor. Vlnoyartl i>f < ;u1.m«'|>IH' Uiu-hi-jtl. n County. Cnllfornla Photo by T. I. Storcr, tK*tob*r 11. l:>io. .1.4 HUtl ^'aiiu'. for»'st and ai:iii'ultural ofticials and from i'orn*spon«UMirf in the tiles of th«« Division of Fish and (iaiii«' ami th«" State Chamber of CoinnuM-ro. In all. two liunr«» available from tifty-onr t-ounties. The aim of this paper is to paint a pieture of the ileer dama^'e situation. nsin«^ as materials the mass of information obtained throu«rh the medium of this survey.* Deor tlamai:*' oei'urs in forty-three out of our fifty-eiirht eountii^s. Those eouiities whieh have little or no ditlieulty are Del Norte. I*axs«ni «nd Plumas to the north: Sutter, in the Saerameuto Valley: San • Special nimlysis of the de«r (lamAgt> ivpcrts was ntade by Dr. T. I. Storvr und O. H. Tnio, Jr. 138 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Kings and Kern, in the San Joaquin Valley; San Francisco and Contra Costa, in the San Francisco Bay region ; Mono, Inyo and Alpine, in the southern Sierras ; and, in the extreme southeastern corner. Imperial County. These counties are situated for the most part in the high mountains where there is little agriculture, exclusive of grazing, or in our great central valley, where Fig-. 29. View of gladioli which have been damaged by deer, the ends of flower stalks which have been eaten appearing as white spots. Nursery of E. D. Rodgers, Swanton, Santa Cruz County. Photo by Donald McLean, 1929. tliere is no deer population. Those counties in which damage occurs include within their borders, in most cases, portions of the Coast Ranges or the Sierran foothills. Damage is often found to be localized in certain mountain valleys or in the immediate neighborhood of State and national forests and parks wliere deer are protected. Game Refuge lA, in the northern part of Siskiyou County, is an example of this latter condition. The majority of reports indicate that deer damage is seasonal in occurrence. Although in some places damage occurs throughout the year, in by far the greater number of cases the period of destruction is limited to the actual growing season of the crops affected, with special emphasis on the late summer and early autumn months. On the coast, where the deer population of a given area is relatively constant throughout the year, there is little variation in the amount of damage throughout the period during which it may occur. This is also true of the lower Sierran foothills. At middle elevations in the Sierra Nevada and in the northeastern part of the State there is a noticeable increase in damage over the normal amount during the period of migration of the deer to and from their summer and winter ranges. This has been noticed particularly in El Dorado County, where the deer damage problem has been given especial attention. Regardless of the fact that the greatest amount of damage has been reported as occurring during the latter part of the growing season, the author has observed that, at least in the coastal region, the most serious damage occurs during the early part of the summer when plants are sending OALirORNU riKII AND OAME 130 out I lit" fii^t ti'iulrr sli....!.-, Ai ilii.H iiiiif u ffw do |n*^"«'»"'v mure (IniiiuKf tlmn a lar^'T miinlMT lat»T in ti It i* to a.sMUine, however, that a yn-atcr minibir of deer livr at the farn expcnsr (liirinj? thiit pi-rioil wlirn nattiriil fornu'f i-^ ciiltivattMl iiops kfpt yriTM l»\ irrigation m ' 'i .jj i to, tlic wild loraj^'f. Opinion He«»niH to Im' tliat tlvrr ilaniau'c iH (Irtlnitriy on the incr ill California. A fi-w prr^ons rrporl that no rhanu''* in or that ihtMi' is a diM-n'asi' in thr amount of UamuKe. Th«? 'i- - Fljt. 30. Indivuliial vino show idr • 8oine ilaiiuiKc tt) Iwrrle-t. \'.r . northwest of Yount vlllo. Nnpa County, CatifornI*. i'hoto by T. I. Storrr, Octnli.r It, 1930. ai'tivitio.s of tiio ilotT si'oni to liavt* ai-tually ronie to a stamlstill or to be ileiroasinj; in only one area. Tuolumne County. This nuiy be aeeountoil for by the faet that the iUmm* population of that region has not yet recovered from the reduction wliich occurred durini? the epidemic of foot atid mouth tli.sease in U'"J4-"J.">. when over 22.t.MX) deer were slautrhtered in sueeessfully preventing the further spreail •>*' *' n' 140 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME malady. A majority of tlie reports from over the State indicate that the present wave of deer damage complaints is founded upon an actual increase in deer, rather than being- a hysterical response to the increased attention that the problem has received. Reports concerning the period of time over which deer damage has occurred are exceedingly variable. Several state that deer have been damaging crops ever since the beginning of agriculture. Others indicate a ten to twenty year period. In most instances damage is reported as more serious during the past one to five years. Innumerable factors have been mentioned as the causes of deer damage. Among them are shortage of natural feed, scarcity of water on the deer range, increase in deer population, desire for succulent feed, concentration around salt-licks, planting of crops in the midst of deer inhabited areas, and a lessened wariness on the part of the deer. Several correspondents have suggested that, while the present situation is due primarily to an increase in the deer population, particularly Fig. 31. View of orchard showing- malformation of trees due to continued eating- back. The branches in the foreground have been brolten off by deer. El Dorado County. Photo by R. C. Berriman, February 27, 1931. does, we must consider as an indirect cause that factor which has aided to such an extent in bringing about this increase ; namely, predatory animal control. Campaigns directed toward the extermination of predatory species, principally mountain lions and coyotes, have relieved the deer population of considerable pressure. This has resulted in an almost startling increase in the deer population of some areas. We have only to look back at the Kaibab situation in order to realize that such an assertion may not be entirely without foundation. However, the deer damage problem can not be attributed to any one factor. Granting that our deer population has increased, that increase, plus any one or any combination of other factors, would be enough to bring about a situation such as we are facing today. Despite the fact that an opportunity was afforded correspondents to express an opinion regarding possible competition between live stock and deer on the wild range, this was mentioned as a factor in only CAl.UOUMA J l-ill .\.M» liAMl, 141 II fi'W cnsi'M — tiMi, to Iw I'xnct — 4'noiii;li In show tlint thrrc m at WomI a potent iiil |»n>|)lriii prist-uti'il by Hiirh «M»m(). All atfrnipt to arriv*' at an rHlimati' of tunn. . ■•■ ui .1 wlmli', as a n-siilt of ilnT fffilm;; Upon nillua _ ..i| \tf Hii nlnioHt inipos.sil)lr tank if itiw wiTt* (l«>pcnili>iit s«l««ly upon tlu* flifurwi oMtaiiH'cl ill tin* (l«MT ni« iniliviiliuil iimv ni'i thi* Umm > his (iiiiMty at ti'n thoiisaiul i|o|lai>; aiiotlirr iniM |M-r Iiullvlihml < . '7 1. I ... !.«>« AnK«'l''"* MontcrfN ltl\> mhl.' HlMkl\ oil Tilnlly i:i I ><>ru«l<> . . - l-ilitl Itrr .Sum her of .I/IM ^ ' 1 ' '/ ' ■ /«,r»« ftio vi>n c«»untU«i« HO .\vt«ruK«' I""* P»'r Inillvlilual iii tii'\«'H rriuniit'j* -l-iu.a" KMtimali-il KInaiu'lal Lomt |)er (Nuinly If ill. .1/(14. f 'oKitfV 1500 $2,000 Sail Itornartllfi ■J *■ ' • 1,0110 .>l. . ■J 1 1 1 1 3.000 .^lUI l,li .'■nil 1.000 SaiilH t 1.1 1 1 2011 500 .»H'- >;. w « 'oiiii' ly 1 |)or.i.l<' $500 $2,000 .Sim Itornartllno $! 5 '. . "00 Kri'xiio l,iak<< I..- •- I- .M hi .... ... Napa - -- 1.000 N«"vailft Oran»{t> . _ ,--- Hlv.r.sUI.- _ Totnl.M for Iwonty oountlfM '" J .\vi>raK>< MiliiliniiM) lo.t.s per c-oun(> $1,375 .\vi-r;ii;t' iii.i\liiniiu Iom.m jn-r i-ountx S I .'> 1 1 III llKU) a survey was iiuulc nj ilaiiiair«' hy (U'»*r lo ori'harils of El Dorado County. Iiy .Mr. Ivan W. Lillry. farm ailvisrr. who has kindly supplied the following' data. Due to his eareful and painstakint; Work wr ai'e able to pre.sent a very eomplete statement of the finaneial h».ss to Kl Dorado County farniers as a result of ib'er damai;e. Krom about ."{00 (piestiouiiaires .srut out. reports were reeeive«l from ninety- eijrht farniei's. Of the.se, ei«^hty-nine reporteil damap> to Held ennxs. to youn«» trees set baek one to three yeaiN. and yoiinj; trees kiileti wliieh had to be replaeed. The uumb«'r of trei-s set ba«'k one year was ll.t>4(>. two ye.irs \y2\'2. three y«'ars S.'ititi ; the number of one year trees replaeed n.Srj. of two year trees re[)laeed lUi'J.'i, of three year trees replaeetl 'i\^'^]. The v;due of trees lost totaled $*J7.riH4 (usinp cost records com- 142 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME piled by the University of California of $0.90, $1.40, and $1.90 for one, two and three year old trees, respectively). The damage to field crops, owner's estimates, totaled $9,915. The total damage reported for eighty-nine farms was $66,667.84, or an average of $740 per farm. The annual damage totaled $16,728.27, or an average of $185 per farm. The annual damage on farms varied from $1.50 to $855, and the total damage to individual farms from $5 to $872. Concluding this general discussion of the deer damage situation, it will be well to consider more in detail the crops which are damaged and the nature of the damage to each type of crop. Deer, in those sections of California where they are in the habit of invading culti- vated areas, enjoy a large and varied diet. During the study carried on by the Game Depredations Study Committee, those complaining of deer damage were asked to name the specific crops affected. The resultant list of crops (see Table 2), compiled from reports received by the committee and supplemented with observations by the author during his study of the problem in his official capacity as a member of the Division of Fish and Game, is appalling in its variety. If one were to call the roll of agricultural crops grown in California, there would be only a few among those present which could not be also found on the bill of fare of the deer. For the sake of convenience the crops subject to depredations by deer will be considered under subheadings, as follows : orchard crops, truck crops, forage crops, cereal crops, and miscellaneous. TABLE 2 Crops damaged by deer in California. Statistics compiled from questionnaires sent out by the Special Game Depredations Study Committee of the State Chamber of Commerce. Many correspondents reported damage to several crops; this explains the seeming discrepancy between the total number of reports received and the number of reports of damage for the several crops Number of Number of Crops reports reports Orchard : Truck— Continued Apple 83 Squash 1 Pear 48 Artichokes 1 Prune _ 36 Truck gardens (misc.) 91 Peach _II 33 — - Citrus 25 Total 144 Apricot 20 Avocado 14 Forage ; Cherry 5 Alfalfa 78 Persimmon 1 Range — 10 Plum 1 w^r''.77 I Oli^p 1 Hay (?) 4 uiive — J. Vetch 1 Almond 1 Timothy 1 Walnut 1 Sudan 1 Chestnut 1 Fruit trees (misc.) 26 Total 100 Total 29 6 Vineyards: _, Various varieties 94 Potatoes 9 Cereal: Beans 7 Barley , 3 Corn 6 Oats 3 Strawberry 6 Wheat 1 Cabbage 4 Gram 15 Lettuce 4 Carrots 3 Total 22 Tomatoes 3 Miscellaneous; Peas 3 Beets 2 Flower gardens 18 Seed gardens 15 Melons 2 Bulbs 10 Cauliflower 1 Acorns 2 Celery 1 Forest plantations 1 CAI.irOliS'lA PIHII AND OAMK U.'i Jl». TIhto are '2'M'> r«*porlM of (l{uiiai;«> to fruit irvtii of whi<'h 270 rf?fi»r to ^I i(h' vuriotirs. Tho rt'inaiinlrr an* nimply i" or "orchartl." To sonn*, thr Nvi«lr variation ii> m- '-rM of it'ports of injury to .m-parat*- varii'tirs iiiit;ht iutlicati* that t r arc •li'ctiv*', profrrrintf (Uir variety of fruit tree to another, (irontinif that .lilTrn'McrM ill palalahility arr untlouhtnlly u foctor, there i« little mcstioii that this variation in primarily «liie to «'rop di.stri* •• •• In thiT wonls. tlif varirtii's of fruit lri'«'s which suffer the n- rnai»e <-,' those wliieh are >,'ro\vn extensively within the rani;o of the «i-r \p|)les, for instanee, are foitutl throuu'hout the foothill ami niountain t.-iri<'us of ('alifi)i-iiia and are i;rnwn on a eoinmereial scale at hi^'her altitudes than any oiIht orfhar«l crop. Is it not prolnd)le, then, that apple trees would In- more subject to danui^e than other varietiwi of trees not so well adapted to mountain conditions? VA Dorado, I^ake and McndfM'itui counties are the finest pear pr two vear old trees, and onlv \9'M three year ohl trees. The dey:ree of susceptibility of a tree to deer damajfc •lecrtNises mai-kcdiy with increase in ay:e and conse(pierit increase in hei;;ht. In comparison to the amount of injury done to young trees. tli«> amount done to mature trees is slight. In Santa Cruz County, the author has visited a number .of orchards, planted before deer had htH'omt> troublesome, in which it is imp<».ssible, due to the increase in the dc(>r population, to rear young trees at the present time. The mature trees, however, show little evidence of damage. Damage to mature trees is limited, for the most ])art. to the *'i)runing" of the lower branches. There is, as a general rule, little damage to the fruit itself, which i> usually safely out of reach. Prune growers in Napa. Sonoma, and iSaiita Cruz cimnties. lunvever, state that they sutler considerable lasses due to the deer eating the prunes that have fallen to the ground. The truth of this statement is supjiorted by the observations of the author, who has not only seen deer picking up prunes, but has .seen the ground literally covered with the stones of the fruit that had been eaten previously. Some growers find that they can reduce their lasses to a considerable extent by jdcking up all the prunes from the ground at the end of each day. Thus, the prunes that have fallen between mom- 144 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME ing and evening are saved and only those which may fall during the night are likely to be eaten by the deer. The list of truck crops includes all of the common vegetables with the exception of spinach, turnips, radishes, cucumbers, egg plant, and peppers. In referring to the table, however, it will be noted that ninety one of one hundred forty-four reports merely state that "truck crops' have been damaged and name no specific varieties. It might be possible that some of the common vegetables not included in the list would be found susceptible to damage if more specific reports had been made. In view of that fact, it would not be fair to state that deer will not eat those varieties. In reporting damage to truck crops correspondents did not differentiate between damage to the average farmer's kitchen garden, containing small amounts of a variety of vegetables, and the commercial truck farm of large acreage, devoted to the cultivation of, at most, only a few varieties. We know, however, that a number of the truck crops upon which deer have been known to feed are grown com- mercially within the deer range, principally in the coastal region south of San Francisco Bay; among them, beans, peas, lettuce, cabbage, cauli- flower, and artichokes. In the northern part of the State, particularly in Shasta County, strawberry plants are grown commercially. Deer seriously damage some of these strawberry plantations not only by actually eating the plants, but by walking between the rows and thereby breaking the innumerable runners sent out by the "mother" plants. This latter procedure greatly reduces the yield of young plants with a consequent reduction in revenue. If one doubts the ability of the deer to subsist on a wide variety of forage, one has only to review the truck crop situation to have the omniherbivorous nature of the deer most emphatically emphasized. The forage, or hay, crops, by virtue of including alfalfa within their ranks, are found to occupj^ third place on our list. Seventy-eight of the one hundred reports of damage to these crops refer to alfalf i. Where this crop is grown within the deer range, and much of it is, an immense amount of damage is done. One Lake County farmer Avrites, "I have two fenced alfalfa fields of approximately the same acreige. One has not been pastured this season (1930) and the other has Hiiyt- ported a band of sheep throughout the summer. Deer have kept the unpastured field eaten down shorter than the field in which sheep have been kept. With the aid of a flash-light, I have counted as many as sixty-eight deer in the field at night." This is but one example of the injury that deer may cause the farmer who depends on alfalfa for all or part of his livelihood. There are numerous cases in which the farmer has been able to cut only one crop of alfalfa hay, the first, the deer keeping the green alfalfa cropped short during the remainder of the season. Losses of from three to thirty tons annually have been attrib- uted to deer. That deer will travel long distances to feed on green alfalfa is shown by the authentic case of a buck, killed in Lake County at a distance of twelve miles from the nearest cultivated land. His paunch was found to be full of alfalfa. It is interesting to note, among the reports of damage to forage crops, ten instances of competition between deer and live stock on wild range. I. B. Barrass, Covelo, esti- mates that, during the 1930 season, deer destroyed one-third of his winter feed. While such reports are few in number, we have enough I fAriiouNiA Kisii \su r,\\ti: IA'» inrdinuition to hUuw tlial thr I'xiHlriu'u of HUfli coiii|H'titirm can not br •rlnokfil. Siiicf, on our li.Nt of cnipH. tlir vnriotiM Miibhr}MliMUnliii(; t« tin* nrtual nimilirr of n>puiiily takr fourth phu-iv Dhiiwii;*- to vim-yHnU m, ho\vr%'iT. iiiori' sciioiis than this position wouhl in«licatr. In tli ■ ■ • ' •'- uiitlior, (hmui^f to viin-yartls is scfonil only to that Hutl- Thf inilividual vini'H coiupoHini.' a vinryartl. lik** thr triM-w of uii or*har«l. nn- nonproiluctivf durinu thr lirst \r\\ yrars of thrir ••xisti'm-i' ; in <•' wiinh. until thfv hiu-onir nuitunv Aftrr nuiturity thr vim*?* must .^ (lipcndftl on to prodiic*' an annual t-rop. If a vinr, likr a tr«'«*. is injun-d diirini,' tin- cours*' of any ouf jfr«)\vinK M-ason. thr injury not oidy atTrrt.s Ihf rrop for that srason hut f»»r futurr om-s jis well. If this injury or srrifs of injiirii's should result in tin- di-ath of thr vinr it must Ih- ir|)lat'fd. 1 lu' nrw vinr must hr ruliivatrd "for nothiiiK" until it comrs into hrarin;;. It is ••asy to srr that thr farmrr win* must ron- tinuall\ rrplacr vinrs that havr hri'u drstroyrd will not rrap lar^r profits, siner hr will always hr riilt ivatinjr and t-arint' for a numln-r «»f vinrs that arr not produrin;;. Thr loss to tin- vinryartlisl is thrrrforr jrrratrr than thr loss to thr trurk or j^rain farmrr who plant.n hiH t'ro|>s annually, or to thr makrr of hay wlu) throws thr typr of rrop that ran withstand prriodir riittiiitr hark, 'I'lir •riratrst aiimiiiit of in.jui\\ to vinryartls orrurs whrii the tirst Iravrs arr iiiakinir thrir a|)praranrr in thr sprinj;. If the vines are drfoliatrd durinj; this prrioil. thr ^rratrr portion of thr tlowf r rlustrrs — thr riiihryo rrop arr drstroyrd. In sj)itr of thr hrst rultural llU'tliods vinrs so injuinl will j)rodiu-r at hrst only a li^'ht s<'rond rrop of ^'raprs. Ajrain romparinjr thr vinryard with thr orrhanl. it is found that drfoliation of thr vinrs rausrs tlirm to suffrr a si«vere Sft-bark. Surrrssivr attacks ifsuit in dratli. \'inrs whirli havr surrrssfully passrd throui^di thr rarly ;rrowiii;; staizr and havr drvrlupril a Wfalth of foliaLrr srrin to losr much of thrir t«'mptinjr (pialitirs in so far as drrr arr eonrrrnrd. Huwrvrr. wlirrr thrsr animals arr numrrous and huiiirry, vinrs may lir drfoliatrd during thr lat«' summ«'r ami rarly fall months, rvrii until thr autumn-hiird Iravrs fall to thr };round. Not content inir thrmsrlvrs with the foliayrr alonr. drrr fnMpirntly vary their dirt with tlir Imnrhrs of «;raprs. Thry strip thr fruit from the strms. and. judLriiii: from thr skins and srrds to hr ohsrrvrd on thr ground in tlir nri;::hl)()rhood of thr vinrs, surk out thr juirrs. disrardini: the above- inrntionrd parts. Oftrn, rather than drstroyinj; a wholr bunch, they will mrrrly takr a hitr or two. It is nrrdle.ss to .siiy. however, that even a sliiriitly injurrd hunrh of jri-aprs has hrrn rrndrrrd uiunarkrtable. Aithou-rh thr author has nt)tril no instanrr in whirh any onr varirty has irinaiiiril immunr to drrr-invasion. it is rvidrnt that ilrer show a nuirkeil jirrferrnrr for somr varirtirs. In Napa County, for instance, deer srrm to prrfrr Prtitr Sirah. a winr jrrapr; Musrats anil othrr vari»'ties of tahir jxraprs. C'onsidrrahly Irss ilanui^rr is di>ri«' t,, vi.iin> nf fli.- nther w inr i^raprs. such as Zinfamlrl ami Huijiiuuly. nainaije to cereal crops, or j^rain. is not very extensive, most of the reports of damairr to this typr of crop haviu'r oriiriiuitt'd in Trinity County. As a whole, very little jrrain is j;rown in deer inhabited arras, and while here and there a small grain tield in a mountainous 146 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME area may be damaged, the total loss over the State can not be very large. Deer injure grain principally by nipping off the heads when in a green condition and by trampling down the stalks. Injury to flower gardens, standing first under the subheading "Miscellaneous Crops," is, from the observations of the author, a more serious problem locally than the number of reports would indicate. Deer damage questionnaires that were filled out and returned referred to farming communities alone and did not include suburban areas, such as may be found in the vicinity of the Mount Tamalpais Game Refuge and in San Mateo County. The author has spent considerable time in the neighborhood of Ross, San Anselmo, and Fairfax, all towns border- ing the Mount Tamalpais Refuge in Marin County ; and if, from those towns alone, all rei^orts of damage had been available, they would have amounted to many times the number actually received. The amount of damage done to gardens in this area is quite extensive, the semidomesti- cated deer entering them in broad daylight to feed on the choicest blooms. Damage to flower gardens, regardless of financial loss, is extremely annoying to the owners, many of whom have built homes in suburban areas that they might make a pastime of floriculture. The fact that most of the eighteen reports which have been listed originated in rural districts indicates, however, that such damage is not entirely limited to localities beyond the metropolitan areas. In these last it is merely aggravated. Deer will eat at least part of most of the common annuals, perennials and shrubs, showing a decided preference for roses. Fifteen reports were received of injury to seed gardens. In no case, however, did the complainant specify the varieties of seed. The damage, here, is undoubtedly of the same type as might be found in any truck or flower garden and needs no further discussion. A few bulb growers, particularly in Santa Cruz County, have suf- fered losses. Deer seem to be rather partial to gladioli and it is from those who grow these plants that the greatest number of complaints has been received. Deer usually begin working on a gladioli patch just before the first blooms appear, Avalking down the rows and removing the buds as they go. This destruction of the buds not only prevents the grower from marketing flowers but interferes with the "rogueing" that is necessary to keep varieties pure. Deer have also been known to eat freesias and narcissus. They do not seem to care for calla lillies, which are grown extensively in Santa Cruz County. Fortunately, the number of bulb growers who are carrying on their activities in close proximity to deer country is small, and, therefore, though the losses to individuals have been rather large in certain instances, the industry as a whole has not suffered to any extent. Reports of damage to acorns came as something of a surprise, since they are not ordinarily considered in the category of agricultural crops. One of the complainants, a resident of San Luis Obispo County, made the statement that in the past he had been able to fatten 100 head of hogs annually on acorns on a certain area. In recent years, however, the deer had become so numerous there and had shown such a liking for acorns that he had been forced to abandon that profitable practice. The Los Angeles County Forestry Department reports deer damage to a large percentage of their reforestation projects, the damage being localized in small plantations. The damage consists of nipping off the CALIFHRvr^ vfmr Avn HAvrr 147 tips r»f yoiim; IrtTs, Imtli coniii'ni jiimI linr (ilantav aro within a |fain«' rcfii^f. On onr plantation, in >uinipl<> itrt'tm of staked Alfpp" I'i'if ami ('aroh, jill of tl>«' trri>H wt-n* i-at*-!! ; on anothpr, \H) \)rT <"iit of tlic trtTs dird as a ri-sult of lU-rr injury. 'Plu' subji'ct of rontrol «)f dn-r dania^r will not Im» diwuMwd hfre. Of tho throe principal im'tliods of control fcncintj, tho killinff of tl»'«T doin^,' dainaj,'f. and the use of repellents the former has Iwcn ir ' ' " subject of a previous papiT.* Thi' killing: of nuiraudin^ dc«>r 1 n made possible by re<'ent l«'i;islation but, as yi't. there are no r< m lumd upon which a discussion of the effects of that pnM!edure can \y based. A discussioti of the use (tf rfpfllcnls is of suftlcient imp ■• to warrant separate consideration and \ii" fli,T,-fi,f >>•• m.i . .•• subject of another paper. OYSTER PESTS IN CALTFORNTAf Hy IUhvkv ('. McMii.LiN and Paul Bonnot G.M.I 1 I >K.\ I A has a native species of oyster (Oslrea luri^la) which lias jjreat commercial possibilities but which Ims never b^^en utilized t(^ any ^'reat extent. From the b«'j:innin. t Trinted with permission of the U. S. Bureau of Pisberles. 148 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME ■Eecently the American slipper shell was introduced in the oyster producing waters of Great Britain through transplanting of American seed oysters. They have reproduced rapidly and have become a great menace to the oyster industry. In the lower end of Puget Sound where the native is produced in large quantities the slipper shell has become established. On the natural beds where the land has not been graded and diked the slipper shell does not grow in large numbers; on the artificial beds they are a serious problem. The artificial beds are made up of a series of terraces each level of which is surrounded by a low dike which keeps two to fifteen inches of water over the bed at low water. The bottom is solid and covered with shell and oysters, making an ideal breeding place for the slipper shell. The damage by the pests is from three causes: (1) culling is made slow and difficult, (2) the pests occupy a large proportion of the room in the dikes designed for the oysters, and (3) from the condition of the oyster from infested areas it appears that the food of the oyster is taken by the slipper shell. In the harvesting of some beds over half of the labor involved is in the handling of pests. More equipment is necessary to maintain production and the cost per bushel for harvesting is increased. If left on the beds the slipper shell would fill the dikes to the water level in a short time and prevent the growth of oysters therein. Removal of the pests from the beds is also necessary to prevent depletion of the food supply of the oysters. It is possible that some means of biological control wdll eventually be worked out but at present removal by hand is the only relief. It is important, whenever possible, to prevent the introduction of pests of aU kinds and avoid the serious loss which follows. At the present time we have no diked areas in California, but it is proposed to cultivate the native oyster in Humboldt Bay by this method. This place offers an ideal set of conditions for the industry and is entirely free from natura' and imported pests. The introduction of detrimental species should be carefully avoided if the beds are to be made to produce to capacity. Since the seed imported from Japan has been subjected to inspec- tion the quality has greatly improved. At present practically nothing accompanies the oyster that is large enough to be visible. As an added precaution it would be well worth while to isolate imported seed as far as possible, and grow one species in each bay. In the case of Humboldt Bay it is strongly recommended that no opportunity be given to pests to establish themselves there. No foreign seed should be planted at any time regardless of its condition or the inspection it has been through. rAMF«>i»vn nKII AVI. .;iui t4'' CIRCLE GILL NETTING FOR SMELT* i.y .T T" I'ltil.i.i KMKLTH IN TIIK MONTKia;Y KlSlltUtV AliAIiCK r< HiTlOX of tiM' smi'lt catch of the Monterey v Ac Irrsli tisli iiiiirkils is Itnm^^'ht in hy opfrjitors of circh* i,'jll u>Ih; the hahinee is liilivcnd by operators of round liaul and nn;; ni'tM .1 purse net). ('ireh« ^'ill n'-ttinu' is carried on during; the months thai the smelt are in shalhiw waters. Wljen Hinelt move into deeper wateru, durin;; the winter months, netting operations are mainly with round haul and on . dance nf the smelt catch is composed of whitebait { Allnsimriis ntttn- iinliis^. and surf smelt [ llyjtonusus pr» liosius), members of the Osmer- II lac or true .smelt p:roup. From observations made during 11)31, it iK s.ife to say that throiiv:liout the year !K) per cent of the snielt laiuled at Monterey art> jack smelt. Tiie bay smelt may be ditTen'ntiated from the jack smelt by its Blijjhtly ileepcr body ; its lar;j:er .scales; the upper jaw projecting: slijjhtly over the lower jaw. whereas in the jack sm»'It both jaws are even; the back jMirtion of lii;liter color than that of the jack smelt ; the teeth being forked at the ba.se, tho.se of the jack smelt simple. Circle ^ill nettinj; for smelt in Monterey Hay is divided into two phases: the lar^e jack smelt phase and the bay smelt phiLse. Circle jrill iiettinLT for jack smelt may be termed a sprinjr and - "r fishery. It commences about April and usually runs into S«j .r or October. Durinir this period the larj;e jack smelt are in shallow water. AVith the movement of the jack smelt into ilee|M'r water in the winter months, this type of fishin«» ceases. Catches are then made with round haul and in a few ca.ses with rinj^ nets. (Jill nettitig of smelt, when po.ssible. is preferred to capturinj? by round haul or rinp nets. The wild nature of the smelt when fri<.rhteneil nuikes the latter nets hard to handle while beinir pulled in. With a i;ill net the proper sized tish are lulplossly ".rilled, i\\u\ the net easily hauleil in from one end. Circle <;ill nettinj; for bay smelt may be termed a winter fishery. Operations commence with the first appearance of the bay .smelt during * Contribution No. 120 from the California State Fisheries Laborator>'. Jai>u> ary. 1932. 3—93971 150 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME the latter part of October or the early part of November, and may run into January or February. However, the heaviest catches are made during the first month or so of the ' ' run. ' ' The catches then diminish and may be intermittent during the balance of the winter. The basic principle of circle gill netting for smelt is to surround a school of desirable smelt with a net of webbing of uniform mesh. Then, Fig. 32. A gill net laid out in a circle for smelt fishing-. Photo by J. B. Phillips, November, 1931. II Fig. 33. Process of frightening smelt into gilling themselves while circle of netting is being decreased in size. The common method of "scaring" is as shown in Figure 34. Photo by J. B. Phillips, November, 1931. as the smelt hover inside the circle with apparent uncertainty, they are frightened into gilling themselves by use of a "scare." The set is made in shallow water so that the lower edge of the net approaches bottom, thus preventing escape in that direction. CAUPORNIA riHII A.VD OAMC 151 III j,'fnrral. a trill m-l is n nTian^fuliir strip ni vv- =' r b«'t\vt'«'ii a cork liii»* at thf iipprr ri Hinallcr fi.sh. • A jfill net functions a.s fitlli»ws: Fisli tluit an* Mniall«T than ili-- iii.slics of the net \io through. Fish of a certain si/.e ran;;e an? not >m» lortniiate. In atteinpiiii^j to escape throii^'h the niivsh of the net, th»- tapcrintJ IhmuI of the fish allows it to make forward protfrcHH until the bulkier portion just back of the u'iil covers causes it to wedjje in •'• niesh. I'Miuliiiir that it can make no further forwarh in this si/.e-ran^'c ^'ills jack .smelt of nuiiidy 8 to 12 inches in lenj:th. The lar«;est jack smelt of about 16 inches lenjjth, will wei^h three-ciuarters of a pound each. However, there is more of a market demand for tlie metlium sized smelt of al>out eijrht inches len<;th and ruiinin;; about nine to the pound. So the tendency is to add mesh of the smaller size, when nuikinj; adtiitions or replacenuMits to a pill net. .lack smelt may be taken anywhere alonj; M(uiterey Hay. Sometimes the Monterey trill netters may journey tt> the tlats otT Capitola for their cafches. When the jack smelt nu»ve into (h'cper water, with the fall and winter months, this type of flshinj; ceases. Two men and a skill* ordinarily comjiose a circle pill net y^T'-w The net is pilcil on the stern of the skitT. When travelinp any distance, a motor-powered launcli is used for transportation, the actual fishinp beinp accomplished with the aid of the skitT. Durinp the 1931 seas4)n. one crew was able to supply most of the market «lemand. St)me s«»as4ms several crews operate. Most of the nettinp is ilone at nipht, while the moon is absent. The smelt are at this time located by the characteristic huninescence that they produce in the water. Tides are taken into eonsideration as fishermen find that smelt move iti with the tide. Oi'<-:\ sionally e;itelu>s are maile durinir dayliirht, l)ut this method is vnU i\hon\ a tliirtl as successful as the nipht fishinp. When a desirable sohl of snu^lt is located one nuin commences to pay out the net over the stern of the skitT while the other man rows in a circle. When the circle is completed there is an overlappinp of ends so as not to leave any openinp. Wliere the ends overlap the cork lines are fastened topether. The net now hangs in the water in the form of a cylinder; the buoyant property of the corks alonp the upper line keeps that edg« 152 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME of the net at the surface of the water, while the weight of the leads along the lower edge of the net stretches the rest of the net downwards in the water. The smelt, in the meantime, hover rather uncertainly inside the circle. They are frightened into hurriedly gilling themselves (if of proper size) by the splashing of a brick or rock in the water or by the . — ^ 'iC>c^ -„ '^ ' Fig. 34. The more common manner of scaring- smelt into hurriedly gilling them- selves. One man propels the skiff inside the circular wall of netting, while the other man repeatedly throws a brick or rock into the water. The "scare" is tied to one end of a rope so that it can be retrieved. Photo by J. B. Phillips, November, 1931. Pig. 35. Extricating bay smelt from a gill net that has been circled around a school of smelt. Photo by J. B. Phillips, November, 19 31. flashing of a light at or under the surface of the water. The "scaring" is done by one man while the other rows around inside the circle. The brick or rock scare is tied to one end of a small rope so that it can be retrieved and used repeatedly. Sometimes, when the smelt are close to the beach, the circle is left open in the direction of the beach. The CALironviA rwn and oamf. 153 jikifT, fliirinj; tin? "si'iirini;" \< '! '■ TliiM iii'"f hod is mnst rlTiTtivr if :■.■ i.,...;. ■■ 'I I with thf lift. AftiT thr Hinrit havr Imtu fi . I nolvfH, the iH't i.H pulh'tl into thf xkilT, Ktartin^ with our cud. the wiwlt 1 b«Mn(? cxtricntcil as it i.H broui;ht in (ill.I< NKTTINU run HAY SMKI.T (Sill luts ii.srd for Imy Him-It vnry from l.V) to 350 fpot in IcnR^th and ir» to 2.') feet in depth. The ni/e (»f the mesh \m>i\ in ordinarily 1 to 1| iiu'ht'S, strftchfd. This size of iiu'sh j;ills snp'It ; " a 4 to 6-in('h si/.f. which run ahoiit IH to the pound. For .. ...r-,! years the enlflifs of hay siin'lt for the Monterry m •' made almo.st entirely in Distriet Hi. In the IVnal ('s in a . .L-* ! Ji> IBB^HMiMBi^Wii»BM8M8aMiiMilM—afc=aM>^B—l Tig. 3(5. A lontT pill net bolnfr lUvltlod Into > I. The two smaller cirdea uro then work' ■■*, November, 1931. strnicrht line easterly to the eastern shore of Monterey Bay to a point north of the town of Seaside known as the 1st stake, a povernraent sur\»>y monument." The most suecfssful net tins; is just ofT of the Mcmterey sariiine canneries and the fresh tish markets. * All of the bay smelt nettimr is done in the daytime. Two men in a .vkitT compose n trill net crew. The net is piled on the stem of the skiff. ami eireliuir optM'ations are the same as those e\' ' ' 1 for '' -k smelt. In praetieally all eases, the smelt are eomj . : ... encin h the net and the ends fastened where they overlap. The fish ar .t^ tied into jjillinir themselves by the use of a brick or rock "scare. " One man rows the skitT around inside the circle, while the other man repeat- ''dly throws the weiijht into the water. Sometimes a lontr net is divided into two smaller circles after the initial large circle has been made, so as to facilitate "scaring" opera- tions. 154 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME A rare variation of the above netting performance is for one man to start drawing in the net from one end as soon as the circle has been completed, the other end being anchored to the skiff. As the net is being pulled in by one man, the other stands in the stern of the skiff into the water so as to prevent the smelt from and throws the "scare" Fig-. 37. Unloading' a catch of jack smelt at Monte- rey. The launch is used mainly for transporta- tion to and from the fishing grounds. The actual fishing is accomplished with the aid of one, and sometimes two, skiffs. Photo by J. B. Phillips, August, 1931. passing under the boat and to frighten them back into gilling themselves as the circle diminishes in size. A few days after the evident appearance of the bay smelt off Mon- terey, the catch by gill nets is about 90 per cent bay smelt and the balance mainly jack smelt. After the first month or so, the percentage of bay smelt in the catches decreases until their disappearance from the commercial catch about January or February. OAUrORKIA riHH AVD OAMC 156 About the tinif of tlu" app'-araiMT «jf thr Imy hii! '• ■• •' ciul catfli, lar^;t• catchrH of miiiuII jnrk Hiijflt. rall'-d " tlH'ir appearand'. Thi'M> urr Minclt that raiiK*' >» thr main from thn**- to four iru-hi's in h'li^'fli. and an* rau(;ht with hhwiII n ra IH'ts ill shallow water. Whereas th<' ••atehen «if hay ■=•• a.UT the lirst month or so of their appearam-)' in the ron ,,, the catches of "fryers" are eoiitiiiiioiis throii(;hoiit the winter monthn ((lependin)^' upon weather eontlitioiiM ) . K.xaniinalion of tit of "fryers" (luring' the \'Xl\ srason shownl Ihi-rn to Iw eontp*'-"'! ■•. jn-k gnielt in the nuiin. No hay smelt were foninl mixed in then** cati-heM. Often times, however, there are f<»und up to 'JO pi-r eent of Niniihir ni/rd sardines and (M'easionally smaMer amotintH of whitebait and surf Hinelt. oTm:» DiciJT oiiJ< NirrTiNi; in montkhky iiav As has Itrt-n mejitioned. tlif l)ay smelt phase seems to Im" ronfined entirely to Distriet Iti A leirislative enactment allows a «lrift (rill net BH the oidy type of n«'t * that j-an he us<'d for fishini; in this district, except that a round haul net or a |)urst' net nwiy he n.s«'d ojdy for the [impose t)!' ealeliin;,' stpiid. jinehovy and sardines. A set k'\\\ net is ditTerentiated from a drift jjill net, as follows: "A 't '/\]\ net is one that is made fast in any way and shall not Im« free to tirif'f with the tide or current, or a net so placed as to catch <\r ' nd tisli within a l)iLrhf. I)a\'. oi' cstiiat\' ji'j'.iin>^t flu- sliort- n|niii tl}.- tide." Drift irill nets, of about 4-inch mesh, are al.so us<'d in the taking; of various perches off the shallow rocky portions of tlie bt-ach in |)istri«'t IK. Two men in a skitT operate the net. Instea shore. (iill nets are also used in Monterey I^ay for the capturini; of kinp- lish. herring, white sea bass and halibut, but these nets arc more often in the nature of set jrill nets. UKFKHKNCKS I5i>imiit, I'iml. IIK'.O. The (':tlif<>rnia wliiti-tooi tisluTV. Ciil. h'lsh nml iJaiiir, vul. 10, no. 2, |»|». i;U> VM. I lark. Kranops N. lOL'S. Tlip .snielt.s of thr Snn PtMlro wlioliwilo fisli mnrkols. ('«!. Fi«lj aiid (iaiiir. vol. 14. no. 1. pp. 1« '2\. IJVJ'.I. Ttio life-liistory of tho ruliforniii jack >iinrll. \lhTn10p9it raliformirmtiM. ("al. I>iv. Fi«*h (wim#». Fish Bull., no. !»'., T2 p.. V2 f\K*. Walford, Lionel A. UVU. llaiidhook of conunun commcrcinl and Ranip fisthon of ralif<>rni:i. i'a]. Dir. Fi.sh Game, Fi,«M whirh niiiy ^i^^c the form of sprny.s or ihiMt.s. applii^l diroctly to tin* foliaKC, or may hti «'ITc«'tivi' tliroii^'ii mt-rfly Ix-in;? plii 1 in tlw pr 'v of th«' ' 'f pln?it Mil' tn !)«' protrctrjj. Tix" siTontl cla.ss is i uli-tl l»y ti. makers and of her contrivant't-s wliifli arc rale: to friu'liti-n wliicli approach tlinn. It is not Hiifllrirnt that a n'pi'llrnt \h' • In addition it mnst be n-asonahlt' in prii'c. easily and . dijrester tankairt* and jrroimd hone meal. lUoud has been employed sueeesstiiHy as a spray for the proteotion of yonnir cherry treos in the II. (Jansbertrer and neiirhborini; orehardn •situated in I'alomares Canyon, between Dublin and Ilayward. .\" 'i County. Fresh warm blood was obtained from a neiu'hborintr sl...._. • r house, plaeed in containers ami stirred until cool. After the .stirring process all coajrulated material was removed and the containers were placed in the siin until their contents had become more or ' posi>d. An i^pial Volume of water was then added and the e\i. -i.. .wi.u' mixture was sprayed on the folia^'i- of the youiu; cherry trees by means of an ordinary knapsack sprayer. If the a|)plication was repeated at intervals of from one to two weeks, this method resulted in almost 100 per cent control. Knirs dippee renewed too fre(|uently to be practical. In no case has the blood treatment been as cfTective as when used as a spray, aceordint; to the method outlined above. The use of blood as a repellent is, unfortu- nately, limited by the supjdy. There are few cases where that material may be (obtained in amounts lartrc enough to control deer damage over an area of any size. Ulood meal, ground meat .scrap and digester tankage are all - niployed in a similar manner and. if frequently applied, will afford a considerable degree of protection, i. e.. from ;'iO to 100 per cent. These substances may be useil in the dry condition or mixed with water. In the first case the material is merely sprinkled on the foliage. The wet mixture is best applied by throwing it on the foliage with a whitewash bru*;]! or whisk broom. Since it is necessary to repeat the npv' * n of the above substances at intervals of a few days, they are not { : :il for use on large acreages. If used in an ornamental garden they have the disadvantage of being unsightly. Mr. J. A. Winkleman. Placer- ville. reports that blood meal, mixed with water and allowed to putrefy, 158 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME bas given good results in some places in El Dorado County. Meat scrap has been effective in the protection of young apple trees on the ranch of Mr. F. C. Clarke, Laytonville, Mendocino County. The best type of meat scrap is that which possesses a putrid odor and may usually be obtained from the small-town butcher. It is much more satisfactory than the ordinary commercial grades which often lack that necessary quality. Bone meal was recommended to the author as an excellent repellent but has proved to be almost without value, both in the dry condition and mixed with water. It is almost without odor and, the particles being extremely fine, is readily blown away. Current prices for the above materials per cwt. are : ground blood meal $2.75, ground meat scrap (commercial) $2, digester tankage $1.50, and ground bone meal $1.50. No prices are quoted for whole blood. D4 In July, 1930, Bulletin Number 1, of the New Hampshire Depart- ment of Fisheries and Game, was received by the author. The bulletin was in the nature of a progress report dealing with D4, a proprietary spray for deer damage control that had been used in New Hampshire with considerable success. A supply of D4 was obtained for trial under California conditions. D4 is applied as a water solution, one part of the former being mixed with sixteen parts of the latter. Nothing has been divulged concerning its composition. It is distributed by the Merrimac Farmers' Exchange, Concord, New Hampshire. The retail price is $2.50 per gallon f.o.b. Concord. Experimental work with D4 was begun on January 29, 1931, at Ross, Marin County, California. On that date two adjacent rose gardens on Southwood Avenue were sprayed with the repellent. On February 5th two gardens directly across the street were similarly treated. The spraying was done with a 2^ gallon pressure sprayer of the type commonly used in the control of insect pests. Inspections at intervals of one week were made throughout the course of the experi- ment, which was terminated on April 18, 1931. At the time of the first application of D4 the leaf buds were just opening and the work was continued until the roses were in full bloom. At each inspection the gardens were carefully examined for evidence of damage and for the tracks of deer. Only twice were tracks observed and only once, on April 10th, were there any signs of damage. On that day it was observed that two shoots had been taken from one rose bush. The gardens were sprayed four times during the experiment. It was deemed necessary to repeat the applications because of the rapid growth of the plants with continual production of new foliage. There were also several showers of rain which, it was feared, might have washed the repellent from the plants. The results of this experiment would seem to indicate that D4 had successfully protected the rose gardens from deer damage, since, dur- ing the corresponding period in 1930 the rose bushes had been com- pletely defoliated. Also, during the course of the experiment, rose gardens in the immediate vicinity of those treated had suffered con- siderable injury. On the other hand, the almost complete absence of deer tracks in the gardens indicates that D4 did not receive a thorough trial, for it is inconceivable that a repellent of that nature would keep CAIJFORNIA riHll AND OAMi: 159 dcjT entirely out of the arenji over whieh it had U-i-ii a; of year must nl.s<» be taki-n into " l>ii' nionthM thert* Im an ahmulance . . .. .. ; . . .iu'e in uikI, (•oii.se(|iu-iitly, lierr are not drivm to eullivaf later in the snninier when the wihl foraije haM Iwcome (lr\ On May fi, 1931, a prune orehanl helonjjint? to Mr \V. K. 1 rmtt, iJuiiny I)(H.Ii District, Santa Crn/. County, w -rayra v :•» tu ti,„ ten Jiere on liaiti is houmhd hy a roatl on oir , by al- yard and pasture hind on another, and by wild lan;j:ed trees. On May *J7th it was found that a numi s had been injured. The latter inspection was nui'!- insi i. rain of two days duration. The orehanl was h full of tracks. Whether the injury had been done before or after the ram iiid not be determined. The trees were resprayed on May 27th. the iiees danmired since May .')th beinj: ta^'j.'cd. (Jn .June I'Jth the orchard was visited for the lourtli time and it was noteil that nearly all of the Rmall trees had been nibbled, and lower braiiehes of the larper trees, in the west end of the ordiard. had been partially tiefoliated. There had been rain on the 'ith v\' .lune. The orehard was sprayed a^ain on that tiay. Att«'r June I'Jth the damaj;e became »'ontinU(»us and by the »'nd of the month all of th«' snudler trees had been almost com- pletely ilenudeil of leaves. No furthei- applications of 1)4 were made. Diirini: the early part of Novnidier, l!>.{(). a supply of 1)4 was sent ;.. K. .\. lirowne, Castella. Shasta County, in order that it mii;hl be Hiven a trial with reference to the protection of a strawberry planta- tion that had been ilamaired extensively by dt'er. The spray was first applied on November '20. 1!K!(), and was ap|>arently effective for a period of one month. At the end of the month winter snows set in and nunle further applications not only impossible but unnecessary. Sixteen jrallons of the spray were required to cover sliirhtly 1 n one-half acre of strawberry plants Mr. lirowne reporteil thai autinjj the month followint; the application of the spray deer had entered the plot but had done no feedins;. The only damaj;e consisted in the breakini; of the runners from some of the plants by deer walking between the rows. Duriuir the summer of IH-'U the strawberry- plants were sprayed aizain and witliin two weeks sever.nl deer rnn>?iiin.d 'he entire crop. G. JIaneardi. Laurel. Santa Cruz County, used L)4 on young prune trees and reported serious injury by deer after a period of three to four days. E. D. Kodijers. Swanton. Santa Cruz County, found that deer regardeil iiladiolus buds as palatable at from four to six days after treatment with the spray. 160 CALIFORNIA PISH AND GAME From the experimental data concerning D4, we may draw the conclusion that that material is not an effective repellent mider Cali- fornia conditions. Although it is reasonably effective during the winter and early spring months when green wild forage is available or when untreated crops are in the immediate vicinity of crops that have been sprayed, it has little repellent effect during the dry summer months when deer are forced to resort to cultivated crops for succulent food. WHALE OIL SOAP LIQUOR CRESOLIS COMPOUND A spray composed of liquid whale oil soap and liquor cresolis compound (surgical) has been used with good results for the protec- tion of vineyards. Early in the course of this investigation, the author observed that whale oil soap had, for a short period, a decided repellent effect. After some experimenting it was found that this repellent effect was increased and lasted for a longer period of time upon the addition of a small amount of liquor cresolis compound (surgical). The proportions used were five gallons of liquid whale oil soap and two quarts of liquor cresolis compound to one hundred gallons of water. On the basis of ten gallons of water, two quarts of the whale oil soap and fourteen tablespoonfuls of liquor cresolis compound should be used. On June 1, 1930, the vineyards of Mr. G. Gaudino and F. Caldera, Atlas, Napa County, were sprayed with this material. The vineyards, comprising some twenty-five acres in all, are isolated and completely surrounded by wild land except where they adjoin each other. Both had been damaged considerably bj^ deer. The spray program involved the spraying of a strip six vines wide around the vineyards with the exception of one block of 650 newly grafted vines in the Gaudino Adneyard. In the case of the latter all the vines were sprayed. A fifty gallon barrel mounted on a horse drawn sled and supplied with a hand pump was used to apply the spray. Although the vines had been injured to quite an extent during the early part of the season, the deer left the vineyards strictly alone until the 21st day of June when a few vines in an isolated corner of the Gaudino vineyard were dam- aged. The vineyards were sprayed again on June 26th. This second application was effective until the second day of August. At this time it was deemed inadvisable to continue with the spraying since further use of a liquid spray might have resulted in injury to the grapes, which were rapidly maturing. The owners of the vineyards were satisfied with the use of the spray. During the months of June and July the vines had become full grown and consequently less pala- table to the deer. After the cessation of spraying the only damage done was the nibbling of the ends of some runners and a few bunches of grapes. During the month of October, 1930, a visit was paid to the vine- yard of Mr. W. R. Depew, Bonny Doon District, Santa Cruz County. It was found that the vineyard had been almost completely defoliated by deer. The vineyard had been similarly damaged in 1929 and to a less extent in 1928, the first year that the condition had become notice- able. It was estimated that deer had destroyed eighty-five per cent of the 1930 crop. The four acre vineyard is bounded on two sides by apple orchard and on the other two by wild land. CAUrORN'IA ri8II AND OAME 161 III the Mprink' of I'J.'ll. juMt prior to the (frowiiii? neamn, the owner of the viiH'.VHrd wjim mipplifil with n •luantity of whale oil Map and liquor {•rt'.solJM coinpouml ami was i '••«1 to ' ut th»' first si^rti of di-cr tlaiimmv Ti.- ...^i «pr ■ uftiTiioon of th<' '2'>\\\ ami th.- inorniiik' of th- "X ifallnijM of spray were used. Th««n» was no furtlwr r spray applications diiriii;; thf ninaiml.r of thr srason sinn? the owner as iu'sitaiit with rejrard to. the uso of n liquid spray on the vim's while tlif huuchfs of irrapcs Wfn« maturini». niirinir the " ' i? from March LMi to June 1. VXil. Icvs than t\\-- re injured and thcsr not seriously. Fresh iicrr tm dd In- s.-i-n in the vineyard at any tinuv The vines wen* in excellent eondition and showed no sij;ns of injury tliat mi^'ht hav«' heen atf- ' ' to th«» spray. Since furtlier use of a liquid repellent was impr.i another mctlmd was resiwteil to that successfully protected the vineyaril for tiie renuiinder of the .season. The nature «)f that method will be diii- eussed inidcr another headimr. Tiie cost of materials for the protec- tion of the viiu'yard for the periotl mentioned was $"J .'54 per acre for iiuiterials. Three days lal)or hy two men was required for the three applications. The spray was njjplied hy means of a KKJ gallon orchard spray machine. The whale oil s()a|)-liquor cresolis spray was used m an allempi 'M protect tjladioli at the nursery of K. 1). Kodp-rs. Swanton. Santa I ru/ County, and was etTective for jieriods varyin^r from six days to two weeks. The author attempted to prevent deer injury to the vine- yard of (5. Lucliesi. Yountville, Napa County, with the .siime spray. The results of that experiment were di.sastrou.s. Due can not spray a tifteen acre vineyanl with a two and a half «jrallon spray pun and keep ahead of the deer and the weather. Since, iu the case of vineyards, the critical periml is iluriuj; the early part of the pri'owiuj^ .season, the whah* oil soap-litpior cresolis eompouiid spray may he rcconimcndeil for use at that time. It has been found that if a vineyard is atTorded protection durinjr this critical l>eriod the daiiuiire later in the season will he sli;;ht in nu»st instances. Deer do not liiid old foliaire nearly so palataMe as the temler shoot.s of the tirst spring «;rowth. This spray shouKl not be used on trees as it will burn the foliaj^e. If u.seil in the reconinuMuletl pro{>ortioii8. however, there will be absolutely no burnin;; of ^rape vines Liipiid whale oil soap may be obtained from any spray tlealer ami lit|Uor cresolis conjpound (^siirjjical) from any druirizist. Michel and Telton. Kmoryville. California, quote the foUowinjf prices for the above materials: whale oil soap (liquid), fifty-tive gallon drums. $0.55 gal.; five Lrallon cans. $;>.r)0; one jjallon cans. $1; liqm^r cresolis com- pound t^surirical). thirty fjallon tlrunis $l.oO pal.; tive pallon cans. $1.(.)5 gal.; one gallon cans. $1.80. Five gallon cans containing whale 162 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME oil soap and liquor cresolis compound already mixed may be obtained from the same concern $4.25 per can. NAPHTHALENE FLAKES Naphthalene flakes have proved to be an effective repellent for the protection of young orchard trees. The naphthalene method has been employed in various orchards throughout the 1930 and 1931 seasons and has resulted in from ninety-five to one hundred per cent control. In preparing naphthalene flakes for use, two tablespoonf uls are placed in a piece of white muslin about eight inches square. The corners of the cloth are then tied together to form a small bag. One of these bags is hung in each tree to be protected about three feet from the ground. In the humid coastal region one treatment lasts for approximately^ two months. Where atmospheric moisture is low the treatment must be renewed as often as once a month. Successive treatments must over- lap, that is, a fresh supply of the repellent must be put on before the material used for the preceding treatment has completely evapo- rated. In the case of trees over two or three years old it is wise to increase the number of bags to two or three per tree, depending on their size. Naphthalene flakes were used in the protection of young prune trees in the orchard of Mr. J. Haub, Geyserville, Sonoma County, dur- ing the summer of 1931. Prior to treatment with naphthalene a number of the trees in this orchard had been injured to quite an extent. Naphthalene bags were put out and a smooth circle was raked around the base of each treated tree. Although deer tracks were frequently observed on the raked areas, no further damage was done throughout the remainder of the season. Control, in this instance, was 100 per cent. In November, 1930, the Thornhill Broome Estate, Oxnard, Ventura County, found itself faced with a serious deer damage problem. Deer were rapidly making away with a newly planted orange grove. Naph- thalene flakes were recommended and, at once, 1700 trees were treated. The naphthalene was placed in small sugar sacks obtained from a nearby refinery and was in the form of moth balls rather than flakes but, in principle, the method was correct. On February 30, 1931, Game Warden R. E. Bedwell, Ventura, reported that deer damage control in the Broome orange grove had been 100 per cent. On May 4, 1931, young apple trees in the orchards of Mr. Harry Baker, Mr. William Ryder, and Mr Glenn Spencer, Aptos, Santa Cruz County, were treated with naphthalene flakes. The Ryder orchard, the most open to attack, suffered only a slight amount of damage throughout the rest of the summer, about five per cent. In the Baker orchard injury to treated trees was negligible. A number of trees in this orchard were left untreated and these were destroyed. The Spencer orchard remained undamaged until the latter part of June when the owner neglected to renew the supply of naphthalene which, by that time, had evaporated. A large proportion of the young trees were then destroyed. The Ryder and Baker orchards were treated three times, at intervals of approximate! }■ two months, during the season. It is significant that in the three Santa Cruz County orchards considered here, the rearing of young trees had been regarded as impossible due to the certaintj^ of their destruction bj^ deer. Mr. Ryder lost almost n CAUrOR.VIA rttLB AND GAME 163 tiitin* plant iiit^M for ut IruMt tlirw yi-an* l>«?foro iiaphlhalene .1 With tin? aiivent of Uw luiplittuilcnc troatiniMit the ownom of the hauls w«M(' ahlf to hriiijj yoiinK trtM-n throiiKh the 1931 netuum ,u.('«'.s.sriilly. NaphtliahMii" llakr.H may bo ohtniiu'tl in fifty pouiul lotn for ♦<) 11 I . r pound. In sinallrr anioiintM thr prirf will vary from $<).15 to $<) 20 [mt pounil. Kvrn at tin* lattt-r priff. hoWfVtT, tin* tnwitnuMil in r 'Iv iufxpt-nsiviv I'sini^ one ha^j In vtwh ♦?■ iw pound will f' i • ' "^ . ASAKitKTIDA (luni asafoctiila may l)<> (Muployi'd in the huiuo manner as that omnnMulfd for naphthalfiH' llaki's, a \uovv of th«» .soft u'um alxfUt the • of a ^.'olf l)all hi'iuv: placi'd in farh hajr. Althouu'h a.saf ■ ' ■ has I boi-n as clTi't'livc as naphtlialfiH', it has the advantajje of ; for lontfiM- time. The mat(>rial is rtTrrtivt* as lon^r as it rrmains in a soft ulitiuH l)Ut when it heconu's hanl. tin* o«lor is lost and it i: ii'Wfd. In Santa Cru/ County on«" application proved to !■ lit for an entire suninirr. In northern Sunnnia County tin* a*ii t tx'.anir hard and worthless in about throe nmnths. Gum usafoetida 48 $()•>*.'> |)rr pound in fifty pouml lots. One pound will treat twelve ! II 'es. rUKOSOTK ('reosotr ami iTeosotc dips have been wid«'ly ust-d for the purp. Duud'Ti.. Lakeport, Lake County, evolvetl a 111. "t hod w hereby creo.sote beeom'i's nitu'e i-lTeetive. particularly in the ease orcharils. Heavy w()<»len material (old blankets, overcoats, etc.) is It into pieces ten to twelvt' inches sipnire. Each piece is then rolled into liirht ball and secured with a picee of hay wire. The balls are then uked in creosote or sheep ilip until they beeome thorou^'hly .siiturat«il. • Mie is then \\m\\i on each tree in such a nuinner that none of the liquiil will ci»me in contract with the tree ami injure it throu;rh burning;. The balls of cloth nnist be re«lipped at intervals of from two to three weeks. The fact that the pieces of cloth are rolled into balls cuts ilowu evaporation and is the basis for the success of the Dondero metlKnl. The method has been responsible for almost one hundred per cent control in s»>veral Lake and \ai>a County orchards. It is primarily il- -■• > 1 fi»r orchard iiroteclion. lieiu'.r iiiueh less etYective in the case • yards and gardens. Airricultural Commissioner J. A. Winkleman. IMaeerville. El Dorado County, has outlined a metluxl of usini; creosote that has been employed successful! v bv some of the orchardists in El Dorado Count v. In prin- ciple, it is identical with the Dondero method. Small pieces of wood about the size of playinjr cards are dipped in creosote and suspended in youns:: trees by means of wire. The chips are reilipped about twice a month. Creosote costs 50 cents per gallon iu 50-gallou drums. < I a ■i 164 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME slutman's formula It will be remembered that, in connection witb the use of whale oil soap and liquor cresolis compound in protecting the "W. R. Depew vineyard, Santa Cruz County, another repellent was used after further use of the liquid spray was considered unsafe. The repellent that was used is the inA^ention of Mr. William Slutman, La Canada, Los Angeles County, and was used by him in the successful prevention of deer damage to his vineyard during the 1931 season. Mr. Slutman allowed the author to use the dust under the condition that the formula be not divulged. Consequently nothing can be said here concerning the nature and composition of the repellent. Mr. Slutman has been busy perfect- ing his concoction and expects to place it on the market, where it will be available to those who wish to make use of it for deer damage control. SCARING DEVICES Scaring devices of many kinds have been widely used in an effort to prevent deer damage. Such devices, while serving as deterrents for a short time, have been ineffective as long-time control measures. Deer invariably become accustomed to them. Probably the most striking instance of this is the automatic flash gun. The automatic flash gun is a contrivance especially designed to frighten wild animals and birds. The machine is operated by carbide gas and is so arranged that the gas explodes at intervals of from two to ten minutes. The explosion may be compared with the report of a .30 caliber rifle. In addition to the periodic explosions, the pilot burner throws a beam of light. The machine is hung from a tripod and, at the point of attachment, is fitted with a swivel. 'As the gun swings about in the wind the beam of light is thrown in all directions. An automatic flash gun was put into operation at the nursery of Mr. E. D. Eodgers, Santa Cruz County. The deer were naturally consid- erably frightened at first biit after the machine had been in use for about a week they could be seen feeding in its light, merely raising their heads in mild annoyance at the sound of each explosion. Scarecrows resembling humans have been used extensively with little or no effect. Strips of white cloth or pieces of bright tin strung on lines are seldom of value for more than a few days, a week at the most. The discharge of firearms may frighten deer at first but, like' the automatic flash gun, effects no permanent cure. One farmer hung kerosene lanterns at various points in his vineyard. When questioned as to the success of the method he remarked that the deer seemed to appreciate his efforts in their behalf. He had merely provided them with light by which to feed. Lake County farmers who tried the same method in alfalfa fields came to the same conclusion. Many have tried the effect of bird shot upon hungry deer but find that, though the deer leave their nocturnal repast at the time of the bombardment, they usually return to the feast within an hour or two. The control accomplished by this method has not been sufficient to war- rant the expenditure of ammunition and the loss of sleep that it necessi- tates. Dogs have been used with varying degrees of success depending on the type of dog that the landowner happens to have in his possession. Hounds have been generally unsuccessful since they take one deer out CALironS'lA PIHII AND OAMK 165 roxK thi' country Iravinj; the rc«t tofontinuc with the work of d«ilruc- 111. The inon^'rrl MhrphiMil, harkint; at aiiythiii(? and (•ver^thin^ will (Icrr away until Iw ^tIm tir«'<| of the npurt. In .J., of (loy has h«'rn n-niaikably i-tTiTtivc Th«- '•■•-' •ii tin* author's attention was oni' that ronlin h •oinul his owner's vineyanl jlurinj; the »'r of conditions. Such fa«'tors as t«'mperature, i.. . the number of deer in the neij»hborhooil, and the n-lation of the property wild laiul all have their etTect. The combinatitui of such factors in ly one place will often be the decidinj; factor in determinir' - -i •»'■ -r : not a repellent will jrive satisfactory results aiul to wi \ method that has bei'ii hi^jhly successful uniler ore |?iven set of condi- •ns may prove entirely worthless under aiu)ther. hi coiu'lusioii it may be stated, that while the itieal n* ' ^ nut been found, there are nuiterials that will ^jrcatly reiluce ' ;it : ileer dama«,'e. Whether or not any of the repellents herein desi'ribed lie used is, of course, up to the individual farmer. In tho.se ca.s««s w I he amount of (h'er dania«;e is small, the expense connectetl with th«- ii»- "t" r»>pcllents, thou;.'li not threat, willprobably not be justiticd. In ijises where tleer are causing: real lo.sses, however, the Siivinj? aeeomplishetl iliroui;h the use of repellents will more than counterbalance the cost of 'Utrol. COOKING AND CLEANING LOSSES IN CANNING TUNA By D. TI. Frt. Jr, THIS WOKIv was carried out to learn how much wei;»ht tuna.s lose at ilitlVrent staj^es in tlu' caiuiiuLr privess. The amount lost in cleaning is of interest to statistical workei-s who freqn-""'^- '' 've to eonvert cloaneil weiirht into round weiirht ; while law » it ofllcers have to be sure that the cleaned fish in canneries were not under the le;j:al weiirht limit when roiuul. liesides this, cannery officials like to know when the loss at any one step in the CAUiung process becomes excessive. 'Contribution No. 121 from the California State Fisheries I.Alraratory. Januar)*. 1933. 4—93971 166 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME When tunas are taken to a cannery, they are first weighed then given to cleaners, who remove the entrails. The next process is to steam-cook the fish for a length of time, which varies with species, size, fatness, etc., then they are allowed to cool, and sometimes to stand an extra day. After this the head, skin, dark meat, fins, and bones are removed, leaving nothing except white meat which is then sliced and l^laced in cans with a little oil and salt. The first load examined consisted of iced yellowfin tuna from Mexico. Sixty of these fish, ranging in weight from six to twenty pounds, were taken from the cannery floor a few at a time, weighed, placed on a cleaning table and reweighed after they had been given the preliminary cleaning by regular cannery workers in the routine manner.^ The fish examined were then placed on trays and steam-cooked in the standard way. The rack containing the trays was marked and each tray numbered to make it easy to keep track of the fish and to reweigh each one after cooking. To get the weight accurately it was frequently necessary to make use of the theorum, "the whole is equal to the sum of all of its parts. ' ' In other words, the fish Avere much inclined to lose outlying portions of their anatomies as they were removed from the trays. The length of time the yellowfin were cooked was not ascer- tained, but was the same for all — a condition which would not be likely to occur ordinarily as larger fish are usually cooked longer. One hundred and three skipjack were treated similarly. These fish were also from Mexico and had been on ice for ten days. Cooking in this case was for three hours at 220 degrees Fahrenheit. The rack was weighed ten hours after cooking and again twenty-four hours after that to ascertain the loss on standing. After the second weighing of the rack the individual fish were weighed and returned to the rack. They were then taken to the cleaning room and given to two regular employees of the cannery who removed skin, dark meat, bones, and in fact everything but the white meat which goes into the can. The white meat of each fish was weighed separately. In examining the figures it should be borne in mind that they are the result of only one run of fish of each kind, that differences in the technique of the cleaners, length of cooking time, temperature used, fatness of the fish, and so forth, will each undoubtedly make some slight difference. Just how much could not be determined without an exhaus- tive series of tests. The figures therefore do not claim to be more than an approximation. „ ,, „ Per cent of Per cent of leiiownn round uwic/ht round weight Yellowfin tuna (6 to 20-pouncl fish) : lost remaining Preliminary cleaning 7.5 92.5 Preliminary cleaning plus cooking after about 10 hours standing 36.0 64.0 Skipjack (3i to lOJ-pound fish): Preliminary cleaning 7.0 93.0 Preliminary cleaning plus cooking after about 10 hours standing 34.0 66.0 Preliminary cleaning plus cooking loss after about 34 hours standing 35.0 65.0 Total loss after final cleaning had removed everything but white meat 69.0 31.0 2 To carry out this preliminary cleaning the worker makes a small, lengthwise slit in the body cavity, then while reaching in and grasping the viscera with one hand, cuts them loose from the head with the other ; a heave then slides the fish on its way and removes the viscera. The process takes less than five seconds. The fish are then rinsed and placed in the cooking racks. CALrrOK.MA H.HII AND OAME 167 I'liis tublr (fivtfi tlu> total 1<>hm up to unci iiirluiliiiK each ittrp mm- tii.iuMi. l*frrent«i»«' of roinul wi-iulit lont at riwU utrp can be .sul)fifictinK' tin- loH-H ii|) t(» ami itirliitliiit; tlu* /iff it • ■ i'x'luiliMK' till" .stajje in nufHiion; for ••xaiiipl*', tin- ., ■ mflintr is .'If) pi?r ciMit Iohh .11 per cent lruvi»»i a rrHiiit of 1 iH*r cent of iiiiiiiij vvi'ii^'lit. rKKMMI.VAUY ChKANINU U)>« I'rrliiiiiiinry clraiiinj; Utsn appcarn to Im* al»ouf tin* Hii»lit than a lar^T oru*. This i-. explained hy the faet that tin- steam does not havr to p«'n«'trjit«- a^ : ii in a sjuall Hsh and eonsequently e(H)ks it more thoroughly in a tfivi-n len}?th of tiiMf. The skipjaek sample under dist-ussion wouhl indi that foiii pound fish lose on tin* averair«' ahont 1 or U per cent un>i'- than tM<;ht -pound lisli ( / » , 1 11 |i.r i'ctu of i-oiuid wfitjht). LOSS ON STANDING A load of skipjaik which, wln-n round, had wei>;hrd Vt'2'2 pounds lOHt about sevi'ii pounds after st-nidin-; an extra 24 hours, i.e., about 1 per eent (the larj,'i' platform scales used for this wei^'hinj; would fi"i cheek themselves within a pound). TOTAL LOSS IXCLrDIXO FINAI- CLE-VNINO Here aijain the percenta<;o loss is jjreater for small fish. In this case the dilTcrence seems to he about tin* same as that caused by the COokinjr (1 li per cent). IMdbably about half of this is due to ci< parts (if the tish, such as tin- lu'ad, dark meat, tins, etc., may lo.se nearly all that they are poinj; to in the first part of the eookinp. and that Irom then on the largest part of the h)ss is sustained by the white III. at This of course would invalidate the statement made al)ove. As nientioneil at the beirinninjr of the article the tiiial cleaninjr was done by two workers. They happenctl to be quite different in technique and in the amount of white meat they retained. One worker in scrap- ing ofY skin, dark meat, clotted blooil. etc.. retained white meat to the extent of '.V2 per cent of the rouiul weijrht of the tish. This ojM^rator used lonir strokes of the knife and rarely went over the same pround more than once. The other worker was inclined to l>e more fussy and scraped with sliort strokes, quite frequently over the same ground. She retained wiiite meat to the extent of only 28 per cent of the original weight. The ditTerence would amount to about SO pounds of 168 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME! 1 canned tuna per ton of fish. The worker who used long strokes, in addition to retaining a higher percentage of white meat, was able to clean about sixty fish while the other was doing twenty-six. If the differences in the method of cleaning consistently produce this result, it would certainly be worth the while of the canners to teach the workers to use the more efficient method. We have no way of knowing if this would prove to be the case. Only two workers were tested and the differences in skill of these two might mean far more tiian the differences in method. I wish to thank Richard S. Croker of the California State Fisheries Laboratory for his assistance, and the officials and employees of the local (Los Angeles harbor district) tuna canneries for their coopera- tion in this work. A SIMPLE METHOD OF AGE DETERMINATION OF STRIPED BASS H By Eugene C. Scofield OW OLD was that striped bass which you caught several years ago? Find the record, get its length, then refer to figure 1. This chart offers a simple method by which you can obtain the age of any female striped bass between the lengths of 1 and 48 inches. Comparatively recent research on the life history of the bass (E. C. Scofield, Cal. Div. Fish and Game, Fish Bull. No. 29, 1931) has enabled the author to establish very definitelj^ the age, rate of growth and the weight-length of this species. However, due to the lack of sufficient data there has been some uncertainty as to the accuracy of material exceeding 30 inches in length. Through the courtesy of various vSportsmen of California there have now been gathered data from about 200 female bass, all of record size, or exceeding 30 inches in length. These data have made possible the completion of the age- length, and length-weight curves as presented in figure 38. The chart not only shows the age of a female striped bass of a given length, but it also presents a few other facts of general interest. Observ'e the age-length curve, perhaps more commonly called the growth curve. It will be seen that a striper grows much faster in its earlier life than later when it is eight or nine years old. For example, it grows 6 inches during its second year, while during its eleventh year it grows but 2 inches. In its twentieth year it only grows 1 inch. Xow turn to the length-weight curve. The order is here reversed and we find that as a bass grows it takes on more and more weight in relation to its increase in length. Until a bass reaches a length of 12 inches it is less than one pound in weight. When it is 36 inches long it weighs about 19 pounds. However, when it is 51 inches it is 53 pounds in weight. Referring back to the age-length curve once more, we can observe that when a bass has reached the ripe old age of twenty years she is still growing considerably since there is no indication of a tapering off CAUFORN'IA riHI! AND OAMK 169 FIr. 3S. In the iibovc chart the age-lengrth rMrv<« represents the annn»l ln( In Icni^th of fomalo strlp'^l bass betw- and twenty yearn Th« lonRth-wolBht curve roprosents the pr .ite Increase In we. ■■ the Increase In UnKth of foniales. To detorniiinj the are of your female Lam locate Its total lenKih In Inches on the vertical scale to the left From this point trace across horlrontally until the line Intersects the ap- atre of your bass will then be the number directly ab*v. only the welRht Is known then locate the welpbt of your 1 scale at the bottom. Trace up vertically until the line '■ welpht curve. Then trace to the right, horliontally. until i:.e line Intcrs-cts the avre-lenKth curve. Read the numt>cr directly at)0%e on the curve. This will be the age of your fish. curve. The o curve. If ,. ' -\T -'al ::■•- ■• ■ .:'h- 170 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME in the curve. It is evident, therefore, that there are a few bass linger- ing in deep holes which have an excellent record of 25 to 30 years behind them. From a reliable source has come the statement that the record striper from the east coast was well over 100 pounds in weight M^hich would undoubtedly class it as 30 to 35 years or more. HOW TO AGE YOUR BASS BY THE CHART In order to age your striped bass by using the chart, all you need know is either the length or weight of the fish. The length is pre- ferred since it is more constant. Assume that your fish is 36 inches long. Locate 36 inches on the vertical scale to the left, then trace across horizontally until the line intersects the age-length curve. Since it intersects at a trifle above 11, the fish is in its twelfth year. Now assume that the length of this fish was unknown, but its weight was 19 pounds. Locate 19 pounds on the horizontal scale at the bottom, then trace up vertically until the line intersects the length- Aveight curve. From the point of intersection trace vertically to the right until the line intersects the age-length curve. The result is 11 plus, or the fish is in its twelfth year. One can expect to use this scale with a fair amount of accuracy. Among bass over 36 inches in length there is a great deal of variation in age-lengths. Below 36 inches the age variations in respect to length are greatly minimized. Because of this condition it can be said that the chart can be used very accurately in age determinations of fish less than 36 inches in length, but, one can expect a certain amount of error in aging bass more than 36 inches. For accurate age determina- tion of very large bass it is requested that the scales, along with the length, weight, sex, date and locality, be sent to the author in care of the Division of Fish and Game, Bureau of Commercial Fisheries, San Francisco. THE PRESENT STATUS OF THE PISMO CLAM Tivela stultorum^ By Frances N. Clakk ORIGINAL DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE WHEN the first settlers came to California, they found on all the exposed sandy beaches of southern California a great abundance of exceptionally thick shelled clams, which in these later years are known to everyone as Pismo clams. These clams have been taken as far northward as Half Moon Bay, just south of San Francisco, and are reported from this point southward along the coast of southern California and Lower California to Socorro Island. Their exceptionally thick shell fits them for a life in the sand con- stantly exposed to the heavy beat of the surf and it is only on such open beaches that the Pismo clam thrives. ber, ^^gjo^t^^'^ution No. 115 from the California State Fisheries Laboratory, Decern- CALirORNiA ri«II ANt» OAMK 171 'Ig. 39. rismo clam. Tircia ntultorum. 1. Kxtorior v; a ■-•: -.v.: . liidicatiiic: that the clani was in Its fourth year u ';■•:•. • .k- ■ (From Calif. Fish and Game Comm., Fish Bull., no. 4, pi. 6.; 172 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME Stories of the abundance of these clams in the early days tax the credulity of the present generation of clammers frequenting these same beaches. At low tide the beaches were reported as "paved" with clams and in various localities, notably Pismo and Long Beach, the farmers are reputed to have plowed the clams out and used them as hog and chicken feed and for fertilizer. This tremendous abundance persisted in some measure at least on Pismo Beach as late as 1919 as is attested by figure 40. In this view of a portion of Pismo Beach at low tide in the fall of 1919, every mound and pit represents a clam. In addition Fig-. 40. Pismo Beach at low tide in 1919. Each mound and pit represents a Pismo clam. (From Calif. Fish and Game Comm., Fish Bull., no. 7, fig-. 15.) other clams which do not show in the picture were present deeper m the sand. HISTORY OF LEGISLATION Before 1919, Pismo clams had become scarce on the more southerly beaches, notably Long Beach, and in Monterey Bay to the north. Because of this growing scarcity the first legislation to protect these clams was enacted by California in 1911, when a limit of 200 clams per digger per day and a minimum size limit of 13 inches around the outer edge of the shell was defined. This law remained in operation until 1915, when the bag limit was reduced to 50 clams and the size limit to 12 inches around the outer edge. In the succeeding three CALiroRVIA riMII ASO OAMK 173 IMS of tlir l,«*msialurr, tin* la«H n-latiii;; ••• ini: " n? . ii..ni,''«l in ••aril hii'iiiiimii ami vnvh in-w art Ikimiim- v I. In VJ\1 thf Hi/.«« limit was chanu'^tl to 4J iiu-lu*^ in jfrrnliitt ?>, th« bat? limit rrmaiiuMl at '»() claniM. Imt a rl«*H4«l M-aMUi wan •! fp'iii May 1 to AtiuMist .11. appliraMi- to Disfrii-t 17. >' " In I'.M'.i till- si/r limit was l«-ft at \] iwhrH an in«*h(>M in urvatrHt dian tilt' hair limit n'maim-il at l.'i clams and tin* closi'd si-ason r ■! rfTrctivr, In .'idditiiui sliipmrnt of rlams was prohilutrd anti it ; ..;nc mihiwful t<» iTtain flams in possession if rmiuvi'd fnun tin- shrll. Thiji Inst rt'jfulation was passed to simplify tin- iiifon*«'nwnt of the si/.e and li.itr limits In 1 «»*_".» all the rrstrictions of ]1»*J7 wtTi* timi ' but in a«lilitii>M a flosi-d area was f«)r aliens. Throughout all thifM* \ears commercial clam di'^irers have operated under the eommer«*ial lishiiiL' li'-ensc laws. The si/e limit of ."> inches, tin* hair limit hf 1') clams, lln» closed .season for District 17. and the close;{1. StIKNTIFIC INVESTUiATION'R |)iii-iiiir the Nf.trs when all these laws were passeil for th' ' <•• tioii of the IMsino clam, the Division of Fish and (lame of C ;::ia has nuidc a scientific study of these clams. The work was inaugurated by Weymouth in lUlH ami in \'J'2'-i he published the first detailed account of the life history and abundance of this sp»H'ies. Follnwinjr Weymouth's work further studii's of life liisfor\- juul ubuutlaiic.' w.-r.- nuule by llerrin;;ton and published in I'J.'Jd By means of the dark rin^rs on the shell i see titrure M)) it is poN>.iblr to determine the a{ of Weymouth's and Jlcniiitrton's work indicate that I'ismo »-lams are mature and spawn for the first time at the bej^innini: of their third or f«)urth year. The present le«ral size limit of 5 inches is reachetl botweon 6 and 10 years with an averapre of 8 years. The former limit of 4J inches was attained lu'tweon ') and 8 years and the average sized elams were of lepal dimension at 6 or 7 years. This means that under protective measures which have been in force since 1*)17 clams eould have spawned from :} to 4 times before they mipht be taken from the beach lepally. The etVcctivcncss of this size limit is iliscussed later in this n»port. In addition to life history studies. Weymouth inaupurate2'>, Imwrvcr, was no i,'r«-Ht«T than the 1 w,>» the (.nt'spoiidiiij,' yvnr of lili* fur l|i.> \'t\'J cla.Hj*. 'I'Um l«xi.i utiiiK to liout .'}() prr (M'lit prolmhiy rfMultr«l from tin* natural death rate brought lioiit l»v I'livironiiHMital conditioiiH. IJi'lwrfii th«« fall of lf»'J.') n 'ft III liiiiis of corn'spotxliiit? Hp*s whit-h n'siiltoil from juKir netH. Heff»re any of till- l!''Jl clams rcai-hnl Wnnl size in 1!«.'M» tlw ptitirr irroiii) had flw ap|H'aifd rroin fli<' intiTtidal /.otic. Altliouv;h tin* IIM'J y«*ar «-las.H wa* takfii from the lu-acli within tlircr years aftrr it rrachf24 jfroup was ^'rowinuK to 'ic rln?iis of the ][)'2i year clavs dew beinj^; removed from Pismo Beach before they are of legal size testifies to the great paucity of clams in this area. Were large clams to be found in the intertidal zone, clammers would not bo tempted to encroach mt>re and more on ♦'"•• "Mdersired clams. A comparison of figures 41 ami 42 further ilh. the tre- mendous change in abundance which has been brought about in the past ten years. Figure 41 shows the results of a cross section census made about 1!M1> to IDlIO when clams were fairly abundant. The trench was nuirked otT in meter segments and the clams found in four meters and part from a fifth are showu in the picture. The trench was 16 176 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME centimeters in width. Figure 42 is the picture of a census made in 1929. Three meters of the trench have just been dug, the sand has been care- fully forced through a screen, and everyone is intently watching for the 3, 4 or possibly 10 clams which may be found in the three meters of trench. Each year the results of the fall census are more discouraging than the last. In 1931 clams comprising year classes older than 1929, the './i.^.r,/fC'Af. aiiri/«'d si/r iiiiiii. ii of umltr.si/.«'«l I'htins. thf rapid dr«»p whirh •-■ the third ami fourth y«'ar \vr»uUl not hav»' (HTiirnal i. HfVcnth yrar Sinro th«« HMD VJ'2'i nirvi- n'prfH.'nt>» an yrars, \vi? f«'«'| juslitlfd in t'otifliidinvr that th»' rapid of clams just smaller than th«> l<-;;al si/.«* limit : inroads on the population and not from unfavorable i No natural ratastroplu* could hav«' concent rated on the ii the third and fourth yejir. If any one year ejass lum uiuisuiilly poor environmental conditions li.fu. .11 the thii un even ;;reater mortality rate than for the pi. il. The decrease in clams between the 0 and 1 aj;es was very little {greater than in l!(l*J l!»*j:{. but between the first aiul i. and second and third years the clams disappeared rapidlv. Tli-- w> « iirie from t' •' 'rd tt) the sixth year was somewhat slower, but as in the previous : , ir interval practicjdly no clams of the 1!»'J4— 1928 year classes remained in the intertidal zone of I'isnio iJeacli after their sixth t for this second ;.'roup of liv(» a^re classes, the relative numi"i ■■•re so rctluccd after the lifth vear that these vear classes pl.i .',! II d h 1 ami third , ...f Fia. 43. Mortnllty curves for nil year ••'■•^•- ' .1 •>• i"-^ it.. ,.t, .1, .-.. ; .u. Tlio curvos rt>i>''»''-'*»'i>t t^vo nvr-.N»>ar .i« cuiislilcrcd 100 p«r cent and ouch n^> , , ^ ^ ..^ . . ,. ,-^. «» of the 0 in'oup. nej^li^iblc role in maintaininj; the clams on the beach. The clams of the 11)24-11)28 year classes thruuphout most of their life wen? protected by n lepfal size limit of 5 inches instead of 43 inches, and yet they were removed from the beach at an earlier aire. It is evident that as clams become scarcer the temptation to take undersized clams bi'comes pro- portionately greater anil each year clammers are removing smaller and smaller clams from the beach. 178 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME Because of the pathetic scarcity of clams comprised in the year classes from 1919 to 1928, the survival of the good sets of 1929, 1930 and 1931 is exceedingly important. Nothing can be said as yet for the 1931 year class, but the history for the first two years of 1929 clams and one year for 1930 is shown in figure 43. Between 0 and 1 ages these clams decreased over 50 per cent and the decline from the first to the second year was almost as rapid. Since in former years the normal decrease from 0 to 1 was only about 30 per cent, and since the 1929 and 1930 year classes both experienced a decline of over 50 per cent, the conclusion seems inevitable that the rapid disappearance of the 1929 and 1930 year classes is brought about by man's depredations. The clammers are now taking their toll from clams of all sizes evenj the smallest not yet two years old. Since clams spawn for the first time at the beginning of their thir( or fourth year, probably not more than 50 per cent of the clams of the 1919-1923 year classes spawned more than once before being taken 'b^ the clammers. For the clams of the 1924-1928 age groups probably no^ more than 20 per cent were allowed one spawning before being removec from the beach. If the heavy drain on the 1929 and 1930 year classes continues less than 10 per cent of these groups will be permitted to] produce even one lot of spawn. REASONS FOR THE FAILURE OF PROTECTIVE MEASURES It is evident from the data presented in figure 43, that the increas-l ing stringency of the laws hasaiot served to protect the clams on Pismoj Beach. The reasons for this failure require careful analysis. Twc explanations can be offered, either the protective measures enactec have not been adequate to check the depletion of these clams or the^ laws have not been properly enforced. We have no measure of the adequacy of the laws, but we do know! that it has been impossible to enforce the protective measures. Let] it be clearly understood at the outset, however, that this failure toj enforce the laws protecting the Pismo clam has not been due to negli- gence on the part of the enforcement personnel of the Division of Fish and Game. For several years one deputy has devoted his entire! time to the Pismo clam work and in addition he has received the aid] of other deputies carrying on game protective work in the region. Furthermore, on holidays during the summer one or two additional! deputies have been assigned to the Pismo clam patrol. The failure! of enforcement has resulted, therefore, not from inefficiency on the] part of the Division of Fish and Game but from lack of cooperationj of the general public. Part of this lack of cooperation has been du€ to ignorance. Individuals coming to Pismo Beach from inland regions] do not realize the seriousness of the Pismo clam situation and feel that the few undersized clams which they take will have no appreciable effect on the population as a whole. They quite forget the thousands of people who are acting under the same impulse and the resultant] tremendous toll taken from the clam population each summer. On the other hand the residents of San Luis Obispo County should! be especially active in their cooperation. The Pismo clam is an invalu- able asset to this county because of the tourist diggers which it attracts] to the beaches and because of the increase in restaurant trade. At| OAUrOHSU PIHIl AND UAMK 179 prcHciit IMmiiio claiiiM may not Ix* Ictfally Hhipp*'*! o«f of ■ t, and due to tlio Hcarcity of th«*ji«» rlaiim oil other !)• '* of this «'oimfy nri* prartically tin* only oiuh in t' may wrve I'ismo cImiuh Iru'ally. For thrw r^ iniportann* for San l.uis ( Jltispo Coiinfy lo m.i of I'isnio claniH. 'riit'i'r is iiMU'li tliat privati* cJli/rnM i-an ilu ti> l. Kach n-sidiMit .slundd fi'»>l it his iM-rsonal n'Jiponsi -.. . ill Htranj^iTN ar«' inr runviftioiis wJH-n laws were l)n>uj;ht up for trial. Time after time the ju«ltf«*M i it- missed the eases or suspemle«l sentenee. The only result *>■ a method is that the violator ^oi-s mit and sins aijain. I'nder -^ n- dilinns the hainls of the «|eputi»s have heen tied and they h. .|i ahle to do little to decrease the nund>ers of consistent law violatont. Ill times past, especially when the l'J24 year class w. ril on ilu- heju'li, the most important factor in the deph-tion luiin was the tourist ditrirer. llerrin^Mon calculated that on a sin_ ■• tide as many as :{()<)() amateur clammers have at times soii^^ht fof clauiM iu the intertidal /one of Pismo Beach. The residtant numher of clamK thus removed from the beaches ihrouirhoiit the snmmer i>: '' 'St heyond concept ion, hut is dearly proven hy the almost conn is- appearance of the 1!)24 year class before it had reached h l aud by the even more rapid mortality rate of the I'J'Jl) and !!>:}() year i^roups. As lon^ as a fair number of adult clams remained in deeper beyond the reach of amateur di}.'^'ers there was sr>me hope \)< '^ eient spawn would be j)roduced to repopnlate the beach. IJiit t, U population is beinj; drawn upon continually by the commercial ili'_ and because the later year classes are beinj; taken before they rtacii ailulthood, it is inevitable that the supply of clams in d.- > • >• m .t,.r must decrease. The evidence of this decrea.se is found in i at e«»mmercial ili«rirers are yielilinir more and more to the temptation to take undersized clams and to poach in the closed area where all di^rtfint; is illcj;al. The supply of adult clams is now so low that tli-'- i- "(Vi* ilanger of reducin«r tlu' spawners to the point where a<: ts can not be supplied. Thus the number of a- -' Tlio IllUil-n l.ilt.ll-.lir.l I" '•«' > I • -; ANOOaMIT nro i..,t . .,f,Vf I»-t,'<».1 aT.I rt a y be rciinxtiiiril In i.iliiT !•• i"**! dun credit : ■Ion (if KlHh mid (iamo. J-,;.i..i™ ..' ;.. ., i>i>iii>orii and per. .: ~ -.c : -c Uite of iiortlnttnt ii\ntorlnl. All iniitrrlul for piiMlcatlon ehould ht, mint to I^o K WII»on ''" I' ■-- ri..ii,iine. Sail l-r^iuim-.i, CullforiilA. Vol. 18 APRIIa 1»82 'O. « MEETING OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION At tin- iiH'ftiiii: of the Kish and (iann' I'tuniiiissioiuTS which was pn* sidftl over by I'n'sidnit J. Half (ii-ntiy and at whirh Earl H. (Jiliiion* aiitl I. Zilli'iliach wiTf prt'st'iit. hrhl in San FranciM'o on .laniiary *JH. VXVl, thf follow iiiLT ri'sdlution was adnptt-d i-fhifivr to r(Ml»«nt «'<>jitro| in California : lit sol ml. That tht* Fish and (laim- ( onimission luis «uiilid«ii<«- in tli<' r. S. liioloLricd Siirvt-y and thr State Dcpartnifiit of Airricultiin- and ••nthnsi's their contiinn-d supervisinn and if^riilatioii of predatory animal and r(»dent eontrol work, hnt urj;es these aj,'eiieit»s to incrraut' their elTorts to prevent unaiitliori/early under- Standintr with reirard to the open season (»n waterfowl ilurint? th>- u of VX\'2. the Fish and (Jame Commissioners at their rejrular : lT held early in March made certain definite recommendations to the Hon- orable Arthur .M. liyde. Secretary of Ajrriculture. with regard to the "Waterfowl situaticMi in Califr« than 'JO yrnnt Warner hoji Im**'!! on the T* t I 111' Sttn Fntncisti) ('till niu\ Th* /' ' l.ittiT paper Hoiiif tivr yi'ai*M. I'rmr t ., - :. : . . i'ii;,'a^c«l in ni'\v.spapi»r work in Sun Jlrrnanlino, whnrt', !>- general cilitorial \vii. M. L. SuiiiMcr, .Ir. REVISED MAILING LIST AVith the October, 1I>.')1. nuiiil»er of ( ' Ai.iKtujNiA V\>i\. and Game. an elTort was nuide to wceil out those indiviiluals who were receiving the ipiarterly and yet who had no interest in its contents. For that purpose, a slip was attaclicd to the front cover a.sking thi>se interested in continuini; their sub.scriptions to forward the same to the San Francisco olVice. As a result of this action, the present mailing list is found to con- tain approximately TOOO names; slightly less than 'J(KH) were removed from the mailing list. In .some instances this has been due to faulty mailing adilresses and not to a bu-k of interest in tlie ipmrterly. In oriler that no interested readers may be overlooked, it is requested that those ilesiring to be placed upon the mailing list indicate their desire bv a letter in writing to the editor. COMMERCIAL FISHERY NOTES Alaska has developed a food fish reiluction situation similar to that wliich has been bothering us in California for a number of rears. 184 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME About the onl}^ difference between the two is that in California it is the sardine, while in Alaska it is the herring which causes the diffi- culty. In Alaska the herring packers are permitted to use in reduction plants the herring which are not suitable for salting, but the way this works out in practice is that the reduction of herring into oil and meal is the main business and the salting a side issue. A great indus- try, with millions invested, has been built up and now the investiga- tions of the U. S. Bureau of Fisheries show that the herring supply in southern Alaska is being depleted bj'' overfishing.* The people of Alaska who would conserve their fisheries are asking each session of Congress to pass a law to prohibit the reduction of food fish in Alaska. At each session of Congress the bill fails of passage, the arguments against it being: It would destroy an industry which represents millions of invested capital and employs many men in the capacity of fishermen and reduction plant operators. It is also contended that there is little demand in late years for herring as food, and to close the reduction plants would not increase the output of herring for food. How remarkably like our California sardine situation is this herring contro- versy in Alaska! If the reduction industry of Alaska runs true to form it will object to and defeat legislation which would reduce the intensity of fishing, designed to prevent the exhaustion of the herring supply. We, in California, have been asked: "Why do you care about what happens to the fish after they are caught? Just limit the catch and let the plants do what they please with the fish." This is good advice, provided the fisheries regulatory body has the power to regu- late the fishing ; but if it is left to Congress or legislatures to pass the fishing regulations, no reduction industry, with millions invested and looking for quick profits, is likely to be put out of business or seriously curtailed to conserve the natural resource represented in the herring or sardine supply. — N. B. S. According to the annual report of the Biological Board of Canada, an investigation of the pilchard, or sardine, and the herring is being carried on jointly by the Biological Board and the Provincial Fisheries Department in British Columbia. The pilchard investigation was started about three years ago. Samples of the catch have been col- lected and analyzed as to length, weights and sex, with the object of detecting the signs of depletion. A study is being made of the specific characters of the pilchard, the object being, it is stated, to determine the migrations of the schools and determine the relationship between the British Columbia pilchard and California sardine. Studies are also being made to determine age from the otoliths, as the scales are not satisfactory. They are also collecting material for the study of the pilchard's food throughout the year. Their program, it can be seen, follows very closely the sardine program which is being carried out by the California Division of Fish and Game. The herring of British Columbia is being investigated along the same lines. In addition, an attempt will be made to each year inspect * Fluctuation in the supply of herring {Olupea pallasii) in southeastern Alaska. By George A. Rounsefell, U. S. Bur. of Fish. Bull. No. 2, 19,31, 41 pp., 26 figs., 14 tables. CAi-lJ DUMA t 1>H A>1> i.A*!!. till* spawiiim? iirfiis aixl rollfrt bfi-ami' prnliijiblc Larjfi' numbrrs of ba.vs w- markets and MM)n there was an oversupply and the price to fl«hermfn deeline«l until, in less than two weeks. th»' priee hail reaehed -4 eentn a pound the lowest price ever paid for bass in the history of th- •• ' — y. As a matter of faet. I lie lisliermen eould not in!}^ 11 in 8ha|)<' to till thf t)nlfrs for hotli •t'jjs and yuiinu' I'IpIh. This yt-ar in adilition to furnishinj? i'M\pi and Iwrlv- » old birds. arraiif;rmfnts havr hvvu niadf to wnd out 'o r«».spoiisil)|«' pfopli', who will si'c to tln'ir carr and ! "c of an a^,'t• j)ropcr for lihrration. Thr :!() day old <'li . d tln' danj,M«r staf»e and will thrive in properly eonstriicted tjuartcni and with the proper care. Inspi'ct ion trip ov«'r the State, takm;,' our Snpiin ''ir south as Imperial \'alley. diselosed tiie fact that tranu- d in the past are thrivinjr, and he was more than pleasetl with the »ur\'ey. I'.akerstield ami I'lesno spt»rtsnien are eonipletin;; their plans for 4S stamlard pens to aeeommodato 2(K)0 pheasants, whieh ihey will maintain under our supervision. All our hretilinLT stoek is in splendid eon00 barrels into the bay. but by dammin!» the small creek into which the oil had ^one, little, if any, j^ot out into the op«-n waters of the bay. The Benbow Tower Company has apparently been able to install a proper lish ladder at their power danj, as the steel heail are gettipg up stream in a satisfactory manner. The l'\)lsom lishway has b.-i-n completed, mectinir a lon^' re«juired need. The disposal systems of .southern California oil ctanpanicsj with- stood the riiri^rous storms of the season in excellent manm'r. Inspection was nuide of the I'acilic (Jas and Kleetrie work in Amador County, also the Cosumnes dam ami lishway. This Bureau is cooperatin}; with the State Hii;hway Co( >n in installinir bridcrrs over creeks alonir the new Coast Line llii;. .*.ay betwei>n MoiitiM-ey and San Luis Obispi*. BUREAU OF FISH RESCUE AND RECLAMATION The ratlical chanjre of water comlitions Ix'iween the winter of IMl and this year eauseil the work of this Bureau durinij March and Feb- ruary to be somewhat ditYerent. Last Si>ason. with low water, it was necessary to remove and transplant over .seventy thou.sand ti.sh ; this year the total amounted to only 1589. 188 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME Flooding of the State streams during the heavy storms of the winter entailed much work, to see fish were not left in areas that would be left high and dry when the streams subsided to a normal level. The year ending December 31, this Bureau accounted for the rescue of 7,038,972, while deputy wardens rescued 816,893 fish. From a survey over the State it is evident but comparatively few fish have been lost during the year. Fish rescued were placed in per- manent water, close to the point of rescue. BUREAU OF PATROL The heavy snowfall in the high Sierra during the storms that featured the past winter presented a problem to the patrol that called for iDrompt action and understanding. With the mountains covered by high drifts, deer and quail were facing starvation, their feed being cut off entirely in many localities. Our wardens, with the splendid coopera- , tion of sportsmen and landowners, met the situation and relieved the[ dangers by carrying feed to birds and animals. As a consequence the latest survey show the deer to be in good condition, and reports indicate^ that but few were lost. The bulk of the work was in Modoc, El Dorado, Tuolumne, Lassen, Plumas and Siskiyou counties. The arrests for the past three months show a falling off and aj consequent reduction of fines. Arrests for December, January and February totaled 467, as] against 588 a year ago. Fines were $10,070, a decrease of $7,828 from] last year. Since July 1, 1931, to February 29, there has been 1441 arrests, and! fines collected amounted to $38,215, which is over $20,000 less than a] like period to February 28, 1931. This condition is due to the fact that! there has been less hunting and fishing than in former years, due toj economic conditions. The wardens also assisted in fish rescue work where the swollen! streams were spreading fish over areas that would be dry soon after] the heavy rains had ceased. The Reo truck and crew were sent from Owens Valley to assist in] the salmon planting from the Mount Shasta Hatchery. BUREAU OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES AVitli the closing of the sardine season, February 15, came the end] of one of the poorest seasons of several years. At Monterey the delivery i of sardines was over 44,000 less than the previous season. Poor prices' for canned sardines, meal, and oil — lowest for years — is responsible for the lessened delivery. There were plenty of sardines but no market, and it is estimated the Monterey carry-over will amount to 200,000 cases. Monterey fishermen were granted permission to bring in 3000 tons! as an emergency measure by the Division of Fish and Game. Theyi asked for a permit for 5000 tons, their petition being backed by the mayors and chambers of commerce of Monterey and Pacific Grove, who pointed out that it was a splendid economic move, furnishing work forj many men who otherwise would be out of employment, and with boats to maintain. However, owing to inclement weather the fishermen only brought in 510 tons. Si'rious triiiit)l«> whs thrfut«Mn*(l In'twriMi tiiiui liHhrnn»'i» a • Sjiri I'imIi'm, anil at .Motit«T«'y with tl • . ^j^^j linit.r; .'■lit it appi-ars that piMiiiaiiciit hrt-uks . Ili-avv HiMis «liiriiiu' th«' rfrrnt storiun „»•• to nmin'm 1(1 llshrniH'n arouiiii Montrn'v Hay ainoitiitiiiu' tn h«»iiii' »■ Thf AlhitiDir hi»s hri'n Ininy pat rollini.' froni M '.'■•ycs, kf«'|)iiii,' lishiTiui'ii hryoml tin* thri'i* luih* limit, .u. . :.^ . ..;i;f at thr floating ii'iliii'tioii plant ship kept out of Stat** Wiitrm. A e\n»e •>ck ha<4 Ix'cn kept hy this (|cpartin«>iit on thi> output of thin flimtiiiK 'liH'tiyii plant, and whilf tli^uii's inili«'at«' thi-y will not innk«' n i»rolU us srasiin, on account ot' low pricr.s, it doivs nIidw that in normal tim**» ii'h ships coiihl l)«' maintainctl at pnormoUH protits. and would prov.- n •luift' ill n'dui'iujr the supply of siirdim'.n alonj? tin* Califoruia i Tlif Ittw fin nuidc insprction trips for oil s- • • j h sniujTKh'rs alonj; llu* lower coast from San 1'. _ — :.. ' . i/. I Ijintls. ()(T Anacapa Island th«' ithitfht nvsourd the llshijiir Ijoat ' 'or» ;•. which was in ilistrcss. The llliirfln, during: the early part m1 ihe year, was overhauled to riie extent, and ladio eipiipped. Thus titted out, on February 4. it I. ft for a cruise to Mat.'dalena Hay aud alotij; the const of I^<»wcr (,'ali- iMrnia. Many hauls were nuulc for siirdinc i'nas and larvae, and seining I )r younjr sanlines in sheltereil waters. A dctailetl account will be .ailahle in a short time on the results of the cruis«v H. ('. Seotiehl was tnuisferred from the Hopkins Marine station to >' laboratory, where for s«)me time he will furnish information on rdine spawiiin;: and developmi'iit. This bureau is woiUiii^r in hainioiiy with Stanford In'^'-'^v on eanoi^raphic work, and interest ijiir developments will !)♦• \> d at I le end of the survey. Miieh interest has been displa\eti in our I'lsh Hulletui. We now ' !ve "JOOO names for copies from those interested in the HuUe'i" "••?)- lily and .'}()()() applications from those who are interested in !•» few of the subjects covered. Paul Honnot. of this department, with the State iJi>arii ol ii«'.iitli III r. S. representatives, has completed a preliminary survey of oyster iiuls alontr the California coast, ami workin*^ out plans to insure .sani- tary handlinir of oysters and prcvcntinj; the markctint; of those from iitaminated beds. Merrill Hrown. .lunior Fisheries lve.sear*'her. nuulc a trip to plan ! r installation at Mount Shasta Hatchery of wire screen ami trap to imt salmon iroiu}? to sea. The proper racks have been installctl and r. ady when the youiur salmon start to mi}.'rate. In northern waters there have l)een but few vio!"'"- •'" '' -' '"sh laws and. as down in southern waters, those who bn ro i|uickly arrested ami punished. VOLUNTEER DEPUTIES Much valuable work was done by the v«»luutary deputies during the heavy snow storms which cut otT the feed for thous;inds of quail. Plenty of proper feed was taken to points where the quail were virtually on the point of starvation. In some instances the feed had to be taken by men on snow shoes. 190 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME The volunteer deputies are devoting mueli time to the supervision of quail sanctuaries. The results derived from these sanctuaries can be surmised by the reports received on 300 questionnaires sent to those landowners who have set aside a part of their land for the propagation of quail. All replies but very few indicate a goodly increase of birds. The vounteer deputies, who now number 400 in the State, have in addition to looking after quail sanctuaries and relief work for quail during the year, rendered valuable service to the deputy wardens. The annual report shows they have checked 49,364 licenses ; hunt- ing, fishing and deer tags; assisted and made 413 arrests, from which fines amounting to $10,378 were collected, and have killed, by trapping and shooting, 7068 predatory birds and animals. The predatory bird and mammal prize contest closed March 1st, and the response to the contest was most pleasing. Prize winners were announced in the April Service Bulletin. BUREAU OF EDUCATION AND RESEARCH James Mofiitt during February took the second annual census of black sea brant in California. He made a personal count of the birds at Tomales, Humboldt and Morro bays. Through the kind cooperation of the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and the members of the San Diego Museum of Natural History, counts were also taken at Bodega, Drakes and San Diego bays. A detailed report of this census will appear in a future issue of this magazine. E. L. Sumner, Jr., is working on the area in San Mateo County where experiments are being conducted on quail environment and habits. Pens have been constructed and the enclosures planted to food suitable for the birds. The quail are under constant observation and from what is learned of food conditions, life history, natural enemies and habits, it is hoped that valuable information of a practical nature will be secured to the end that the division will be in a position to put the theory in practice on other areas to benefit quail conditions and ulti- mately replenish their abundance. Extensive lecture programs have been carried on in the schools of various counties. It is hoped that through this concentrated effort it will induce the County Boards of Education to introduce nature study in the curriculum. CALIFORNIA riHII AKD OAMK 191 HI.I'OKIS Total Ji<|nfUiu( .: 4» iS A«t 3ft Court liiioB Piih iwkrni' tM ................. ^ Fkb tat uIm Game lai mJei IntDmt on lnuik L«lanc«i..... KrlptAX ... MUoellan«oui mIm. ....................... ............. Total nthi*r in«OllM , . . , ^ . . f^ijn n try 1.033 !• 134 «3 192 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURES For the Period July 1, 1931, to December 31, 1931, of the Eighty-third Fiscal Year Function Salaries and wages Materials and supplies Service and expense Property and equipment Bureau administration: Executive Clerical and office Printing Automobiles Traveling Postage Telephone and telegraph Freight, cartage and express. Rent Accident and death claims- Accounting pro rata Legal Publicity S4,200 00 10,985 81 2,250 00 3,300 00 Total biueau administration. Bureau education and research: Chief and assistants Clerical and office Traveling Telephone and telegraph Freight, cartage and express. Photographer Librarian Research Blueprinting Publicity Exhibits Lecturer $20,735 81 $3,000 00 1,219 95 720 00 1,020 00 5,250 00 1,890 00 Total bureau education and research- Bureau patrol and law enforcement: Chief and assistants Clerical and office Automobiles Traveling Postage Telephone and telegraph Freight, cartage and express Rent Heat, light and power Captains and deputies Launches Fish planting Volunteer deputies Premiums on bonds Temporary help Cooks $13,099 95 $5,520 00 1,620 32 104,554 31 3,767 72 360 00 24 00 975 00 Total bureau patrol and law enforcement... Bureau commercial fisheries: Chief and assistants Clerical and office Automobiles Traveling Postage Telephone and telegraph Freight, cartage and express Rent Heat, light and power Research Captains and deputies Launches Laboratory Blue printing Hydro-biological survey — Monterey Bay. Statistics Fish cannery research Fish cannery inspectors — seasonal $116,821 35 $7,980 00 5,310 00 4,543 09 8,450 00 6,305 00 16,065 00 8,611 61 $648 67 6,979 05 126 43 $155 58 $171 26 171 11 1,696 97 3,025 73 2,375 28 1,592 15 7,654 31 1,737 68 386 65 68 86 75 55 $7,754 15 $18,864 32 $246 81 $109 97 12 78 133 88 $107 38 3,088 55 13 03 79 77 54 50 24 $846 00 84 10 28 00 12 66 398 43 8 25 $256 63 $3,756 87 $958 10 $34 91 3,928 42 769 09 638 04 539 81 S8 68 2,072 41 65,557 36 224 35 943 88 24 59 248 15 6 82 272 46 572 29 205 00 $11 47 613 76 286 65 561 97 $5,910 27 $70,697 96 $206 75 351 97 $77 67 151 99 11,151 91 3 52 320 44 384 21 616 42 140 72 $911 88 $41 00 3 00 13 16 128 18 1,864 94 388 50 271 10 36 57 1,361 75 697 46 2 52 750 00 758 35 7,500 00 53 54 10 00 184 20 150 86 42 15 Total bureau commercial fisheries $57,264 70 $3,224 60 $23,953 53 $484 75 CAUrORNU riKtl AND OAMC 193 tTATCMCNT Of IlFfNOITUNU fm dt« P«»« 1 1.1 « . «« o M « t I iiUint iHiinntl...^. I'oOil Imrrau I'wh eullurv Kt70 00 ' ! t 138 13 33 »7 IS3 06 1.097 W 1 00 t IratiltCfl' ! ini.UnU . 1 « 1 • tBce •1144 »4M J - •;ni|>h.... ...... ......... Ii l^MOUn I'olal burrau byJrauliea........ . U,670 < II.A50 00 40 00 ( ! -1 10 00 t3S5 67 1 (Mil >; Ml M 451 i3: >J» ZJ i I 001 iO S 00 .. , , . iir Sf"! •-'-r — '-'- ........ 113 it Krrijhl. r.irt... ^ ........ f u" Ileal. Imhl :i.' «' VS Maiiit refucc ........ tMLOSSM ta.40140 MLIM M I»I7 04 1 mtTT a Lietu U9.0»4 10 194 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURES For the Period July 1, 1931, to December 31, 1931, of the Eighty-third Fiscal Year— Continued Function Construction, improvements and equipment: Permanent repairs on Brookdale Hatchery Improvements at Lake Almanor Hatchery -..---- Telephone and power line from Chester to Lake Almanor Fish Hatchery Filter at Big Creek Hatchery Construction of dams on Cherry Creek Completion of egg collecting racks at Chester ----.--.---- ^---y Const ruction of rearing ponds and a temporary house for an attendant, Hat Creek, inyo County Tank and egg collecting station at Huntington Lake Improvements, and equipment for filter at Kaweah Hatchery Repairs and improvements at Mt. Shasta Hatchery Permanent improvements on Snow Creek Hatchery Total construction, improvements and equipment Purchase of game refuges.- State Fair and other exhibits Prior year expense — eighty-second fiscal year only Grand total proprietarj- group Total S761 30 1,380 68 2,400 00 141 85 1,000 00 497 38 1,238 58 1,920 17 316 98 875 37 1,233 12 111,765 43 127,650 00 4,801 06 14,998 86 $717,525 17 SEIZURES OF FISH AND GAME October, November, December, 1931 FLsh: Abalones 1.036 Abalones, pounds 270 Bass, striped 60 Bass, striped, pounds 400 Clams 1.857 Crabs 17 Cockles... 312 Lobsters 575 Lobsters, jwunds 3,048 Mussels, pounds 150 Salmon, pounds 895 Spotfin, croaker, pounds 56 Skipjack, pounds 215 Trout, steelhead 17 Spear (fish) 4 Nets 1 Miscellaneous fish 9 Game: Deer 209 Deer meat, pounds 1,358 Deer hides 3 Doves, pigeons 42 Ducks, geese, mudhens 646 Non-game birds 119 Rabbits 7 Shorebirds - 44 Swans 6 Skina (animals) 37 Traps (animal) 18 Turkeys, wild - 5 Wood ducks 10 Bird neta 4 CAUPORSIA riHil AN'P OAMC rilM CASCt It) I 195 Noito fWa|*Ml .•"■ ,' ^' ' * ' ''«lkMMaf... .•^liaii... .lOB ..... u u u as 11 1 i ;4 U ( : . 'lul, umJenUctJ Cr IdQ ('. .' I). }■, a II . -•..■, I. M M lit N,. 10 Nr' IM IV. 10 Trout: elinnl iira.vi|i .................................... TouU.. 3M M IK GAMe CASES 0-. . . «. , a,tj„f_ Decemb«>r. 1931 Numlw wrarti riMiaid ■faU Commrrcuil Oun Club IJeciiM Aet..^.....,.,..,........ ...... ........... 5 M 86 8 II 78 »4 6 49 88 4 0 »4 3 38 8 8 7 15 1 7 8 838 00 a.840 00 LUOOO }lV) iV) 1.4 TBi QQ 680 00 188 00 678 00 I 14i !>■' i Dwr: doritxl irawy ' •'■•.- '\wn». do«, tpike baeka 808 IVrr In; 1 u ir- ■ ^i; hiinlmc without lac*- - ■••••••■••••••••-••- a ivu. 1 > • ...r ." V . II; H4 Nrtr ' liirdi; illrg*!............,..,...............,.,,,,,............... Niglit liiiiiliiiK Itt Noci-i?am>- i'lriU; killing ol. .............................................. Pigrtnii; ilirirj urason I'liCiuaiit; ilmol --nrjuOD. ......................................... ....... 138 Quai' l■!'^■ ! i»'i-i,'ii .................................................. 8 I«v Sli. :. M SMUirro . ^<>1 iWkton............... ............................. Bwsn; 1- . n ShiHitiii,; tr 'ui iiiuior boat; aulo. ......................................... Tma>.->ini; T-. ■ ' '••llinc of 138 1' ^it; violation of........................................ 140 W. id Totab 48T 81X00100 lift 196 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME MoDterey. 00 ocsi o ^ ^ t^ CM 05 CO O t^ 1-HCOt-l O i— GO QO O '-' ITS 05 Santa Cruz. lo lo t-- CO O CO 05 -^ 00 »" oc llJ CD S 111 u u o Q z < cc III tn m ? 03 UJ > o •fe U. z es DC s UJ F m O E 1- o CJ u o ll. 3 o SI CO I 3 1- z F o cS ? CD T3 UJ C T (- CO OC U. o u. "o c o 1- U) o Q O O >* ^ Q. c. > CC UJ o I O CO San Francisco, San Mateo.. ooo CO ITS OO C4 Oi cOC- CO C^ CO CO □o coco o ; " ^ s -* 5 o O'^'zi 2 H r! i.y i.y tJ UJ OJ 43 ^ *>:] ^ 0:^0:20:202 CO 02 ZG CAUrOKNiA riHlI AND OAMK 197 1 Of." 1- 1 « ■- :; as : : -u. •^9 ?:?. Sis ! S ; : •?5 ^3 § * t ^-K. >^ ~: % ^ -^ ~ ^ ^ ^ -^ — i £ u^'j: -J? :/: :n H H H H > :ff > 3S 6—03971 l&^ 1 fc o ^ R. 5 198 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME Total fish from south of the International Boundary brought into California. lO lO CO 1 Fish from south of the International Boundary brought into California via San Diego •ID CO 11 (N Fish from south of the International Boundary brought into California via San Pedro 00 !>• oo ooco CD s bJ U u a a z o < fS fr f bJ CO CO b. S *5 bJ > O Z E o cc C5 bJ CO o O — »- 03 u o 3 CO u. O a V n 1- o £ 3 o 1 o O. K b n o O >- oc bJ I m b. I -if5c^cot-*Tf-iocs) CO QTi (■-— m r-'-'T-ii000c0iO'-i coco ■<** »M San Diego, Imperial. lO CD t-H CO COU5 Oi CO CO ^ cocq Ol t-^ lO CD lO C- O (M io»ooocq tCOOlM CD-^ ^co CO i-t OS t— C^l CD ^'-^'^ OOOiOOCOCDOOiTj* OiOOOiOOit^OiOa iooocqc ^ o 5 o o .a ■^ B M-a £ £ £ '' ' ■ Stg-S-i cj' R i 3^ apacQ 3 IS ca u a; (u CQtZJCO » (S.t? CQCOOO CALIFORNIA riHil ANIi liAMi: 199 1 I * • 1 • \ ^ 1 « i-a 8 5|| ^^ ^ ^, ^ .. ^ ■•11 '• »»^ 91m ■£ —^ —T, » I ■ I Sr 28 3n §i "■^ s;; s g 'S n 8 ^ « g^ » or M I J-. n •«5 ' '■* 83 CO ^ i -a a ?J , w 5; - •/ s I ^ Is a e ABSTRACT CALIFORNIA SPORTING FISH AND GAME LAWS VALID UNTIL 90 DAYS AFTER CLOSE OF 1933 LEGISLATURE 1931 OPEN AND CLOSED SEASONS 1932 WHITE SQUARES INDICATE OPEN SEASOfi 1. NUMBERS IN SQUARES ARE OPEN DATES 0^\.AIE 1 "^'"' ... ""i-i-i- ... S(" OCI. ,..., Die. BAG AKD POSSESSION UWTS, HC VA i ! 'IHH No Does, Fawns or Spike Bucks No Forked Homed Deer in Dist. !*< DEER Z-ZVri ■ ■■■■Hir^lH No sale of Venison or Deer Skins Two Bucks per Season 24.38 1! . n ■ "•.ijC' ■■' IE except in ■Mi where limit is one S« Noles 6.9.10-12 RabbiL<;— CotlonUil and Brush ALL EXCEPT 4'. nnrr - 1 i rSpwldy. 30per»e€k. Ho limit in Diitrid 4 Ho proledion in ilt Bear, Fur Animals ■ ■ ■» ■ i 1-^ Sec Note 7 Pfrtilmy JiiiMk iiprolKlri l« iiilikh l-l'A-'H-iii Ducks, Geese, flDUUU ALL "• "in: -7 1 NOON on. 1 15 Ducks, 30 in Poss«ss«ii: 4 Geese, 8 in Possesun; 20 Snipe. 25 Mud Kens, No Ross Snow or CadJinj Geese Jack Snipe, Mud Hens 1 ■ — 1 ■ 25 Duk. 25 Snipe, 25 Mini hens, 50 Per Week Goose limil See Nole 4. See Noles 9-10-II-12-U Quail— Valley, Desert ALL EXCEPT 1": ■ ii - 1 1 I ■■1^ -1 Valley mud Detert 15 per day. 30 per week and Mountain 1H AH Mountain 10 per day. 20 per week ALL EXCEPT 4.4V'2-4y4 1 1 «■ - - = Ntnl SeisM Opets Urn St;ltibtrl 15 per day 4.4'/:-4% ■ 1 ■ 30 per week There ii no open season on Elk, Antelope, Mountain Sheep, Sea Otter, Tree Squirrel, Sierra Hare, Rail, Wood Duck, Pigeon, Swan, Shore Birds (except Jack Snipe) , Grouse, Sage Hen, Imported Quail, Wild Pheasant, Partridge, or Wild Turkey. Jp^'JJ^J-J DisTcicis nx. na. mn. *pr. Hir iLixE lULT AUG, StPT. ocr. KOV. VK. BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS, ETC 1-1:t1!..2.J.4-1:;-4^.-15 KbnuUi Rner. lake Ununor • ■- 1 ■ ■ Sag limit (or taking and poitetsioB, 25 trout or 10 pounds and one IrouL No Sale Steelhead and 2!i 2S ■ m I3O NoSpearin! For oilier reslritlions all Trout (except Golden), 23-24-25 ■ ' 1'' .^ Whitefish Truckee River ■ lis See Notes 12.1S.16-20 Unlawful to take trout in waters closed by Gov. cnwr's proclamation Sic Nolc 22 ■ |H Ii ■ ■ 21-22-28-29 IHWinlcrKlinMlii River :^r ^- ■ 5 Tfool ref irdleu of wiijhl 31-JJ On this 7iissun, N«>drro. N«[m tad Et! D»l2)I«)e»jltiD,sls.2-315 3 . ■ ^' ■ ■ 3 Troal re{trdleu of wei|fat Card Golden Trout ALL J ■ ■ ■ ■ n ■ ■ 20 per day. None under 5 inches Not more than 10 lb*, and one BLACK BASS ALL EXCEPT 4=; 15 per day Na Black Bass under 9 im. CLEAR LAKE IN LAKE CO. Clear Lake 10 per day No sale Hook and line only Sunfish ALL 3 U-^- 1 25 per day Sacramento Perch ALL EXCEPT CLEAR LAKE 25 per day Hook and line only and Crappie CLEAR UKE 10 per day No sale Striped Bass 1-3-12A ■ hone under 12 inches, 5 per dty. N«h ta be taira tmm Sallon Sei. See Note 19 Crabs 1 /r-6-7-8-9 l_ -M i««v>" Dainds t i>6.7.»-9 AufuU 31. Dncmbcr 14 Sec Note 24, None under 7 inches. No Eemale Abalones ALL ri E 1 1 OiUr to* rood. Must be braugM 19 ihtm *ltv« 1m .ac« AngiiBf Ucease Required. See Note 27 Pismo Clams 17 ■■~1 r.LU "i jB None under 5 indies. No shipmenL 1Sper4>y Anrtnj literse Required DisWct 1 8l Oosid Spiny Lobster ALL E KsUolUiM. rt<»ta.inlOH>r«>f1a See Note 24 GRUinON ALL ■ DHBI Salmon and Shad May B« Taken as I otec in Paragraphs 19-23. No open season on Sturgeon (possession prohibited). NOTES 1. To hunt, kill, possesa wild birds or mammals, to po.sses3 flrtarma. except under written permit from the Commission, within dlFtrlcta la, lb, Ic, Id, Ic, If. 1b, Ih, II, Ij, Ik, Im, In. lo. Ip. Iq Ir, 1». It. 2.1, 2b, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3c, 3f, 3^, 3h, 4«. *b. «c, 4d. 4e, 4f. 4([, or General Grant Refuge, or the Mt. Tamalrala Game Refuge. Including Richardson Bay, or San rrttnrlv!o Retuec, or Silver Lake KefuBe (water fowl may be klll<. I..1 ::i'..l>f< w ikwi t 4«r« >i»«« »>■■»» •/ IT. To oyoittU • C' • la A (Iff (i 4"i w:'.h r".l «" I I '" »■-' 1 wun itkofl« ib«a I auro^tuf t.A4«« wf mar A*K a^Ar or iMff (t«<-«t^ <( wl on/ U&« u« •lf««m oh«n c — * U o *»A0 1 og IU.U4 I»»**4i U* U .it*. Ui^l..*..-. li ■ rA«if\ln« J<.lt tr ol^Mn 1^ fr-itfi i-t .1. - . .- . ..... ...^ ^^<««a« %»• • *4 O MM 4lllvi> (hot ilM aio con not bo ukoa, or lu ■»>< hato • Uadia^ Mch. LICENSES LICENSf PROVISIONS in-NTl-NG 1*1). h^f It 11 CAMI'OIIMA I'"I>II \\I) (. Wll' "CONaKKVATiON or W|U> Ur% niMOt Ull KUtXATIOM.** VtiLUMB IH HAl'UAMKNTo. JII.Y. H'-J-' No. 8 TABLE OF CONTENTS PISKASKS Dl'* WU.li l-lli; 1 U.\N>Mi>.>liii.i. i>' MAN K F Ur-jrr SO) A sritvKY OK Tin: I >i:htut •< -r I v!:\ I :ss «.k sxjmmn-k vkts used in TMK MONTIOHKY UK* WON .J. B. I'hilUpt 301 IlKLATIVK DKSTIU'CTIVKNKSS OF SAUDINK CIKCLK NKTS IN HOL'TH- KItN ("ALIFOHNIA O. //. Clark ~ • -^ TAKASITISM DF THK CALIFORNIA VAIXFTT QUAIL BY HAEMOPn" Tins Lol'llnllTYX. A l'U()Tt»Z(»AN IlLool* I'AHASITK...*. C. O'l FlSinVAYS IN CALIFOUNIA John 8pemeK TIIK •.%! A YFI^OWKH to6Hn« F. Jfaddotx Sii EDiTouiAi^s n« LIFK HISTORY NOTES . J»7 C'OM-MKUOIAL FISHKRY NOTES. a«0 DIVISRJN ACTIVITIES Ml REPORTS — VMoliitloitM of Kl.sh uinl (inmo Laws _-_.- 370 Stutonu'iit of KxiKruUtiircM ._ S73 StntcmiMU of Incomf- -__-«_. ._. tH Flahory I'roducts. Jiiriuury. February and Mnn-li. i ■ JTt DISEASES OF WILD ANIMALS TRANSMISSIBLE TO MAN By K. F. Mbyeji. University of California TIIK KN'OWLKDiil'] that diseased wild aiiimnls play an important rolo in tlio rt'aliu ol' public healtli is not irt'nerally n* <1. It is belit'voil that wild animals possess a hijjh stamlaril < ■ ••'••h is continuously maintained by the action of natural se! .ie it is true that animals arc normally much more healthy than human 16686 204 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME beings, and that the weaklings are weeded out by the natural enemies of the species or the severity of the environmental factors, they are not free from epidemic disease. In fact inquiries instituted by various agencies have shown that there exist a number of unstudied epidemic diseases in wild species with which man and his domestic animals are daily in contact directly and indirectly. It is not unlikely that a study of these epidemics offers a possibility of tracing some of the epidemic maladies of man to reservoirs in the wild species. That the animal king- dom may be a source of discomfort, distress, sickness and death has only been appreciated in recent epochs. In the past, empirical experience guided man in avoiding the harmful and destructive effect of animals. Today scientific knowledge is required in order to break the chain of transmission from animals to man. Preventive measures can only be instituted provided detailed information concerning the cause and the course of the epidemic in the animals is known. There is some evidence that by continuous observation one may forecast with some degree of accuracy the outbreaks of wild animal plagues. This is a great advan- tage since it is very seldom possible to predict a strictly human epidemic. Furthermore, medical science has benefited tremendously by studying epidemics in animals. Attention is here directed to the fundamental contributions made by Topley, Webster, and others (See Science^ 1932, Vol. 75, p. 445), who have diligently analyzed the progress of an infec- tious disease in experimentally created mouse villages. As already intimated, little is as yet known concerning the epi- demics, except in the cases of tularemia, plague, rocky mountain spotted fever, etc. A brief review of the essential facts may be of general interest. Tularemia, also known as rabbit fever or deer fly fever, is probably not a "new disease," but it has without a doubt existed unrecognized for a long period of time. California has played a conspicuous part in this disease, for not only was the causative organism, the Bacterium tularense, discovered in 1911 by McCoy and Chapin in Tulare County, from which it takes its name, but the first known human case occurred in National City, San Diego County, as long ago as 1904. Only quite recenth^ was this fact established. Dr. T. F. Johnson, for many years health officer of National City, stated in a letter to Dr. Edward Francis, of the United States Public Health Service, that his son contracted tularemia as a boy, 15 years of age, when hunting and dressing rabbits in Maj', 1904. The blood serum still agglutinated Bact. tularense when tested in June, 1928, or 24 years after his illness. Between 1904 and 1928 only three laboratory infections at San Francisco and Los Angeles, and two cases due to handling jack rabbits in the vicinity of Sacramento, ; were reported. Early in June of 1928, the game deputies in the Alturas j region and near the Nevada border reported an enormous mortality among the jack rabbits. Unfortunately suitable specimens for exam- ination were not secured. But the simultaneous appearance in August of six cases of tularemia in laborers stationed in the Alturas district and subsequently treated in the Southern Pacific Hospital at San Francisco, left no doubt that the rabbit disease was tularemia. As an aftermath. ; of this intensive distribution of the rabbit infection which was ushered, in by an extensive mortality among the rabbits in Oregon and Idaho, as early as 1926, the incidence of human tularemia was 16 cases in 1928 CAUFOKNIA PIHII ASD QAMC 206 iiiul I'l ill I'.tli'J. Of tilt? 58 proved infcctioiiM, 36 were caunrtl thmtiErh haiiilliuu rahhitH, 15 followrd tin* bitr of lhi« clrcr fly and v While tin* wiUI nil>l)it ami linn* contribiit*' tin- ii <>( infiM'tioM for oIIht animals and in ' . - . . ,^ iiiiil traiiMiiitliTH HUfh as w»m»«1ii. . , tt hIhi'|), and priliap.s quail and n nrw Vfctor i indicate the ever wiilenini; spread of tin* infeftion to :iui of nnitiial and innrct life. This situation is almost cirtnin t" : "hi prrpctJiat ion of the ilist-ase anion;,' lowrr animal form-* and ti - the pos.sil>ilitie.s for the develo|inient of the infeetion in human l» Annually, >t{H) ciim'S, with a mortality of el(»M« to 5 per rent, r nt the tiihuie Nvliich tin* people of the I'nited States pay to the Imar-mm infestftl woodtick and its temporary host. tli«- wild rahhit. In Maho and Montana tularemia is transmitted to sheep, s. .•« causing; heavy losses amounting; to over 5 per cent of the nfTeetrd tNind«. Those who rarely if ever eonif in eontaet with hidHinie f>r piuMimonie pla;;ue ean not appreciate the I'eelin;; of um'asines.s which must ^ . vail in a territory where this disease exists in the rodents. A.s a - of the tfreal pandemic which ori>;inated in the city of Canton nml in iion^- konj;, the American continent was invaded by plairue |at«- in l*^'»Ii First seen in San l''rancisi'«)'s famous Chinatown, it extended over four yt-ars, but linally vanished only to reappear in l'.M)7. It is not unlikely that chronic pla^ruc persisted in the rats and after the fire an • miirialion set in which scattci-ed the diseased rodi-nts. Ilowrv:. ii j> not unlikely that the rats became infecteii from the ;;round sipiirrels. it is now known that in HUM) epidemics of pla^Mie existed amont; the s«piirrel popidation of the San Francisco East iJaiy counties. Invejiti(;a- lions have repeatedly shown that «.'round s(|uiirels and • 'y the same burrows and that «'Xchany:e of ectoparasites such quite common. The ;;eneral belief that pla;;ue was ori^'inally brouj;ht to the California coast by rats on ships which ilocked in the Sacramento Kiver. and that these rodents t'st-aped to the mainland and thus Npread the pla^'ue virus to the ^rouiul sipiirrcls, is in all pn»bability correct. (Iradually pla^rue as an epiilemic disease of roilents has spread south until every county borderiiifr the Pacilic. from the Sueramento Kiver to lios AM,L,'«>les ('(tunty. has yielded in the coui-se of vjit > a variable pcrci'iitajre of inf»'ctcd j;n»unil squirrels. At p ,. ...al intervals extensive epidemics of plague reduce the iMpiirrel and rat population of certain areas. Observations in California indicate that liuman cast's of ])lau'ue, whether bubonic «)r pneumonic in character, are invariably preceded by such epidi mics anions: the roilents. The ilanirer fnmi infected .stpiirrels is twofold: they convey their disease accidentally to num (1) by contact, usually while Ikmuj: skinnetl or dressed, and (2) throui;h ectoparasites. The first is preventable by educatinir the huntei-s to beware of sick squirrels. The prcH'edurt^s to reduce the chances from the second source ean not be outlined until the factors which are operative are better undcrstooti. The California ground squirrel is infested by two species of fleas which can carry the plajjue bacillus. AVhether or not in rural districts when* no infected rats are found j^la^ue is transmitted to them solely throuph the instru- mentality of those fleas, remains to be determined. The role of passive wild animal carriers of fleas from the ground squirrel nests or burrows 206 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME to the human habitations must be studied. Moreover, until one has investigated the factors which lead to the periodic plague epidemics among the rodents, which are probably much more effective than all eradicative measures, the problem of plague in California remains an important field for research. Quite recently attention has been called to a new human disease, relapsing fever, in which rodents are apparently involved. Since 1921 sporadic cases of relapsing fever or Spirochaetosis have been diagnosed in people who had camped in widely separated areas of the Eastern California mountain ranges at an altitude of above 5000 feet. Nothing definite is known concerning the mode of transmission. By analogy with similar relapsing fever infections in Texas a tick is suspected as the vector of the parasite. However, in view of the brilliant studies of the Tunisian workers, Nicolle and Anderson, who had shown that the spiral parasites commenced as parasites of small mammals and that burrowing rodents serve as reservoirs of the disease, an inquiry in this particular direction was instituted. Preliminary blood examinations of a number of animals in 1931 incriminated the squirrels as possible carriers of the spirochaetes. Early in 1932, Miss D. Becks of the State Department of Public Health obtained conclusive proof that quite a percentage of chipmunks examined in the mountain regions of Southern California are heavily infected with the parasite of relapsing fever long before ticks have made their appearance. Obviously these rodents serve as potential reservoirs which bring the infection and the transmitting insect close to the human habitations. Again an endless chain of ques- tions must be answered by further investigations. Eock}" Mountain spotted fever is dreaded in the sections in which it is endemic. The mental worry prevents many people from enjoying the opportunities for outdoor life and far outweighs the economic loss due to the actual occurrence of human infections. The prevalence of the malady among those concerned with range management frequently presents a real problem for wool growers. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is primarily an infection of rodents and certain small carnivores, while human infection is accidental. The two-host ticks (wood tick) which are concerned in the transmission of the parasite — a rickettsia — • among the ground squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, or prairie dogs, have complicated life cycles ; the successive stages of the insect feed on sepa- rate hosts over a period of two years. The control of the disease by means of tick eradication has been found impractical. However, the painstaking studies of Spencer and Parker of the United States Public Health Service climaxed in the preparation of a prophylactic vaccine which has yielded very promising results. More than 4000 persons have been inoculated. The results suggest that the vaccine confers full pro- tection against the milder types of the disease, and ensures the recovery of those who are attacked by the virulent type which occurs in the noto- rious Bitter Root Valley of Montana. Since 1926 evidence has been furnished by Maxcy and others that endemic typhus fever observed in the eastern and southern United States must be associated with a reservoir in rodents. The origin of some of the cases was traced to food establishments and places receiving visits of rats and mice. Through the studies of Dyer, Rumreich and Badger (1931) and others it is now proven that the rat is a reservoir for the infection in man. Bloodsucking arthropods were suspected as r'AI.IKOKNIA riKII AND OAME 307 flir traiisiiiif f iiiu' au»»MitM. To \w Hiin* it wiij* (Inixn'.f f .Nil that t>>«. .•imm. tivf ortraiiisiii <»f typhus f.-vrr vrry rIoMi'ly : that ■ kv MountHin Kpottrd frvcr in rnpuhlr of inniiitiiiiiini; itKrlf in th« ffuta of iK'dhiiu'H and n«'as Dm-f iiml Shi'linin* hn^ il rat iiiitjvs which f«*iMl oil th«* lirowri rat m To (|at<' this mite is known to o'->"- ■ — ; ..; , ami (luir coastM, |iartii'uhirly . It in not nn • thfsr vectors and coiistMjuonlly n widrr di-strihution with all ita come* qin'iicos Im'Iomj^'s ill tin* r«'alni of pn-vsihilitiis I''iirrli.riii<.r" M latioiiship of Kofky Muiiiitain spotted fi-ver to «'iid>Tiiii' attrat'fi'd coiisijiiTahh' attriitioii sim-.- »•,.. f,.ifM.r- h .s i;.!, n'co<.Mii/.iMl in Virjfinia. Irichinosis has hmi iiiidiily |>n'valfnt in California i»inci' lUliy. In thi« conrs*' of a study to drtfrniine the 8ourtM»s of the heavy infenta- tioii of hot's with tliis round wonii, two instances were rt ' ■ ' i,.|i the trichiimus ni«'at of hears shot on the open ranire in . . '^ has caused a severe and fatal human disease. These uni may not repeat itsj'If. It is trenerally i that skunks may propa<»ate rabies amonij their own kiiul. In fact skunks have been known to attack jiersons also. The relative inoppnr- tunity or lack of the tendency to bite when rabid is probably the only reason human rabies due to skunks is very rare. .Many more examples or a more detjiiled account of the dis4>as«*s idrcady mentioned could be triv«'n, but these were merely chos«»n to illus- trate the ever increasing complexity of the factors which endanper the health and welfare of the inhabitants in this State and <' ' re. Medical visitors are (]uite crencrally impressed by the many n- -> j-ioh- lems which are sometimes thrust upon the public health worker in a western State. There is no need for anxiety as lonp as everybody con- tinues to contribute his share to the investigations and the control of the maladies. 208 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME A SURVEY OF THE DESTRUCTIVENESS OF SARDINE NETS USED IN THE MONTEREY REGION ^ By J. B. Phillips^ California State Fisheries Laboratory TWO CLASSES of circle nets have been responsible for the build- ing up of the California sardine industry — the lampara and the purse nets. There is only the one type of lampara net, called the Italian round haul; of the purse nets there are two types, called the purse seine and the very recent ring net. The lampara net, having no purse rings, must depend upon the speed with which the wings can be pulled in and the fish safely impounded in the deep central bag. The impounding of fish with the purse net depends upon the quick closing of the bottom of the net by means of the purse rings. The lampara net can only be successfully used on a lampara type boat, while the purse seine can only be successfully used on a purse seine type boat. The ring net can be adapted for use on either type of boat. As the lampara net has not been a factor in the commercial sardine fishery in the Monterey region for the past two seasons and inasmuch as the operations of the lampara net were presented at an earlier date,^ the present survey is confined more or less to the two types of purse nets and accompanying gear. • CONTROVERSY NOT A NEW ONE A historical review of the sardine fishery at Monterey reveals that the competition between the lampara net and the purse seine is not new. With the start of sardine canning in 1903, purse seines were used until 1906.^ In 1905 the lampara net was introduced on the Pacific coast at Monterey, displacing the purse seine, one or two of which continued in use until about 1915. No purse seines were then in operation until 1926. From 1926 until 1929 two purse seine boats using purse seines competed against an overwhelming number of lam- para gear. , The 1929-1930 season brought an influx of a large number of purse seine boats. In the face of this competition the lampara crews by the end of 1929 discarded the lampara net in favor of the fast working, effective ring net. W. L. Scofield reported in 1926 •* that there were several reasons why the purse seines of the early days failed to yield a steady supply of fish. Among the reasons were — unfamiliarity with the habits and movements of the fish, crude methods of operating gear, and improper gear with which to operate the net. 1 Contribution No. 124 from tlie California State Fisheries Laboratory, March, 1932. » Scofield, N. B. The lampara net. Calif. Fish and Game, vol. 10, no. 2, p. 66-70, 1924. » Gill nets were used for the taking of sardines for bait. * Scofield, "W. L. Purse seines for California sardines. Calif. Fish and Game, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 16-19, 1926. CALirOKN'IA riMIl AND QAUt 209 ll in intiTcstintf to note that the n?ccnl rrttirii of thr pur^r ^.-inr boat aiul improved (iMhiiit; t^ear to the Nanliii' miH^tint; with th«« hhuw opixrsition that thf ' a nri tnrl with whni it was iiitr(t(luct'te from N. iV .^-olii'lU m art)t:Ic on (•••• ' !i"v '-.'i !"•' ;...»>'•-•'••■! !" r'LM" Kl|;. ii. A purs.' ?.. 111. i'lt ullh ii liiir.: • ■ ' ■ • > •• • i ' • ' ' the larK'T tyi>f.s nf inirraeiued In KlK ■•6. Vhoto by J. B. I'hllllpn, October, l»3w. N'ow that the use of tho Iiunpnra not is firmly e«tabli-shetl in Cul i» consiiit'retl to bo n rikiiI niul It'citiniato not by neiirly nil ti-sljormon, it . ..at to jjo back to tho time whon tliese nets wore inti^mtHl into the sardine li'ibrry at MontiToy aidl to soo tho Mttor opposition which was mi at thnt timo. Tho iiitroiliiction of this not has holjHHi pri)!);i ..rr cvntributinK factor in the development of Cnlifornia'a K^eut aanline imluatry and it is hanl now for tislionnen nt Monterey to realize that n InrRe number of them bitterly oppostnl its iiao ton or twelve years hro. The intro«luotion of any n»>w fi>rtn of tishiiiK near which profoundly affi-ots a tishery is usually met with -n from fishermen who can not successfully t»m|>ete with their oldttyle „ .... .lud their opiwsition is always on the ground thnt the new gear is unduly destructiv* ftnd will ruin tho fishery. In IDl.'l a bill was intnxlucod in our State Legislature which pn' to prevent ill-advisinl loKi.slation whenever IK>s^iblo as it is its •. ite restrictive measures wherever any fishery is in danger of exhaustion. Therefor* the Commission, ilosiriiiR more information in roganl to the u»« of this new ni*t, for the bill was to como up before tho Assembly Fish and Game Committer within ■ few ilnys. asked the writer to proceed to Monterey and report on conditions as h' found them. For similar reasons tho pres*nit investigation of *'>'^ d'* 20 fatlKtiiiM ami flashiMl iijt«Tinitfrutl\ -•••^ ••'^ T*' !- •■••■ I'ln? frik'lit*'"'* •'»•• 'i**'' "I' "'••1 H^vuy from the n\ nm of Immmk cIojmmI. Aftrr tlin iMittom of thr net ih pur<«<*mplish«'d l>y pullint: in th«' other i-nd i-i in. ' • • herdint; the catfh toward thf laiidiiiir htm. As the fish and more hunched, an o<'fnsi(»nal ht»ilin'^' up of AhH will Im* olHMT%«»d After enonu'h l«'ny:th of the net has been pull«'cen matle t<» a .Monterey Hay period of .s«'areity which may he termed a transitional perioil. In the fall months l)efore this p«'riod. the size of the .sardine's in the population is fairly constant; in the winter months after this pcriotl and until the eml of the sea.son, the si/.e of the tish incr«>ases hecausc the population is niade up of older year classes. The fishermen say that the fidl pf)pulation tends to form in shallow schools and the winter population to form in deep whools.* There is not oidy a seasonal variation in the depth of the - ' ' in one reirion. hut the shap*- or -.'cncral outline of the .scho<''< ca- sionally vary. This is also claimed to he true between i For example, the outline of the .sehools in the Monterey rei;ion tends toward compactness, while in the San Pctlro rei:ion the tendency is toward a loni; wave-like f4rtvr \irv iii i j vu TllHtK OtlAn Siiiiim.irily, lii«' jmr^i- Mini-- iifii dc^nd t! -"--'r* • Altliouk'li iIhtc art' tiim-s timt it is liar.l tn iu!S OF THK IMRSK StTT The wastefulness of the purs«* seine and rinj; net is eonsidrred in two phases Tirst. the possibility of avoiding' the eapturini.' of an over- limit ; and second, tlii' facilities for takinj; care of an unavoiilable over- limit haul. LAYINO Ol'T AM) HAULIN(i NKT It has been claimed that the purse soine and riua net continually capture more tish than they recpiire and that when this surplus Is released it is doomed. In this cast- it is the type of boat and not the type of net that is one of the major factors. In the tirst place, the voluntary shortenintr of nets by the San Pedro purse seine crew's in the Monterey rejrion indicates that a jrrcat excess of lish in the n»'t is unde- siriil)le. Toll is taken i»i damai^ed nets.* Nt'vertheless. there is no doubt that the jiurse type of net has the capacity of impounding; more Ilsh than is sometimes needed. This is more apt to be true when low limits are levieil by tht> canneries. However, at such a time any net may have the capacity of takin;.; over the limit. In cases where lar};e luminescent areas imlii-ate the presence of .sardines, only a portion need Ih' circled at such times. Ihit when fish are located by tlwir splashini; it is hard to estimate the amount present. In the latter cases the s«'t is bliml and n«» approximation of the amount of the tish in the net can be liad until the net is beinj; pulled in. After the tish have been well bunched a crew can tell very closely the tonna«?e in the net by pushintr a pole down and considerinir the surface area. In instances when the crew is certain while ptdlini; in the net that they have an excess of tish. they may divide the net into two portions before the fish are too well-bunched. The dividing of the net is accom- * In addition to overlondinff. nets .nro often damnsed wben sharka or s«a lloiu are Impounded wltli the catch. 7—93971 214 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME plished by starting with the lead line and pulling in the meshes of the net until the cork line is reached. The fish in the one portion of the net are allowed to remain in slack water while the other portion is further bunched or concentrated preparatory to unloading the net. If enough fish are obtained from the one portion, the fish in the other portion can be freed unharmed. Because dividing the net involves quite a bit of added labor it is doubtful that this is done very often. It has been suggested that where the bag is at one end, as in the case of the purse seine and most of the present day ring nets, that the one end of the bag nearest the boat can be let down and the excess of fish allowed to escape. Although this is possible, it is more apt to lead to total escapement. The strong schooling habits of the sardine would undoubtedly exert a great pressure on the opening and even prevent its being closed until the bulk of the fish escapes. Where several crews are fishing in the same vicinity, as is nearly always the case, one crew if it has a surplus will donate to another less Fig. 46. A lampara sardine crew unloading at a cannery with a shallow dip net. This same dip net is used in unloading the catch from the net. Photo By J. B. Phillips, September, 1931. fortunate crew. Crews are attracted to the vicinity where another crew is making a haul or is unloading, as the chances are good that there are other schools nearby. "With low limits, sometimes two crews agree to alternate, with one crew going out for two limits. UNLOADING OF CATCH It is the degree of concentration of catch preparatory to unloading and the time thus held that are most important in cases of over-limit catches. It is just as necessary for a fish to have oxygen as it is for other animals. However, a fish is so constructed that it can only extract oxygen from water. In their efforts to resist suffocation, when the catch is greatly concentrated, the fish attempt desperately to free themselves. In this manner the sardine may lose scales. The sardine can lose some scales without ill effects, as all loose scaled fishes have power of regenera- CALIPOKSIA riKil ASP OAUK 215 tion of Hcah's. N'l'VtTthrlfjwj, tin* Iohm of a tfn-at many i-'/i?.-^ ^t i.n*. fim.- would no (loiil)t havL* dire effeetM throtitfli infrrtion OlKsrrvation.H niadi* of tUv iinIoailin(? opcratinnM of thr lantpara t>'|)« of l)OMt and llif pursi- winr typf of boat hIh.w r! ' •■ ■' ' - fo b** in a l)fttiT position to take i*iir«' of thi* imp' ,.. . . .-h mast, th«» lonjf boom and tin* ad of a dip not having; a very loni; ha(r for unloadtni? tht* catch. Thrsr dip nrl.s liavi* an iron rinvr from l '> f.i-t in i;,,^ UHually tlif l^Il^,'t)l of tlir ba^'. is attaidit'd to thi* rinj; ho • . .ih of dip net can b<* guided. The net i.H lowered or hoi.strd by mi'aiui of a rope, attached to the rin^, which runs up through a lihx'k at the end of the boom. The end of the ba^ is (dosed and terminates in a r<>p«' that runs np throu;,'h another block at the end of the l)oom. Tin* dip net m emptii'd by placing' the rin;^' pt-rpendiciilar to tin- cdir'- of tli.' hold iind by hoisting' up on the end of the ba^'. Fljr. 47. A pursio Koine crew unlnadlnfr n» n riinn.Ty wi'h This illp nt>l I.M only uaod for un' of u loiiK bui; dli> net, which 1 ht' Si-t'M htlllKIOK lllH>Vt> th«> rlfClu iniu t •!»,,• ,.i wi.- n .1 ngxire 48. Photo by J. B. Phillips. August. 1930. ••hnllnw n-' li iMJtil a\ryi III Unloadinj; operations of the lanipara type of bwit are conducted by means of a sliallower dip net. N'early all of the dip nets used by thia type of boat liave a rinj; or mouth from 3-3 ^ feet in diameter. The baj? of webbiiiir attached to the rinj? is ab(nit 4 feet deep. A fairly long haiulle is attachcil to the rinjr so that the net can be (guided. The con- tents are emptied throuffh the bottom of the dip net. This is accom- plished by relcasiii}; the tension on a chain that runs throufrh small rings slon^r the bottom edjre of the webbinp. The net is lowered or raised by means of a rope rumiins; throusili a block at the end of a short boom. Previous to the wholesale ailoption of rin>j nets by the lampara crews, the catch used to be unloailed by the u.se of 3 or 4 small hand dip nets with 3 men to a dip net. The unloading time was slow — probably with 4 of the 216 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME man-poAvered dip nets working at top speed, as much may have been accomplished as one of the present day shallow dip nets. Obviously, in the case of the shallow dip net, the catch must always be concentrated to a great degree in order to unload the net efficiently. In the case of the long bag dip net the amount of concentration varies with the diiferent boats. Sometimes, as with a weak purse net, Fig. 48. A long bag dip net which is part of the equipment of sardine purse seine boats. The long handle, attached to the iron ring, is here shown slashed to the ladder. This dip net has a 4-foot mouth and a 20- foot bag. Photo by J. B. Phillips, February, 1932. the fish are hardly more than bunched. Sometimes the degree of con- centration approaches that of the small boats. In any case, when the catch is concentrated to such a degree that in their struggles the fish continually break water and produce an audible hissing noise, any surplus that is freed would undoubtedly be doomed if held very long. CAUrORN'IA FIHII AVD OAUC 217 111 tiiiiiiiK tlx' uiiloailint; op folUiwint; wm found: Thr boats UHiii(; tilt* ioM(; him dip net ran nornially iM)l<>a>l ' hour at l')(M) .'{')()() pounds piT di|» from th'-ir ■ ' Hhallow dip n«*t, «'> iJ.'i tons an hour at MM» i.(M» j normal rati* of unloading, fnch-r vrry favorahh* conditioiw. thr long htm d\\i nt't can unhuid KH) tons prr hour, as • 4M t' ir for thf shallow dip tn't. TIhtj* is njon* of a tine ^ .; . him liip nt't hrrausi' of tlu" variation in s'l/.r of n- con('i>ntration of catrh. Tlu' shallow dip nrts an- fairly wrll " I- i/i'd as to HV/.v, and eoncrntration of catch must Im> fairly u'r<- tifuium, the two purse Hciiu* hoats then iit Monterey were still usinj? a shallow dip net. With the start of the I'J'J') ID.'U) s.-ason and th.- i; hcine lioats. the Ion;: hii\i or stocking' dip nrt was intro '■ of dip net is now part nt' the eipiipment of all the pij well as shallow dip nets which are used for unloading; the fbth from the hoat at the cannery. The lanipara boats iis.- tin- sani«- v di|> net for utiloadin;: the eatrh from the m-t and for unloadiiiK >i>'- catch from their li;,'bters at the eanneiy. Ljini|)ara and purse net crews alike a*lmit that i:U NO. 12 I")iirinir previous .sca.sons there have bc-n nuiiiy tons of wastcil in the course' of a seasoii because of the dumpinj; of i... ; ; catches after the crews had unloadetl at the canneri«'s. Kvcn though limits mi;,'ht have been pronounced by tlu* canneries, crews sometiineM miirht have brou^rht in over-limit c.itclu's in the anticipation t' " -t crews had missed or had torn their nets. liefore the start of i;. . .1- VXV2 .season the Division of Fish ami (iame issued Order No. 12. con- sisting of two re^rulations. Keirulation 1 prohibited tlie dunipiii); of fish and rcipiirod a bona fide oriler for the amount of fish delivere<| to the plant. Keirulation 2 retpiircd that not more fish U* ini|>ounded in th«* net than the crew actually had an onler for. and that !'"^ -'irplus of tisli be rclased in a healthy condition Ud'ore brailinu ope: . com- menced. One would ;;athcr from hearinp the one side of the controversy that the jnirse seine boats captureil a jjreat deal niore fish tlian t' 'ually needed every time they .set out. Durinj; the 11)31 1*J32 just dosed, either Order No. 12 had the desired etTect or the o hinp properties of the purse seine have been over-rated. In iroing through • Bonnot, Paul. Report on the relative merits and demerits of punw seines til lann>arn nets in the t&klngr of sardines. Calif. Fish and Game. voL K. no. 3. Ik 12&-130. 1930. 218 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME the regular season sample records, purse seine boats are represented as making 129 catches. Forty-eight of the catches, or 37 per cent, fell at least 5 tons under the limit ; 44 catches, or 34 per cent, at least 10 tons under the limit; 37 catches, or 29 per cent, at least 20 tons under the limit. There are no records of the boats that missed entirely. In cases where no limit was levied by the cannery, just the hold capacity of that particular boat was taken as the limit. It is evident that in 35-40 per cent of the cases throughout the season, the purse seine boats made hauls that resulted in 5-10 tons under the limit loads. When fish are loaded into the hold of a boat, the tonnage can be told quite accurately. If the fish are available, in cases of limits, the load is apt to be a ton or so over the limit, or in cases of no limits, the hold may be filled with possibly a deck-load in addition. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS Any efficient fishing gear has capabilities of catching more fish than the fishermen can dispose of, especially at such times that limits are in effect. In the case of sardine nets, it is not the gear that is responsible but the handlers of the gear. However, no type of fishing gear should be encouraged unless it is shown that the gear, properly handled, does not continually destroy a large surplus of fish. A survey of the netting operations of purse seines and ring nets in the sardine fishery in the Monterey region may be summarized as fol- lows: 1. A period of scarcity of sardines in Monterey Bay was present and growing in length of duration at a time when the purse net was not in use at Monterey. 2. The voluntary shortening of purse seines by southern California sardine crews fishing in the Monterey region tends to show that an excess of fish in the net is undesirable. When luminescence is absent, the haul is more or less blind, and an excess is impounded, a purse seine can be divided or the surplus allowed to escape over the cork line. 3. In the case of the purse seine boats, the use of the long bag dip net reduces materially the time that fish are held in a bunched state and allows the weakened or dead fish to be scooped first from the bot- tom of the net. For the proper manipulation of this dip net, the catch should not be bunched too tightly. 4. That purse seine boats are not continually making over-limit catches is shown in an analysis of sample records. Based on the 1931- 1932 season records, hauls made by the purse seine fleet resulted in under-limit catches in 35-40 per cent of the cases. No record is avail- able of the times that the boats missed entirely. 5. Continued enforcement of Order No. 12, issued by the Division of Fish and Game prior to the 1931-1932 season, is all that is recom- mended at this time. CAUrOKN'IA riMII AND OAUK 219 RELATIVE DESTRUCTTVENESS OF SARDINE CIRCLE NETS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA T lly n II CUANK. Cnllfomla flU(« naherlea i^bomlary fl^ II I. t^lKS'I'loN has coim* up riMTiitly an to the r- iiviiu'ss to sartliiHvs of tin* thr<'<' typcn of riri'l*- i i in suufliriii Calitoniia watn-H: tin* laiupura, tin* riii' ' ! the purse sriiuv Tlic purpose of this rrport Ih to HUimimri !• tioiis Miatli' l»y tin- hu'iiiImts of tlir California Statr Fi *- tory stall* aiul tlirir n'Sfan-hfs into tin* suhji-rt of tin* "i usf of tlifsf vjiriotis iH'ts. It lias hrcn roucludi'd from I: here presentoil that if the fishcniu'n operutinjr nny one of the three lu'ts iisi' a fair amount of judu'iiuMit that none of thrso nct.H will ch'stroy any appnciahli- amnimt of lish lift* other than that which in taken for f(H)(l to tile iiuirkets and eaiiiieii'-v Ol'KUATION OF NETS The three types of eireles nets nseil in li.shin^ siirdines in southern ('alifornia are operated in ahout the same manner. That is, ' re laitl out in a eirele around a selio«il of tish ; then the net is mai...... .:<-tl so that the fish are eaptured and held in a hai:. The tish are then furtlu'r eoneentrated in a smaller spaee and dipped into the Imat by means of a larjre tlip net. The eonstrnetion of these nets is " rit so that the nu'tluxl of impoundiiiLT the tish is not the s^ime for «... .. ... pe (if ^ear. As far as the si^litin^' of sehools of tish, estimatinu' the num- her of tons in them, and the aetnal setting of the net are eoncerned, the erews usin^r any one of the three ty|)es of net follow similar metluxls. Experienci'd tishermen are remarkable in their ability to estimate the toiiiiau'e of a scIkkiI of tish. If the sejiool, aceordin^ to their best estimate, contains the tlesired amount of lish, they will eirele the entire seliool (depemlinir on the type antl si/e of their fishini; i;ear', but if the school is too larire they may "split" the ma.ss and eirele half or a third of it. "Split tin-:" ean be done if the lish are not too "wild" or aetive. After eirelini,', the tish are impounded, in the case of the lainpara, by liauliiiLT iu the winirs and lead line in order to eontine the tish in the "bunt" or bair; with the rinj; net, by simultaneously pursing the net and pullinir in the winjrs. ami with the purse seine by completely pursins; the net and then haulinir aboaril the rinirs ami the lead line, together with part of the net. After the tish are impounded, the enptain may decide that there is a surplus, in which case the eork line (on that portion «>f the net farthest from the boat) is submerired until a suflieient number of fkli escape. The cork line is then allowed to come to the surface and the rcmainiler of the capturcil tish is confined prior to beinjr dipped into the boat. 'Contribution No. 122 from the Callfornlji Stale Fisheries LAbormtoo*. Janu- ary, 1932. 2— 956S6 220 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME In the event that the sardines are "wild" and it is impossible to estimate accurately the tonnage in a school, the fishermen using a purse seine may set the net and impound the whole mass. Then, in order not to destroj^ the fish or to confine all of them too closely, the impounded fish are divided into two groups by pulling along a row of knots in the net. One group is then confined more closely and dipped into the boat. In case the first group does not contain the required amount, some fish may be taken out of the other section. However, if the first group fills the need, the second group is liberated by sinking the cork line, in which case no fish are destroyed. DIPPING OR BRAILING Dipping or brailing the sardines from the water to the boat is done in the same way regardless of the type of net used to capture the fish. A large dip net with a long handle is operated usually from the skiff, which is stationed on the opposite side of the net from the boat. The net is dipped down into the water where the fish are confined, pushed by means of the handle, and dragged along by the rope attached to it from the boom. Then the net is lifted clear by the boom rope with the aid of a poAver winch. The dip net is pushed to a position over the hatch, and the purse line which closes the bottom of the net is released to allow the sardines to drop into the hold. If a small (shallow) dip net is used, from 500 to 700 pounds of sardines can be transported to the hold of the boat at each dip. Using this type of dip net, the fish can be removed from the impounded area at an average of one ton every three minutes, or about 2 hours for a 40-ton catch. However, if the larger dip net is used (this type was employed almost exclusively for sardines in southern California during the 1931-1932 season) the fish can be unloaded from the net at the rate of about a ton a minute or even faster, so that a 40-ton catch can be unloaded in about 30 to 40 minutes. These large dip nets are from 20 to 25 feet long and scoop up from 1500 to 2500 pounds at a time. Such dip nets are operated from the boat; they have no opening in the bottom but are inverted into the hold. Some of the sardines near the bottom of the confined area in the water are bound to be smothered, but this is only a very small percentage. Such fish are still good and of course are loaded on the boat wdth the rest of the catch. No large numbers of fish are impounded in the net above the amount wanted by the fisher- men. As stated before, experienced fishermen seldom catch much above the required limit ; perhaps there may be a difference of one or two tons above or below the set amount, but this is not enough to be of any consequence. In our opinion, very few sardines are destroyed in the operations of the three types of circle nets if the fishermen use reasonably good judgment. BOAT LOADS After the sardines are loaded on the boat, the net is piled aboard and the boat goes back to port to deliver the catch. If the fish are. delivered the same day (24-hour period) as caught, they are almost always in a good condition. Very few fish are crushed during the dipping process from net to boat or from being stored in the hold. It CALIFUKNIA nKil AND to |)(iit hy a ciirlr in'l iirr Mtill alivi- \vhrn drliviTrtl to ihr " i«, tlu' oiu'H on top of till* lioatlotid, niul ihi'Mv nrr ilu* linh wiurh nn* i last from tin* nrt. wliirli iixliratcs that tlw «ii!.'Jit of th- in.f smothiT or riiinh thi* oii»*h on thr hott«tio In >...'>,. • itl liavr Itfiii known to h«' so livrly aftiT ili'liv«M •!' otr th«' ruttini: tahh-n in thr .annt'ry. "Soft arf thrown away, not hfoauso of hoinjr crnshi'd in thr nrt hut III thr hohl fur two tbiys •>r niorr or wrrr tra;. j ■.. . ■; .. . ruiisiny tlir lish to hi'i'omr soft and unfit for rannint; Ti uHually orrurs whrn inrhMnrnt wrnthrr hitidiTM the lioats from rrtum- in,; to port immrdiatrly aftrr thr ratrhrs arr mnde. I.ttKIKINTIS IV OI'EKATING NCTS 'I'hf hiiiipara iki is im i-n-. i a fnctor in snrdinr cnnnrry *•»-•<•• in soiith«'rn (alilOniia. Soiiir of ilir siiiallrr markrt hoat.s tise Ian . lor various «)thrr spocirs of fish hut no u'rrat amount in takrn by thU •/rar. iiamparas arc rmploy«'d a u'rrat (h-al in rat^hini; livr hnit ( small sMnliiifS), thr samr iiirthod Itrini: usi-d as in lishin^' *' ■ -i si/.rs of sanlinrs, rx HAMt: PARASITISM OF THE CALIFORNIA VALLEY QUAIL BY HAFMOPROTEUS LOPHORTYX. A PROTOZOAN BLOOD PARASITE Ity I. (With nvc neurrii nn«l two plAlo* by th« »v ri^lIK CAMKdKXIA VAM.KY (^I'AIf^ I.ophorttfJ caUforniea I Simw, lias littitr hi-rii itlfiif iliftl in I In- v ' ' JL Stall' 's most pri/.t'd j^ann' hiril. Ir> tl'- ■ natiiralistM, it is similarly a favoritr. CI with the (Ij'Vj'iDpiiu'Mt of the foimtry liave brciuijhl about rl trihiitinii and rfiativc juiimImts of (|uall, t' iM'iulicial lu ih^- Wfllaiv of the hinls ami in others jusl tl.. . One of the at'tivities of the Division of Fish an(' v.M-i.mv nmon;2r quail. I'loin available literature, it was evident that the or);ani.sm under ob.scrvation was proto/oan, belonirini; to either tlie ircnus // teus or Prott'osoma, sjioro/oans which are capabb* or" -.»•. ■i-- ••• in birils known as bird malaria. The important b between the two genera is that Proteosoma can be transmittetl by direct blood inotMilation. whereas IIiu ninpritlnis can not Ihv The first c\j>ori- mental work that was done, therefore, was a series o*" '>'■■! inoculation experiments. Blood from parasiti/cil quail was ii ed into sus- ceptible yonnir quail as well as into younp pheasants and chicks. All such attempts at transmi.ssion were futile fixing the identity of the parasite as llaemoproteus. A complete ihck of the literature on the Ilaemoprottidae of birds indicated that this particular species was new to science. It has there- fore been described as such under the name of Haemoproteus lophortyz.^ 224 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME As soon as the investigations were well under way, the work resolved itself into a series of studies along the following lines : 1. Host and geographic distribution of the parasite. 2. Collecting ectoparasitic louse flies of quail. 3. Experimental transmission of the parasite. 4. Life histor.y of the parasite. 5. Pathology, disease symptoms in infected birds. 6. Some problems of infection and immunity. 7. The possible influence of certain ecological factors. The various studies were carried on concurrently, each week's obser- vations usually contributing towards progress along several of the above lines. For clearness in presenting the results of the above studies, they will be grouped under the headings outlined above. HOST AND GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION The records of parasitism of birds by various species of Haemopro- teus are largely from the old world, although Opie (1898) - gives a list of several North American birds taken largely in the vicinity of Baltimore, Maryland, which were parasitized with blood parasites of the genus Haemoproteus. He did not include any quail, partridges or other gallinaceous birds in the list and did not assign specific or varietal names to any of the different kinds of Haemoproteus which he found. A typical example of one of the more comprehensive European lists of host birds is that of Galli-Valerio (1902).' He examined 101 birds belonging to 29 genera and 36 species in the Alpine regions of central Europe. Among them he found Haemoproteus in 16 genera and 18 species. In the present studies, an attempt was made to examine as many species as possible which were to be found in the same environ- ment as the valley quail. Twenty-eight genera and 36 species in all were examined. Ten of these species, however, were wild ducks and geese and should really not be included in the list for comparison. In all, a total of 170 individual birds were examined. Of this entire lot of birds other than quail, only one species, Aphelocoma calif ornica, yielded any Haemoproteus. Three individuals, only, were parasitized. They were all from one lot and were shot near Orinda, California, Sep- tember 30, 1928. Parasitism in these blue jays was very light and the species of Haemoproteus was not determined. Fourteen other blue jays taken at various places and at various times were not parasitized. Whether the parasites in the blue jays may have been Haemoproteus lophortyx is not known because of the inability of the writer to identify them from the scanty material. Contrasted with these negative records previously enumerated is the widespread distribution of Haemoproteus lophortyx in quail of the genus Lophortyx taken in California. Collecting extended over the period of time from December, 1927, to July, 1929. Wherever pos- sible, the blood sample was taken from the wing vein of the living quail in order to avoid needless sacrifice of the birds. » O'Roke, Earl C. The morpholo&y of Haemoproteus lophortyx sp. nov. Science, Vol. 70, No. 1818, p. 432. 2 Opie, E. L. On the Haemocytozoa of birds. Journ. Exp. Med., 3, 79-101, pi. 9. 3 Oalli-Valerio, B. Untersuchungen uber die Hamosporidien der Alpenvoeel. Centralbl. Bakt., 1, Abt., 31, 162-165. i:XI'I. \N.\TI()\ ol" n.A'I'KS PLATE 1 Fig. 1. Salivary glands of Lynchia hirsuia. Iron-haematoxylin stain, photomicrograph, X 280. Fig. 2. Sporozoites in salivary glands of Lynchia hirsuta. Iron-haematoxylin stain, photomicrograph, X 80. Fig. 3. Oocysts on wall of mid-gut of Lynchia hirsuta. Sketch from living material. X about 350. Fig. 4. Section of spleen of infected quail shovping pigment deposits. Unstained, cleared material, photomicrograph, X 200. Fig. 5. Section of testis of infected quail showing pigment deposits. Iron- haematoxylin stain, photomicrograph, X 200. Fig. 6. Smear preparation of lung of infected quail showing pigment deposits. Unstained, cleared material, photomicrograph, X SO. Fig. 7. Sausage-shaped schizont from spleen of infected quail. Iron-haema- toxylin stain. X 1266. Fig. 8. Male gametocyte, just preceding liberation of male . gametes. Dark field illumination. X about 2500. Fig. 9. Living microgamete. Dark field illumination. X about 5000. Fig. 10. Merozoites in epithelial cell from liver. Giemsa's stain. X 1866. Fig. 11. Sporozoites of Haemoproteus lophortyx. Iron-haematoxylin stain. X 3500. Fig. 12. Sporozoites of H. columhae. Redrawn after Adie (1921). X 3500. ( 226) .r r'i •■^ »>^* ^ % ,«• i«i.ATi-: I PLATE 2 All figures drawn with camera lucida. X 2533. Methyl alcohol fixation, Giemsa's stain. Figs. 13—16. Developing gametocytes. Fig. 17. Mature male gametocyte in blood cell. Fig. 18. Mature male gametocyte out of blood cell and rounded up prepara- tory to gametogenesis. Figs. 19-23. Successive divisions of the nucleus of the gametocyte resulting in the formation of the nuclei of the microgametes. Fig. 24. Male gametes in various stages of development. One mature male gamete visible. Fig. 25. Residual mass of male gametocyte after the liberation of the micro- gametes. Fig. 26. Free microgametes. Fig. 27. Female gametocyte in blood cell. Fig. 28. Female gametocyte outside of blood cell and rounded up preparatory to gametogenesis. Fig. 29. Macrogamete and polar cell. Fig. 30. Zygote with fertilization membrane. Thickness of membrane exag- gerated. Fig. 31. Elongating ookinete. Fig. 32. Motile ookinete. (228) * A 0 ^-. .A '^, I V ^1 ,• '■'i %■ ^-.r i3- r. ^' ^ ^:^'1»< % ' ^ ^tt •• • Pl^TK 2 CAlAt un>i\ ^1►^II A>u UAUi; The Hource of Mupply wan the State (;ame farm at Younlville, nuro- louM private uviarieH, birilM trapp<fi wc alway.s made it a point to explain to the raiichriii'ii what we w«'re doiuj? and why we wrre doing it and V '-^^^ii^rs QUA/L DV£ffC COIL£CTCO *Scn Jost • V,c*9'.''k \ SoM D-^f* _ _x — - - to ask permission to take the necessary samples for study. Altogether >12 (niail wore examined. These included all of the species and sub- species of the jjenus Lophortyr which are to be found in California, incluilina: Santa Catalina Island. Of all of the quail examined, 45 iier cent were uarasitized. Parasitism in different lots varies from 230 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME 0 to 100 per cent. No species or subspecies of the genus Lophortyx ■was found to be free from the parasites. The highest per cent of infection, 100 per cent, was found in Gambel Quail at a private aviary. The accompanying map shows the locations where collections were made. It will be observed that only a few places did not yield parasitized birds, and it is quite probable that more extensive collections made there would have sho-\vn that these localities are not exceptions to the general rule. COLLECTING ECTOPARASITIC LOUSE FLIES OF QUATL Since the Sergent's work (1907)^ in northern Africa had proved experimentally that Haemoproteus columhae Celli and Sanfelice is transmitted by the bite of the louse fly Lynchia maura, it seemed prob- able that some species of louse fly would be found to be responsi?jle for transmitting this newly discovered parasite of the valley quail in Cali- fornia. Accordingly^, a survey was made of entomological collections in California which might include such flies. From this study it was ascertained that two species of such flies had been reported from quail in the state. They were namely, Lynchia hirsuta Ferris and Stilhome- topa impressa Bigot. The former species had only recently been described by Ferris (1927)^, and was represented by only three specimens in the collections of Professor G. F. Ferris, of Stanford University. The latter was represented by two specimens in the University of California collection. With this information as a starting point, field search was instituted. Guided by the knowledge that the louse fly of the pigeon deposits its pupae about cracks and crevices and around nests in pigeon lofts, examination was made of the quail pens at the State Game Farm in the hopes of finding the flies or their pupae. Repeated examinations made during May and June proved to be fruitless. The next step was to drive the quail into cloth-screened pens at the game farm in the hope of finding the flies on the birds. This likewise yielded negative results. Operations were then extended to the field. Penned quail were taken out into natural environments of the wild quail, left for a few hours and then placed in cloth bags to be examined for any flies that may have alighted on them. Wild quail were trapped and similarly examined, but with entirely negative results. Jn the mean- time, examinations of the roosting places and haunts of wild quail were continued but no hypoboscid flies were found. Following upon the failure to obtain flies or thr-ir pupae by any of these methods, it became necessary to shoot quail and place them imme- diately in gauze bags. These bags were made up into conical shape, about a foot long. Field practice indicated that unless a quail could be shot in an open clearing and placed in the gauze bag within a few .seconds after it was killed, any flies present among the featliers of the quail would make their escape. After a quail had been placed in a bag, the bottom of the bag was closed with a rubber band. It was oi ^o^^^ol!}' -^.^ ^/'^r, ^>^ Etudes sur les hematozoalres d' olseaux; Ann. Ist. Past., 21, 2.J1-280, pl.s. 6-7, 5 flgs. in text. » Ferris GF. Some American hippoboscidae (diptera pupipera) Canadian Ento- mologist 59, 24G-2ol, 4 figs, in text. CAI.IFOKNIA n.HII AND UAME 231 tlipn hi'ld HU.Hpcndp*! by the aprx niul niiy fli**-^ •*■ ■• •* nt ifiviiriahly cniwlf*! up into th«? t«p«rMnf part of t; r«j Ik" the instinct of t\\v My to leave it.H hoxt iuimi*(liati>ly after the drath of tin? lattrr. Afti-r the ttu's hml erawlni up iiitn tl traiisffiriMl to L'L'inin. slu'il vials which wfrr i-an-f':" baK aiitl tiiovcti upwards until thr t1i**.s hatl l»i><-ii it Fio. 50. Lirnchia hirauta Ferris. Female, wings removed. After Ferris. About 3S X. 232 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME fly taken by this method was captured on July 7, 1928, at the Whitman Ranch, near Mount Diablo. By November this method had yielded 32 flies. The greatest number taken on any one quail was four. Many had none at all and several only one or two. The only species taken throughout the investigations was Lynchia hirsuta Ferris. Collections of flies were made from several places in the vicinity of Mount Diablo and at a few localities in the Berkeley Hills between Berkeley and Orinda. When a fly was transferred to a vial, it was customary to put the vial in one's shirt pocket in order to keep it alive and warm until such time as it could be used in transmission experiments. Fig. 51. Screen cage, used at Yountville Game Farm in a series of transmission experiments with quail. During the course of collecting flies, a few facts were gathered which may be of assistance at some time in the future to anyone work- ing out the life history of the fly, which is unknown. No flies were ever found apart from their hosts. A pair of flies were observed in copula October 5. Three different flies were observed to oviposit a pupa immediately after being taken from quail and placed in vials. These ovipositions took place July 7, August 2, and October 5. All of the pupae were placed in a constant temperature box maintained at 35.5 degrees Centigrade. The one obtained August 2 gave rise to a fly in thirty-one days. The other two failed to hatch. The longest time that a fly lived in captivity was five days. They must live considerably longer than this as will be apparent when consideration is given to the development of Haemoproieus lophortyx in this fly. (?AUK(JKN'IA Kimi A.VO OAMK 2^ I llt\N lire, liii\M-\ i|-, ii'ii'iit"" aii'i tti'ii" .' ' 'n llii' wflltirr of tlifir luwl from wlnrh ili«-\ hu n whirh they ohtaiii warmth. An will Im* m't-n in th<* ^' Miif, thi'ir piii('h<*r-lik«? fret mablc them to hold fawt to the : m thi'ir hosts ainl thrir Hat iMxIioji t-nahlr thdii to Klidi* una. At tilt' l)«'i;inninj; oi" tin* rxpt'rinicnl.s onr catfi* containtni ... ..e little «inail and tin* otlirr fourteen. The most riu'id tart* was rxercijMHi \>\ A \V. KIder and K. D. IMatt at the ^»ame farm to keep the.H«? cagt's iii.si'it Irif diiiinj; the time that thi* quail wcrf heini; kept for ujie io the expfriniiiils. Sotue of the qujiil were renioveil from time to time iiid transferred to smaller eajfes for the fly-hitin^r experiments. The la.st of the ({uail were not removed from the sereenetl pens until Decem- \'er tape Nsliicli was scaled into position tlirectly ajrainst the skin of the bird. The usual practice was to contiiie the tly over niijlit on th.* ImhIv of a mail. When it became apjiarcnt that the scarcity of Hies iaij;ht pre- nt a tlioroujih test by this method of the hypH the tiiiw* .t'n.i-t.i invulved If '•>•• sexual (•yclc. FlO. &2. I>ltiKra>n shuwInK the time i-lcmont Iru fvrtilixaUoii aiul ot>klii«-tt< fonuatloii on the i: 111. nml» Kin"''tiicyte in blootl cell; lb, feiii 2b, gaini-tiK-yles out of blood cell anil r« • tfaniftes foriHoil anil liberated ; 3b, Kanii-t fertilization: 6, fortllliutlon lutinbrane r elunKAtlns c>6kliiete ; 11-12. motile ookleicte. 6-7. d I. 1. Milil. chronii'. Tliis is by far the most I'oinmon, tlu* .^ - -,,j raisrd apart from ihrir pannt.s, thus not I" . _ to any lli«'.s wliii-li nuKlit be livinj? on tho adult birdM. Ah to iliaunosiH of the disra.m* and postinorti-m Mill* in tlif rrd blooil ci-lls of baltrrsliapid «-> i black piymiMit d<*po*'itJi is «liarai-trri>tif. Tin- ni. m l>anLsiti/t'd niay run from a fraction of om* por riMit to mon- than ten per cent. An ahnost constant lesion is an enlarfjed bl -n contrasted with tlie mucb sniailer pink spleen of the ikjiu. d. Similar black pij^ment deposits may also be found in the In mJ liver. Destruction of the red blood cells by tlie parasites brir it an anemic condition of the bird. Hypertrophy and loss of ty of the blood cells due to the |)reseiice of the parasites tenil.i In brinjf about con^'estion in the smaller capillaries of t)i.- limgs. In a case of a suc«-cs,sful experimental tra: on wherein a por- tion of a luntr of an infect etl ipiail was transplanted to the Innly cavity of a susceptible (piail. the artificially infected bird was at its 1« bb just before the di'velopin^' j;amctocytes be«'ame visible in ii- ;.. . J. This period of depression of the bird was marked by .severe anemia. which threatened to eiul fatally before the bird rallied and recovered. It is conceivable that such a heavy, acute infection could be produced in a natural way by insect transmission and terminate fatallv without anv LMinetocvtos bein«? discernible in the red blood cells. ■ I'Vom reference to the life cycle of the p ' on pre- vious pafjes, it is apparent that there is con-i.i. i..;,.. .»;.... of luiiir and liver tissue with the multiplication of the n .■>'s of tlie parasite in the endothelial and epithelial cells of these organs. This, to};ether with any toxic etT«'cts that may be produce.: " of the presence of the parasites, may account for the severity (^ .... ....i;al infection of ^reat intensity. SOME PROIU.EMS OF INFECTION AND IMMUNITY As previously noted, pap* 23(5. infections nuiy vary fri»m extremely lij^'ht to fatally acute. The.se variations are probably due to several causes, such as the number of parasitized Hies, variations in the viru- lence of the parasites, and state of natural resistance of the host. Transmission would seem to be fa«'ilitated by the observed fact that ganu^toeytes may be found in the blootl of the quail throuphout the year, and that flies have been reported from nearly all months of the year. The ijrrej,Mrious habits of quail would also contribute to the ease of transmi.ssion. Tendinj.? to limit the extent of the infection among quail could be the small number of flies observed, the low percentage of infections amonj; them and the licrhtness of such infections. It is also possible that the flies are limited to certain portions of the quail range, a subject upon which more data are needed. 238 CALIFORNIA PISH AND GAME POSSIBLE INFLUENCE OF CERTAIN ECOLOGICAL FACTORS For the most part the experimental work involved in this paper has been done under controlled conditions where the various factors were known and could be evaluated. In a state of nature, it is not always possible to arrive at such precise values. For instance, one hears reports that quail in certain partly protected areas do not increase, and in fact become reduced in numbers. It would be of interest to make most searching investigations into the actual field situation which gives rise to the reports. Does full protection at first result in overcrowding and may such a condition be followed by flare-ups of parasitism and disease which defeat the purpose of protection? What is the situa- tion with regard to parasitism of quail by Haemoproteus lophortyx in this respect"? We have data showing that in some cases in private aviaries the quail were 100 per cent infected. The highest percentage of infected birds found in any one lot in a state of nature was about 65 per cent. Does the presence of heavily infected, weakened birds react unfavorably upon the rest of the covey? Would such birds under normal conditions be eliminated by predatory animals and cer- tain species of raptorial birds? These are practical questions which can not be answered except by the most painstaking comparative study of field areas over a relatively long period of time. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS In the foregoing pages an account has been given of the incidence and pathogenicity of Haemoproteus lophortyx, a new species of blood parasite of the California valley quail, Gamble quail and Catalina Island quail. It is widespread in the state, having been found in numerous localities. Fortunately, by far the greater number of cases seem to be light, benign infections, showing that at least partial immunity is well established. Fatal cases do occur, however, and it is possible that Haemoproteus lophortyx may be the indirect cause of losses commonly attributed to other causes. The parasite is transmitted from quail to quail \)j the ectoparasitic louse fly Lynchia hirsuta Ferris. Plates I and II in this paper are identical with those appearing in a more technical account ^ published by the University of California. This publication contains a complete bibliography. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Cxrateful acknowledgment is made to the many captains and depu- ties whose assistance in the field was invaluable. Special credit is due to Professor C. A. Kofoid of the University of California under whose supervision the experimental and laboratory work was done. To Mr. Eugene D. Bennet, Dr. H. C. Bryant, Mr. E. E. Ludlum, Mr. D. D. McLean, Dr. H. Van Roekel, Dr. K. F. Meyer, Professor G. F. Ferris, Professor AV. B. Herms and Professor E.*^ C. Van Dyke the writer is indebted for cordial cooperation and assistance. The painstaking care given the experimental birds at the State Game Farm at Yountville by Superintendent August Bade and his capable assistants as well as many other courtesies extended by Mr. Bade have been greatly appreciated. ' O'Roke, Earl C. The morphology, transmission and life history of Haemoproteus lophortyx O'Rokfe, a blood parasite of the California valley quail. Univ. of Calif Pub. in Zool., Vol. 36, No. 1, 1930. i CAMroHN'tA riHU AN'D OAUK 239 L FISHWAYS IN CALIFORNIA By JoHM flnwcsD IT HAS |'.i;i:.\ SAID that lifr ana li" ■■ IlH'lll. ( 'i)M.H« rVHlioll woikrrs will ; !»|f that i(l<>a as it is uppamit at all tinu-M in < ii work and the perpetuation of the wild life i.s eontiiiu'ent iipuii uit A- ineiit. Civili/atinM is foiiHlantly rUfroai-liiii ' '' ly orcu|)i('(i liy tish aixi uaiiie in uii(listiiri»Ml ( . h to cxpeet tliat \\v may au'aiii have a eon«liti<)n an ri'lat«'«| ' -*, when (s'l'cat hiM'ils of ilrrr were seen and "hiniN in Kueh it < thnt their fli^'ht ohseurrtl thf smi." with " iiiit;ratinif fixh ho ' 'he streams that prrsons walki'il from shore to -~li'>i<- ..if) Thesi' storifs of ahnndanee may he sliu'htly «'\. oner as eompart'tl to prc.m-nt eonditioAs may not Im* drnied i-ven by the ski'ptieal. Thf many rstahlislicd fai-tors wliirh have • ' 'il are not so ^'rin'rally known. Intelliirfut eonsrrvatifjn ■■ li- /ance of these factors and makrs ffVort tc» anticipate r; li- tions so that appropriate measures may he atTeeted and thu.H minimize or postpone the ill etTects that otherwise would aecnie or ponible destruc'tion of the species. I'rohahly the first advei-se factor afVectinif fish life in thi.H State was the atlvcut of the t'old miner in 1H4I>, who very shortly be^an pollutinj? the streams, makini: them undesirahle to fish life and con- structiiiir dams for the diversion of water with no means provided to enahle miLrratim; fish to pa.ss these «lams to the spawning' LTi-uri'ls ahove. This continued without restriction for many years. In ISTO, twenty years aft«'r the State was admitti'd to tf: n. n Hoard nf I'^jsh ( 'oinniissjimers was ereated i-hariTed hy law wr.n the restoration ami preservation of fish life. The sum of $o,UlX) was appropriated to carry on this work. Tlie Commissioners were to U' appointed hy the (lovernor and .serve at his will and pleasure, without pay. No ehanircs have necurred in this latter pr' Th»> I'eeords of the early work of the Com;... a fi!*-"'-'' •■...si interestinir readinir. Manv prohlems confronteil the earlv • ru but prohahly the most difficult was the iiulifTerenee of the ^neral public, as few ri'ali/e«l or would a of a' d chani;es. Increased responsihilities were u'iven tli. * .i: •■■••• ■ . n\e passaire of jrame laws in 1S7S and later the leu'al na .• the Pish and (lame Commission. Too much credit may not W piven thoso early and conscientious conservationists who pioneered and brouffht about the jias.saire of the basic fish and i»an>e laws. No doulu the early Commissions thouu'h tlw' problems presentinfr themselves diflicidt of solution but time has not lessened but rather increased these ditVieulties. Many more factors enter into the prob- lems and must now he considered if any ' .• i i 1^^ maintained between wild life and the advan _ .. j . ie. In 1872 the first fish ladder or fishway law was enacted by the Lesjislature as it was reeo'jnized that the continued con.stmction of 240 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME dams by the gold miner would in time destroy the runs of fish up the streams unless suitable means were provided for the passage of fish. Amendments to the law have been made at different times as necessity demanded. The law now in effect (section 637, Penal Code of State of Cali- fornia) briefly states that the Fish and G-ame Commission may order installed on any dam or artificial obstruction, a fishway for the passage of fish over or around the dam or obstruction, when in its opinion one is required ; such construction being- at the expense of the owners. Accompanying the order the Commission must provide a plan of the proposed fishway setting forth location, form and capacity. Legal processes are established for the protection of the owners as well as the State. If there is noncompliance with the order the Commission may carry the matter to the courts for determination. In lieu of fish- way installation the Commission may require the construction of a fish hatchery or have fry planted. woietmpool I En'^rance port '-" ^-•L\p of pori -'-i'. Fig. 54. Portion of concrete fishway without flow of water showing typical con- struction and nomenclature. Downstream face of dam at left, stream immedi- ately in front of fishway and not shown in photo December, 1928. In carrying out the obligations imposed on the Commission by the above law a survey of each dam is made and consideration given to the many factors entering into the design of an efficient and adequate fishway. Its location is important. The entrance to the fishway is a major factor in determining the location though the exit into the reservoir together with the general layout receive study. In general it may be said that the entrance should be at a point in or in the immediate vicinity of the line of travel used by the fish and should be as close to the base of the dam as possible and yet avoid the overpour of water over the dam. At some dams freshets or flood waters may cover the lowest pools at times but the entrance to some pool above may be readily found. It appears that the instincts of different species of fish vary, some being very "set" in their ways. Where more than OAUrOKNIA FIHII AND OAMC 241 onniii thn fiilniiirn to the iWiwnv in prartirjilly lii'tiTiiiintMl liy till* IcMt fli*xilil«* himm'ui* of flNh. \i •* do occur. tlioiii;!!. wluTf our iUUwny for a ilaiii it ii«>' ' ''lii of oprratii>ssiliilily i>. th(> other itnim ^ivrii th(>tii;ht. Tlu'.s<> |iointM, ^ r Mith a > ng of flu' physical coiKlitioiis, tinally ilrfiTiniiH' the !■ ^" rt is tiia(h< to protlticf a plan thiit will r«'«piir«' tin- aritl attt'titioii hy tlu> owiirr ami at the s^irin' tn lor till' i)assaK'i> of llsh. Whih' Ntudyiiiu' thr riitraiicr ami locjition of hi'i'ii ill thi> ini'iital hai-ku'roiiml an outlini- of thr :<>i!m .uim • rt'(|iiiii'i|. Tin' material to he n.si'«l in ••oii'»tni'"tioTi rnnv nnt ! »..-• Npcciticd in the order thon^'h in an entlenvor to ^'estions are made whieh may he adopted or not, lui the owner wMhes. The pool type of lisliway, whieh h ' ' , , i . . most etVit'ient for trout and anadromows . hoxes or pools, eaeh hijjher than the preeedinij one by a ast equal to the ditVereiiee in elevation (heiirht of juiiipK At the junelion of the pools tin. .. .... tion (port) throii^di which the water flows and henee the sr ,r>' water height is increased hy the tlepth of the water flowinif throuirh the j)orts. As the fish in their jiuiipinsr efforts may misjuilce diree tion the sid«'s of the hoxes or pools are eontiniied his,'her hy two to four feet. The outside wall ailjaeent to the port is continued at the .same elevation for a distance of about four feet on the next lower pool formini; an atlditional u'uanl and reducini; the povsibility of fish jump- in;: out of the tishway. The width of the port opening i- ' :^ one- half the width of the pool and the port lip should not In? '. . 'ban six inches unle.ss it is properly beveled. In line with the : i\\; for iiiiuM-atini; fish of moderate size tl>e minimum size of pools will at least he ti' X S' by tJ' hii:h and at least havinij 'JV-V to .T of stationary water, l-'or lar^'e salmon ami or where the runs o.-iv .....iir in a short space of tim«' an area of -.'lO square feet is not e\ r eneh pool. The ditTerence in elevation between pools (jumps) is determinetl after coiisideriiii,' the varieties of lish that are in the stream or that may be planted, distance and obsta<'les overeonu* prior to arrival at lishway— that is. the estimated ability or vitality in necotiatin^ the tishway. water conditiims, and the praetieability and reasonableness of eoiistruetion of the tishway. In some llshways it is nee»»sjiary to inter- post> I)etw4'eu the re^Milar pools larijer ones •" >•• ' >atiny or n»sting areas as an aid to the ascending fish. In the operation of dams ehanires in water level in the reservoir oecur in many instanet^, these beinsj from seasonal to daily fluctua- tions. This necessitates a sli«:htly ditTerent treatment of the upper pools in order that a reirulatcd flow of water may be pnssine through the tishway as required. In a few instances the topography and formation Ih»Iow the dam is such that w ith very little work the natural cround m.iy l>e used for the tishway. Where such consfruotinn !>^ T>iissit>l.> t)'.> results are gen erally very satisfactorv. 242 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME The photo showing typical construction of tishway has the open- ings or ports on one side. This is the general practice followed, though changes are made as necessity demands. Construction of some years ago alternated the ports from one side to the other of the fishway. This method created currents contrary to the line of travel by the fish and also lessened the area of quiet water used for resting while pre- paring for the next jump. It is apparent that each dam is a problem by itself and before any order and plan for a fishway may be prepared a survey must be made so that the many and varied factors shall be given proper con- sideration and also comply with the spirit and letter of the law by specifying location, form and capacity of the proposed fishway. Some streams have one "run" or migration of fish each year while other streams may have two. "Where streams have different varieties of fish the "runs" of these varieties may or may not coincide. Fig. 55. Fishway of concrete construction. Natural rock bank forms bottom and portion of one side. A float at upper port regulates amount of water through fishway. Some fish are in advance of the main run and others may be termed stragglers, so that there may be some merging of the runs. At times there may be such numbers that there is some concentration or "pil- ing" up of fish at a dam as all can not use the fishway immediately but this occurs only for a limited time. Sometimes the concentration is due to lack of desire to proceed but w^hen the "urge" to move comes the fishway is used and in a short space of time no fish will be visible. When fish are loafing near a dam or in a fishway criticism as to its efficiency generally results as people expect to see a steady procession of fish through the fishway and no false leaps. If the conditions are favorable when anadromous fish enter the mouth of a stream the move- ment upstream is generally a leisurely one but when the fish are held back by low water and other factors rapid movement may occur when the adverse factors are removed. I CAI.irOKMA M.HIl A.NU li.KMt: •243 Wliilf then* in ii wraith of iiiti'rt>Mtiiitf inforiimtion almul flihr* ihr IM-actiral appliration with thr vi»«w of i-oiimitviiik ami aililinK to thr iuiiiiIhth is not i-asily " ^lil.TtMl ill this artirhv Siiiiihir to oihi-r tli. ha* |je«n inafi'i-ially chaiiifnl from thr rarly ilayn aiui thr lifvrhipinrnt haa pvolvrd thr cfllt'ifiit po*)! typf for th«« trout and This type has Ihm-h in iisf for many yrarM. \Vt,.i. fully divsi^iH'd the «'onstnn'tion should In* in plans has niH'os.sitat«'d rtM-mist ruction of certain lishwayn winch rrjuilirtl in a loss to the owner and also |os.s of fish hefnre •' -n- pleteil. When o|M'ratini; conditions at a dam ill.'" ' ,,.;,. in ink' when the tishway was oriu'inally desii;ned all- ^ in tli . ay may ho required to meet the new conditions. 1 ir. &«;. Kljihwny over KolBom flam on Amerlcnn Hlv*r. Maximum dlff«>r»n<« In olovntlon. 4 5 foot. l>.)\v.-.Mt four pools (at left) complcloly aubmvrged. Four ndJuMtablo ports at upper sti-tlnn. TiuTc arc instances where tishway installation on dams have been delayed or have been inctlicient resulting in decreased fish life in that stream, (^nlv l)V keepini; the streams free from obstructions or by the installation of appropriate tishways at dams may Iish lilc be mamtaineci on a normal basis. This is especially true of anadromt)Us fishes. If prevented from ascendinir to their natural spawning ifrounds for a few yi>ars the run up that stream will be entirely eliminat«Hl and only by laborious and expensive j^lantinj? ()f tish fry ami proper treatment of obstructions and ilams can the run airain be built up. In c(»nsidcrini: dcsiszns of fislnvays the known instinets of the fish shoulil be utilizcil. They may be induced, but attempts at compul- sion result in failure. Mechanical liftini; devict>s have l>een tried in lieu of tishway construction and also a combinn*''^" ^f both. As far as known these can not be classed as entirely sr, il. An illustra- tion of t)ie latter type of construction may be seen in the Baker River. at Concrete, Washiniiton. A dam about 200 feet high was I'onstnicted 244 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME there several years ago and equipped with a fishway consisting of pools and a mechanical hoist. Prior to construction Baker River was well known as a salmon stream. The first reports made shortly after construction indicated the successful passing of anadromous fish over this dam. Later reports would indicate that the salmon run up that river is becoming less and if continued Baker River as a salmon stream will cease. The prosperity of California, in the main, is dependent upon the most efficient utilization of the State's water resources and probably the most ardent conservationists or "dyed in the wool" sportsman would not expect that this development should cease because of pos- sible conflict with fish life. The thought prevails that with orderly and regulated development the benefits of both may be had and enjoyed by the people of the State if due consideration is given the problem and approached on a friendly and cooperative basis. It should be borne in mind that this development creates a problem which here- tofore has not been present and the burden of its solution may not honestly be passed entirely to conservation agencies. The problem becomes more acute as the tendency appears to be toward higher dams and nearer to the floor of the valleys and unless intelligent and well directed experimental work is carried on with the views of successfully passing anadromous fish over these barriers to the spa-waing grounds beyond the State will lose the valuable com- mercial and sporting varieties of fish which up to this time have been enjoyed. BARGE FISHING, A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SPORT By Donald H. Fry, Jr. IF YOU LIVE within fifty miles of the coast in southern California you are likely to answer your doorbell almost any summer evening to find a neighbor standing on the porch with his hands full of fish. "Can you use any fish?" asks the neighbor. "We went out on a barge today and caught more than we can use. " It is only etiquette to accept as many as you can cram in your ice box, particularly if you have been guilty of dumping your own surplus in the same way. Fishing barges are scattered along the coast from Santa Barbara to San Diego, but are thickest in Santa Monica Bay. They are anchored from a hundred yards to several miles off shore. Some of them are what the term "barge" indicates — low, flat-bottomed, square-ended structures of the type used for hauling gravel. The others are old schooners stripped of practically everything, to make room for as many fishermen as can fit elbow to elbow along the rail. In late years the schooner type has become the more common, probably because it is more seaworthy and can accommodate more people. From the fisher- man's point of view the flat barge has one great advantage, as anyone who has tried to lift heavy fish up the high sides of the schooner can testify. It also has one disadvantage — for those who get seasick easily. CALironsu riMii and oamc ■^4J rhc MtihooiHTM un? uiil«'l»«'vulj|y MtPii««ick ; ih* trip from Hliort* may makf a jxt-hou rr'-/^'y, hut UHtially h»? (or »he) fr^U uli rik'lil atfaiii after a nliort tuin' un \hr baru''" The Ix'st tim«'M of year for baru'** IIhIijh^ an* thi* Nummrr and autumn. Kisliiii^; in th<> lati* Mprinu i** H«im«'timr in receivers. The bar<;cs are reached by "speed" boats which take off from a nearby ]nt>r. At luHloiuhi there is a bari;e which has for a landini; a motor-driven, tloatin-r platform, with a passenger ileok elevated several feet above it on stilts. A lon^ }ran^plank stretches to the shor*. the passenijers embark, ami the whole contraption crawls i;rumblin{; throuffh the surf, draLTLrini; its uanu'plank behind it. A speetl-l>ojit meets it beyond the breakers ami carries the passenjrers the rest of the way. When a fisherman arrives at a barjre. alon^ with a load of his fellows, the first thinir he does is to make a rush for the best looking place and establish himself. Then he irets ,«;oine bait, a pole (unless he irathered one up in the course of his rush^ and starts tishinp. If he uses cut bait his first catch will probably be a mackerel. If he strikes 246 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME soon enougli the mackerel will come sailing through the air and land with a thud on the deck; but if he hesitates and the mackerel gets its head down there will be a fight out of all proportion to the size of the fish. The mackerel must be taken off the hook with an air of disdain. The fact that he is able to outfight many justly famous game fishes must not be allowed to count in his favor. He is just too darned common. To be sure, on barges located in kelp or near rocks, where the mackerel is comparatively scarce, it is sometimes in great demand — as jewfish bait. Mackerel is supposed to be poor eating, but the trouble is that most people do not know how to prepare it. The next time that you have a mackerel, try boiling it fifteen minutes in a saturated salt solution, split it, break away the dark meat, bones and skin, and serve the white meat with a good cream sauce. If more people did this they would probably put their mackerel into their gunny-sacks with more respect. Fig. 5S. Loading live bait into a floating receiver alongside a barge. Note the empty receiver hanging in midair. The searchlight is for night fishing. If the fisherman uses live bait he may hook a mackerel, bonito, or barracuda. Bonito, the smallest of the tunas, is very like a mackerel on a somewhat larger scale, but is much more highly regarded. A barra- cuda can generally give a good account of itself during the few seconds allowed it on barge tackle, but if he has a chance to fight he soon proves i that he has not the almost unlimited endurance of the bonito or mack-j erel. If the fisherman lets a hand-line down to the bottom he is likely to I get a halibut, rock cod, sanddab, flounder, or kingfish. The last three] are not caught when you are fishing in deep watei- — they are merely i discovered waving feebly on the end of the line. The sanddab and flounder are highly regarded as food; but as the epicurean qualities of- CAUrOKMA rtHU AND OAMC 247 till- kinu'fi'th nrv rdiiiiiinnly ri)iisi<|i-r«-«I on n par with its " ■ y, it is Hiiifrily iinhooktMl arui thrown bnck inl" •' • • - .-r has ))t'*-n ruptiircd in tin- trip up from thi- <. it floats hrlplcasly with th«' rurn'nt until Hwallowfil by a |M*liran or torn to pi«'ccs hy SfaK'iills. Thi* l»i»w, and to n h'ssiT ••xtrnt thf nt. • -• •" ' ,, otrcupit'd by the lishrriiim who "fJy tifih" • .•' lor bonito, always kfcpinj; a wi-athtT py«« out for yi'llowtnil. \Vi .school (if ycllowtail shows up nio.st of thi> fcathrr ji}^ an* abiindnniii I'ltf. o'J. S\vU)i;:itg u iiiackL-rvl uuvarJ. for the huLTost live bait (up to ten or twelve inches) that the tishemien can lay thoir hands on. They cast out lar^re live sardines and reel them in slowly, hopinir to iret a strike, while others are still tryinp ' - \y to jrot suitable bait. Yellowtail bait is not often found in ... .. i' receivers of a barire, so the fishermen catch their own — usually by Lrini:. When a yellowtail is hwiked he must not be allowed to run far. AloiiiT tlie middle of the barge, lines are often only three feet apart, 248 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME Fig. 60. GafBng a shark that tried to get away with a jewfish bait. CAUKOKNIA nsil AND OAMC 249 ml il thf \rllowtiiil Claris tli»jnt» n v ' •n . rrafr a siipfrlativf iin-HH. Litrhl tat-u. .. .... r if a Vfllowtail or rvi-u a WiK iMHiito tiiaki>M up 1 .*• can not In- luoiiiptly diKHuadi'd with anyliiint; iniirh liKtitcr than a Hiirf roil. 'I'liriT' art" il frw of tlu' uHMi iit tin- how who fl.th for •'"• ''•'"•• •.t.'-k wa hass or jfwllsh. Thi'V oflm i'iji»at;«* in Hoim- oth«T : tg uhih' thoy wait for a hitf. Thf jrwtlshrrninn, unliko the man who w at'tt-r yt'lluwfail. dtifs not iisf livr hait. II«' jm-wh an rntir*- - ' ' ?o a hiiu'*' hook and U'ls it (h)\vii to thf hottom. Thi* jfwfi.sh i*» . ._. .. ..i>- cnitr ahoiit picking; up a hait and when hi> (hH>M take hohl of it hf* muirt h(* (^ivcn ph'iity of tinn* to ^<'t it far (>nout;h into his mouth mi that a Ktrikr will s«'t tin- Imok instfad nf nuTtly pidlinu' it out (•■ ' ' -h hook tilt' j«'wli.sli, till" tlslnruwin i.s in for pliiity of hard wuri c monster I'uts tin* j'ntt'rtainnnnt short hy takinj; a roupli* of i •■* around tlu* aiu'hor chain or hy pallopinif straight out of the diHtnct. Around tlif liari;«'s lucati'd in kflp beds or --''--^ not t'..... . in thf opt'u s«'a. Kofk hass. slu-cpshcad and white s -.-•♦ an* H4>me of tlu'Ui. 'riifsf ar<' all ^ooil (ish, both to i-atch and to eat. The whit»* !*«'a ba.ss is a special prize. On the harj,'es. as every whore else on earth, justice is lanw'utnbly lacking'. 1 was oiu-e lishinj^ on a harj^e when a lot of experienced ti.iher men wen* olTerin;; all the specially cauy:ht live bait they could lay their hands on to a yellowtail that showed not tin* least interest. A rawdxined middle-westerner, obviously on his first barj,'e trip, walked up to the rail with a piece of cut hait on his hook and droppeil it in. An instant later he trave a niiy:lity heave and the yellowtail lay lloppinjf on the ii»M*k beside him. While everybody looked on, j;reen with envy, he eyed the fish thouirhtrully and then ask.'d, *' What's that?" ir you decide to jro out on a harp' don't iM'jjin by en|?a^int; the photoj;raplu'r to take the picture of you and your jewfish in the tin»e- honored po.se. You probably won't catch a yi'llowtail, either, and you may even be passed up entirely. Hut take aloni; a irood bitj ^unny-.saok. anyhow, because the chances art> that eveniii}; will find you (or your wife) rin^rinjr your neij^hbor's doorbells and askiu}?, with your best smile, "(\in you use anv fish?" DEER MEAT INVESTIGATION By H. W. EsTn.L. nt>|>nrlmont of Baiteri. .vcmUy of CaUfomla Mvdical School. Sin . ■• Tin; l'KoliLi;.M of the ditTerentiation of deer from varioiLs other meats, for example, jroat and beef, i.s a very real and pressing problem with which the Division of Fish and Game has lH?en confronted for some time. So far as the writer is aware, no entirely satist'actory tost has boon evolved. Althoui^rh some work on the precipitin test has been done in this laboratory in connection with the problem, practically the entire time has been <;ivon to a study of the anaphylaxis reaction and in par- ticular the sensitized szuinea-pig uterine strip method of Dale. 250 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME In the eases where it can be used, no method known to immunology can compare with Dale's technique for the differentiation of closely related proteins, which, of course, is the problem involved. The out- standing merit and value of this method is the exactness and finality with which specific desensitization to various heterologous antigens can be determined. At the same time the Dale reaction is by no means devoid of traps and pitfalls, which is especially true of a problem like this one where meat extracts must be used, for example, a change in pH and toxic effects are items in point. The blood-serums of the various species involved were first used asj possible sensitizing agents and control substances because of the rela- tive ease with which they are obtained and their stability over con- siderable periods of time. The serums were also used to become familiar with the technique involved before any work was done on the meat extracts. Although it can not be definitely stated, it seems i reasonablj^ certain that the blood serums of the deer, goat, beef and' sheep can be differentiated from each other. Also it has been quite definitely established that these serums can not be used as sensitizing substances for testing meat extracts. It was further shown that meat juices (kept constantly in aj freezing mixture) of the deer, goat and beef were unsatisfactory asj sensitizing and control substances. Dried raw muscle preparations of the several species are now] being tested in the hope that they may be satisfactory standards of reference and will yield proteins which are sufficiently soluble so they] can be used as antigens. These preparations consist of the finely pul- verized muscle (as free from gross fat as possible) dried first in a cur- rent of warm air, then over calcium chloride and finally over phos- phorus pentoxide. A 0.9% sodium chloride extract of these prepara-' tions is being tested at present and gives evidence that it may be satis- factory. Although the w^ork on the saline extracts of the raw dried muscle preparations is incomplete, the data furnished by gross shock in the guinea-pig and by the virgin guinea-pig sensitized uterine strip method of Dale suggest that (1) these freshly prepared extracts contain enough soluble, unaltered and specific protein to act as a sensitizing medium. (2) desensitization can readily be accomplished with heterologous antigens and yet leave sufficient anaphylactic antibody so there is a sharp and definite reaction to the homologous antigen. (3) many control guinea-pigs (which received none of the extracts) have shoM^n practically no reaction, in marked contrast to the extract — treated animals. "Work is in progress with regard to such items as appropriate sensitizing and assaulting doses, possible pH changes, and the presence of toxic or histamine-like substances to determine whether this method will be satisfactory. CAI.iniKMA » IMI AM) li: .;-»i THE CRUISE OF THE '^MAYFLOWER »» D \T..i *»i ri'. f.-it My Coui-MN K Mammix. tiurtmu of Commorctal •>('KIN«• tli«> loii(;<>Ht llshinK voviiuf on nt-or*! aiul made ^hu'v 111 tin- (•oiimiririnl liHliiiii; iiidiiHtrv a^ "T fn- h.iiin'salvc iiwulf Ami'riiHii liistorv at IMvinoiitli K.- n ,i, i'.J- Tlir Minjflotiir, larp'st of tlif Itwal tuna Mi-it. was Imilt for flvr irtiurs. Dave ami (icorKe Caiiiplx-ll .loa)|iiiii ami Maiitirl O. Mriuliim m1 Saliiiia Iiiom. Oriu'iiialty it was plaiim-«l t< ;; 'iiifinL,' trips t'or scliouls of alluirorr. She is pi.\> mm ;• I iiion Dii'si'l fiiijim' ami has a fuel fa|»aiMty of 'jr>, (HHI ^ h ivivs Imt a «'niisiiii: ra«lius of ahoiit S'lOO mili-s. Miimu'l (). Mt'dina coiir«*ivril tlif trip to th«- Hawaiian thouirh he (lid not inakr tlu' voyajrt'. Tlif vi-trraii tuna lis Joatpiin (). Medina, eaptained the eivw of f«nirte«'n mon and .. is naviirator on the famous trip. Tliouirh thoy hoptni to secure a load of albac'oro for delivery to tlie Point Loma plant of the K. Hovden Com- pany, tliev were unable to siu'ht any of these tish during their cruise. 'Pile Slaiifloutr left San l)ie;;o Mareh ItJth for the vieinity of Maj;- dalena Hay in soareh of bait. Twenty-two tons of bait, "anchovetas," similar to aiul about the size of larije "quarter oil" sardines^ were cauiiht. Those small tish are found only at Cape San Lueas or Mag- dalona Bay. or ail.jaeent waters. They are more iK^irable for bait than sardines because of their resistance to changes in water tempera- tures. After irettinir used to the bait tanks they survive wann water 3 — 956SC 252 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME currents 60 to 100 miles wide, running as high as 87° Fahrenheit — a temperature that would kill sardines. On April 6th, after experiencing considerable difficulty in securing the desired bait, the vessel left Magdalena Bay on the longest leg of her voyage — Christmas Island. She arrived at this point April 19th, having logged the 3000 miles at an average of 10 knots per hour. From Christmas Island the clipper went to Palmyra, Fanning and New York or "Washington Islands and took a few yellowfin tuna at all of these islands, about 45 tons in all. No skipjack were caught. At Christmas Island they began to be uneasy about their fuel supply and dared not do too much prospecting. Three weeks had been consumed in securing bait, and the auxiliary- engines had to be kept running to keep the ice plant in operation, as well as to keep the water in the bait tanks circulating. It is believed, had it not been for this contingency, a much larger catch would have been made. Being the largest fishing vessel ever to visit the islands, the Mayflower created considerable interest when she docked at Honolulu. That she came from so far a point as San Diego added to her fame, and Captain Medina and his crew were most hospitably entertained during their seven days' stay. Two days were devoted to unloading the cargo of 45 tons of tuna, which was delivered to the Hawaiian Tuna Packers, Ltd., of Honolulu, at $90 per ton. This is a higher price than is being paid by local canners. As there is no bait around Honolulu, Captain Medina had no trouble in getting $2,000 for that remaining in his tanks. The canners buying this bait sold it to their local fishermen. These fishermen use diesel-operated "sampans" — flat-bottomed boats not unlike those used on the coasts of China and Japan. The Hawaiian boats have bait wells, and the rocking motion of the craft furnishees the necessary circulation of water to keep the bait alive in the tank. The cruise of the Mayflower into Hawaiian waters may revolu- tionize the tuna industry. Having pioneered the w^ay to unknown fishing banks, the vessel got in touch with a market hitherto unused by California tuna fishermen. When it is considered that the distance from San Diego to Honolulu is 100 miles shorter than to the present southern tuna fishing banks or the Galapagos Islands, and the market somewhat higher, it is not unlikely that a number of our local boats may follow the example of the Mayflower. The main drawback to such a voyage -^vill not be the lack of cruis- ing radius, but rather of bait storage capacity, and the problem of keeping the bait alive and in good condition. Fishermen never know what bait will do in the tank, but after they get used to the tank and feed on the raw fish, which has been ground in a meat grinder, no further trouble is had in keeping them in good condition. They swim in a circle in the tank, their course always to the left. This peculiarity of turning to the left has caused fishermen to term them "left banders." I think this custom of swimming to the left may be due to the fact that the water enters the tank on the port side, in the majority of cases, and the bait swim against the current created by the incoming water. As the main object of the Mayfloiver is to catch albacore, it is not unlikely our California canners may get to pack this most popular CAUrORNIA riHII AND HAME 'J^ flsli ill laiK'"' 'jtiHiititifH, an they i\'u\ yvun «»;•» Thr own^m '»f th** %»-«»«#•! have foiiiHl ttwy iiKty criii)U> thoii.HjuulM of miliit for I' Ih'I* of tin* inm-kfri'l family niul, if not • <.y till ii|) tli)Mi' spaiT with yi-lltiwtiii ami '■ i .%■ covfifil will timl a rratlv market in 11' i, nii«l ill jilwayj* \h' dcsiraMc to California parkcm. So imicli faith havr thr o\vn«*rH, captain a- that tlii'v ar«' now otT on a kitoikI rriiis4' to llawuii.in •■.i •:. * »n their scroml voyaiTc tlwy ohtaiiifd hait morr r«'ailily ami rxix-r to rrarh llonoliilii with a ^o to strikr alhai'on* for the ('alifornia mark«'t. Thry arn \ PIhmI lor iiinrt' rxtt'iisivf prosj titij; than thi-y wcri' on tl ■ :nj'. 'I'lic result of tlu'ir tirst trip was noted by the in. . . with much interest, who are maintaining' a still (l(>e|)«>r intercMt in thin npcoikI cruise of the Mniffloin r, which has, I think, the itixmI will ami l)«rt wishes of the industry fur this pro|fres.sive venture into little known waters. 254 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME A publication devoted to the conservation of wild life and published quarterly by the California Division of Fish and Game. 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 Divi- sion of Fish and Game. Editors of newspapers and periodicals are invited to make use of pertinent material. All material for publication should be sent to Leo K. Wilson, Division of Fish and Game, 450 McAllister Street, San Francisco, California. Vol. IS JULY, 19 32 No. NATURE'S CARE OF HER OWN Nature takes loving care of all her own "With marvelous cunning and with watchful eye, So that her countless brood may* multiply, Xor leave their mother desolate and lone. To the wild fruits hy care of man unknown, That ripe where winter at his stormiest blows, She gives more seeds and better than to those In cultured garden delicately grown. And so in him that on the rugged breast Of mountain finds his joy and his repose. Who makes the pine his fellow, and with zest Treads the great glaciers and their kindred snows, A strength is planted, that in direst test Dares all the devils of danger to oppose. Edward Robeson Taylor. IMPOETANT NOTICE Beginning with the current issue for July, 1932, California Fish AND GrAME, the quarterly publication of the Division of Fish and Game of the Department of Natural Resources, will be distributed on a subscription basis for $1 per year. This is not an attempt to enter the commercial printing field, but the move is made only because of an overwhelming number of requests from sportsmen arid others to be placed on the mailing list. A free list will be maintained for the benefit of schools, educa- tional institutions and libraries. The magazine will be available for exchange for publications of a similar nature. For accepted contribu- tions, one year's subscription will be furnished free. As the official organ of the Division of Fish and Game, this magazine will be sent free of charge to all officers of the Division and to trie heads of other State departments. All others interested will need to pay the sub- scription fee. Those who wish to subscribe should fill in the enclosed attached subscription blank and return to this office not later than Septem- ber 30, 1932, with subscription fee of $1. Stamps will not be accepted. CAMKUHNfA KIMII AN'D GAME 2^ SiibHcriptioiiH will bcjfin with the current July number. Thu will bo the last number tliHtributcd unlenii «ub«cription blanks we loturnod Stamps will not be accepted to cover fubtcription fee. CHANGE OV ADDRESS On May l;i. I'KTJ. ihi- San KrnnriMrn ..•'»' »- ,^„ ind (Sanir was ri-movrd from •')ll) Kush I'.i nrw finartcrs in the State Anm'X Uiiihlini;, nl 4*>0 McAlli Kmiii this time r<>r\vanl that addn^Hs will ti<< th«- shi-*! hrinlt|iiiirtrrN of till- Divisiiin of Kisli and Oann' in San Friui> i^<<> Tin* lios Anj;fl«'s olllrf, as of dat«' Miirch .'IM, ]'Xi'2, wiut rt*mnvrd frtim the AssociatrtI licalty Muildin;; to Ktxini 'ilO, in the new ' fornia Stat*' Hnihiin^'. Tlii'sr i'lian;;i's ot* l«» .lii hk- m line with the pnln-N mi in-- jt'-h'-mi administration lo ^Toiip all Stati- oi'L'ani/ations into the ww Statr building's. NEW PATROL ADMINISTRATION \\'ith till' start of tlu' ci'^dity-fourth liscal year, thr eomnirrria! fi.nh- •'rif.s patrol, sinrr its inception a separate unit in hiw • ot Work in the .State, luis been mer^red with tlu' aetiviti»'s of :.. uu of Patrol. This transfer was made by the conimi.vsioners to effect eertain ee\>r uln.-l. Ii.- twis presided in the past. .\ I'.. Scofiehl will carry on as ehief of the Itureaii of ConumTcial Fisheries. Scofield's wtirk. as in the past, will be mainly c' ••f his life has Wen sjxMit in t' ly of entomology and fre.sh water biolojry in (.'alifornia. He was :. - . .d. » .Vmerlcan Mon of Selene*, od. 5. p. 1"" ' • -"^- •• -- " -keley Gaxette. p. 20. Aoril 2t>, I 'JUL'. 256 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME of a very generous and kindly disposition, and overcame many serious difficulties by patient and conscientious hard work and continuous endeavor. He was born at London, Nebraska, September 24, 1866 ; at the time of his death he was biologist of the California State Fish and Game Commission and engaged in a biological and ecological survey of lakes and streams in California. This entailed studying the life his- tories and making collections of aquatic insects, protozoans, rotifers, cladocercas, copeds, ostracods, higher crustaceans, water mites and plant life, as well as the parasites of fishes; also a study of physiological environment in the fish hatcheries and in the streams with a view to bettering cultural practices and food conditions for game fishes. He served ten years in the U. S. Biological Survey, prior to his graduation from Stanford University with the degree of A.B. in 1903. The degree of A.M. was received from the same institution in 1905, and B.E. and a life diploma from the Nebraska State Normal School, Peru, Nebraska, in 1906. From 1903-1906, also, he was forester and entomol- ogist of the Pacific Improvement Company in California; from 1906- 1908, forest supervisor in the U. S. Forest Service ; from 1908-1909, biologist, California State Fish and Game Commission ; from 1909-1911, horticulturist and entomologist, from 1911-1913, curator of museum and apiculturist, University of California; from 1914^1920, instructor in entomology and apiculture, University of California; from 1914- 1920, instructor in entimology and apiculture. University of California ; after which he again accepted a position with the State Fish and Game Commission. Coleman was specially interested in the systematic study of scale insects, Coccidae, and published a number of important papers on the same while at Stanford and the University of California, and did a great amount of work on a monograph of the Coccidae of the world, which he was unable to finish. He also wrote on apiculture. His private exhibit of apicultural methods and way of studying the honeybee in the school- room, accompanied by daily demonstrations with living bees, and weekly lectures delivered to the public at the Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco in 1915-1916, won for him a gold medal and highest praises from the Exposition officials. He also directed and made five reels of motion pictures illustrating the life of the honeybee and beekeeping, one of which is in the Edison Series No. 11. The results of his ecological work have appeared in the Monthly Bulletin of the California State Fish and Game Commission. Among his more important papers may be mentioned the following: The redAvood mealybug {Dactypolius sequoiae n. sp.), Calif. Acad. Sci., Proc. (3), Zool., vol. 2, pp. 409-418, pi. xxvii (1901). Coccidae of the Coniferae, with the descriptions of ten new species from California, Jour. N. Y. Entom. Soc, vol. 11, pp. 61-85, pis. v-vii (1903) ; suppl. no. 1, vol. 16, pp. 197-198, pis. iv-v (1908). Beekeeping for the fruit grower and small rancher, or amateur, Calif. Agr. Expt. Sta., Circ. 185, 11 pp., 8 figs. (1917). He made a collection of birds and mammals in Nebraska, which was exhibited at the New Orleans Exposition in 1884-1885, and also a collection of insects which were given to the University of Nebraska. His large and valuable collection of the Coccidae of the world is the property of Stanford University, to whom he also bequeathed his private library. I C'AI.IKOKNIA I'lHIl ANU UAMK •J57 Some of till' Californiti Cim-!'! •■• t........! ».. r*..t...., ... .r.. K<| seal"', Antiiiliii shn.stiif (( 'olrmati ' . ('oliiiian's iiii-alyhuj;. I'st uilmocruH rnlimnni ( Klirhom). wmi mijiirti tor liiiii. Since mil 111" lias inadi* his lionu' in Hfrkrlry. hi^ n-^iiflrnrr at flip liint' mI* his ilcalli lu-inir '2i'>VJ Kiis-srll Slr»Tt. Ilr in Hurvivi-il by hw willow, Mrs I'Morrnt't' ('. Colfnuin, ami an »inly ilauiflifi-r ^'•- !r-'---'ati AsjimMntion for the Advunrc- liH'iif of Scii'iu't'. tin- I'intoniu|o;.'ifal Snrij'ty of AnuTii-a. I'uMir II>-idth As.s(K'iation, Aiiifrican Kuj;fnifs Sttcirty, llu* Califor"- ■ \iMd«-rny of Scit'iicfs, tlu' San Kranrisco Aqnariuni Society, the rd Aliiiiini A.ssociation. and the Thousand Oaks Lodj;e, No. 47H, K. and A. M. E. <>. Kssiij, Tniversitv of California. LIFE HISTORY NOTES A MENDED NEEDLE FISH A tislicriiian came to the State l^'ishiTies l.;ilioiMtory <»n TerininHt Island tlie other day with a specimi-n an«l a im/./letl expression. He 8nnl that he had been lishinj; in these wat«'rs many years hut had never seen the like of the creature he had with him. lie wondered if we could identil'v it. 1' 'K V . <' i ■ .i.-.h with dcformrd Jnws ami a tii>rMuii lIllll^ Kiuiti i<>r cv>mii«truH>n. Wc hat! never seen anythinir like it. either, but the iden' n was nevertheless ik^ very hard. The object of concern w ,b lliat had met with a bad accident; the eml of its hinj; j. ^s niissinir. Perhaps it had been bitten off in a fijrht or i^^rhaps it had Ihm'm rammed airaitist somcthintr. At any rate, it was bmken clear ofT. and what was left was so damaireil that the two jaws had s«»t in the peculiar curve showu in the aeeompanyintr photoifraph. The f^esh had 258 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME liealed entirely, and the fish seemed to have been in otherwise good health when it was caught. Unfortunately, when we took the specimen to the window to get a better look at it, the fisherman walked out unnoticed, so we did not learn where or how it was taken. — D. H. Fry, Jr., January 26, 1932. TWO ECTOPARASITES OF THE CALIFORNIA VALLEY QUAIL During the latter part of November, 1931, two species of ecto- parasites taken from the California valley quail were sent in for identi- fication by Deputy Roswell C. "Welch of Kernville. Deputy Welch had discovered the parasites on dead birds while checking quail hunters. The parasites were identified as a quail louse-fly, Stilhometopa impressa, and the common fowl tick, Argas persicus. The louse-fly is a member of the family Hippoboscidae of the order Diptera, or two-winged flies. To this family belong also the common sheep "tick" and deer louse-fly, well known to all who have had any- thing to do with their hosts. The louse-fly may be winged or the wings may be lacking as in the case of the sheep tick. All the Hippoboscidae are blood suckers and are parasitic on birds and mammals. They do not lay eggs, the larvae being nourished within the body of the female by special glands. When they become ready to pupate they are extruded and the dark brown pupal case forms almost at once. The pupae remain attached to the hairs or feathers on the body of the host. At the end of the pupal period the adult louse-fly emerges and begins feed- ing at once. In the case of the wingless forms the entire life history is passed on the body of the host. Little is known of the biology of the louse-fly and the winged forms are rare in entomological collections. It is improbable that the quail louse-fly due to its blood sucking habit alone is responsible for any serious amount of injury to our quail population. It may, however, be an important factor in the spread of disease. Lynchia hirsutus, another louse-fly from the valley quail, has been implicated in the transmission of Haemoproteus lophortyx, a blood parasite of that bird. With regard to the other parasite, Argas persicus, this is not the first time that it has been reported from quail in California. It has also been reported from the western mourning dove. The instances in which this tick has been taken from wild species of birds are relatively rare, since it is commonly a parasite of poultry and is in its element in the henhouse. It is not likely that it will ever become -a serious pest of_ quail. — Gordon H. True, Jr. THE PRONGHORN ANTELOPE The game warden of the county of Los Angeles has land under lii| protection where roam some of the last of the once numerous pronghon antelope. The pronghorn antelope range in scattered remnants througl out California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, Utah, Coloradol Idaho, Montana, North and South Dakota and Nebraska. In Los" Angeles County the last fcAv members of one of the most graceful of animal groups are living in the valley to which they have given their name — Antelope Valley. In the present herd there were counted on March 13th of this yeaij (1932) .seven individuals: one large buck, five does and one individm OAl.irOKNIA nXII AND OAUK I'w'J HiiialliT tliati I 111* n-Ht tlitit IcMik.H liko a vi'iirlin}; tlm* Th.-H#« romjirUMP thf liiMt uf a herd that iiiiinlN>r«>tl, nccorilinir to old r '* of thr rt'tfioii, an hi^'li »*♦ Hvi- to nix Iniiitlrfil an:- rt't'i*"!- Ah with olhrr natural r«vsi.'- th«' pn'siTvatioii of ihi-sr animals, i they rnutu' for the iiuist part on low hilU ami tint Krntm !ai> i|>- plits thnn with a iiiotlnatf aiiiniiiit of prot. Tlifir jirt-at wrakm-NS whirh luis ai-i-oinii. .. < - -• .T.. ..t :...i..t..i^. is tlit'ir rjiriosity. Winn starth-il liny will run ^ huii* show it to Im* one of tin* oldest (»f Anirriran Whi'n thf last |)r«>nu'horn is \:ntu\ thrn* will Im» no ,•••••••■ on till- rarth. llMcviiv T. Andkhson. .Ik . .Iiinii»r .'> (lame Warden. County of Los AuL'eles. ON THE DESERT While walking' alon^r a desert trail near Snow CriM'k in llivi-rsidr County, one of the desert killers was seen in aetion. A kinj; snake wan ohsi-rved just after he had seize original <••■•'- <...-.• about oiit' iiu'h apart. When the scries of coils neared the wat. head the kin;; seized its neck in his jaws. This hold was continued until the water snake's mu.scles commenced to relax when he releas«'d his hold aiul tried to .seize its head in his mouth, .lust at this moment the water snake opened its mouth and kini: seized th.* low«'r jaw only; the water snake clo.sed down on tlu' kind's upper jaw anti tln'V remained locked in this position for several minutes. Eventually the water snake's jaws relaxeil and the kinj; viciously tore loose his hold and reaehinir his head around in front of the other's head seized the snout of the water snake in his capacii»us jaws. Imnu'diatt'ly the kinir commenceil a swallow in;; proei\«vs by extend- injr its jaws and neck muscles and jjradiudly pulling; the head and Ixnly of the water snake into its mouth. He apparently ti>ok ailvantape of each spasmodic muscidar movement of his victim, re! the eoils which he had wounil artnind the other's li4idy as the ^».iiM.winir per- formance continued. When the three oriirinal eoils were reached these were loosed (piickly and the renuiinin;; portion of the water snake's botly and tail rapiilly disjippeared down the king's throat. 260 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME During the swallowing process several attempts were made to dis- tract the king's attention by grasping the water snake by the tail and holding them np off the ground, but the king paid no attention and con- tinued cruelh' in subduing the other. After the king had finished swallowing the water snake he was ready for battle and viciously resented any interference with his journey into some leaves at the base of a cactus bush. After waiting several minutes the leaves under which he had crawled were carefully raised and the king w^as lying comfortably coiled but wdth head up and tongue darting showing resentment of any interference and a fear that his hard earned repast might yet be taken from him. This circumstance was witnessed by D. A. Clanton and A. E. Burgh- duff. October 25, 1931. COMMERCIAL FISHERY NOTES An illustration of the value of investigations in connection with fisheries conservation was given by N. B. Scofield in a talk on size limits, before the recent San Francisco conference of deputies. As a result of an investigation of the commercial crab carried on a little over 20 years ago by Frank W. Weymouth, of Stanford Univer- sity, when the San Francisco crab fishery was declining and fishermen believed the minimum size limit of six inches was too high, it was shown that the size limit was too low, as it did not protect the male crabs until after they had a chance to breed. AVith the evidence obtained it was easy to convince the Legislature that the minimum size should be raised to seven inches. A few years later, when the first crop of crabs under the protection of this new law reached the seven-inch size, the production of the fishery suddenly doubled, and since then has increased until the fishery pro- duces annually 75,000 dozen more crabs than it did before the law was changed. This increase in production is worth $185,000 annually to the fishermen — or more than the average annual budget of the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries. — N. B. S. FISHING CONDITIONS, MONTEREY COUNTY Along tlie rocky coast line between Monterey and the Big Sur more sports fishermen are engaged in salt water fishing this season than in any previous year. Rockcod, bluefish and sculpins are the gamest of the fish caught along this coast line and considerable fishing tackle is being sold by local hardware dealers. The bait used is sardines and abalone trimmings, and good catches are made during the incoming tides. The local office of the Division receives many calls and letters regarding salt water fishing in IMonterey Bay, and over the week-end j and holidays two or three hundred anglers are in boats salt water fish- ing.— Ralph F. Classic, Monterey, California. rAMKfiHNIA KIMII AND (lAMK 361 Thf CjilifjuiiiH Stnti" H«mnl of I'lihlir ll-ahh on Mny L'Hth ininiiftl new NhcliriMli ri-(;ulationN nn followN: My rt'a.snn of s«'\vni,'f pollution of Snn Kr ■ *' - * ' i|iifiilial (Ihii^'it of typhoiil ffvrr anil u'aslm. , -il ijiiarantinc jh htTt'liy <>sta)>liMli«Mi, prohiliitini; the tnkini?, fui\f or nfTrrini; I'lr Mal«> of all clams, inchitlint; soft sh<>ll f*r nuid clninM fi m- CISCO Hay aiiil trilmtary slmii^'hs in tin* connfics i.f " r.wi- 'isi'D, San .Matcii, Santa Clara, Contra Costa, > : an-, .lime, duly, Augu.st and Sej»tend)cr hr. I'laiik \V. Weymouth, in chartje of the shrimp investigation for tile r. S. Bureau of Fisheries, was a visitor at the California Slate p*islu>rics Laboratory on May LM. at which time he »liscuss«««l " ' •• s conservation wovk with \V. L. Scofield and other mendiers of t.. .iif. as well as rebitini; the proirress that has been niatle in the work on shrimps. l>i- Wevniouth was on his wav from Stanfonl rniversitv to New (Orleans to resmne active supervision. For the past few months. Dr. Weymouth has btM>n at Stanford I'niversity. dnrinc which time Milton J. liindner. former statV member of the lal>oratorv. has l)een diret'tincr the scientific program. This invest iirat ion, commenced in W^-iO by the I*. S. Bureau of Fisheries, in which three irulf States — Louisiana. Texas an' ' ' -zia — are cooiieratins::, will take several years to complete, a :ig to Dr. Weymouth. The shrimp industry is an important one in the 262 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME United States, ranking fifth in value and sixth in volume in comparison Avith other fisheries, but until the formation of the present extensive program no adequate study has ever been made of the shrimps. On May 5 and 7, 1932, Dr. Cecil von Bonde, Director of the Fish- eries and Marine Biological Survey for the Union of South Africa, was at the California State Fisheries Laboratory to consult with W. L. Scofield, and gave interesting accounts to the members of the laboratory of the fisheries resources in South Africa and what is being done in investigating the potential fishing areas and in carrying out marine research for the further development of the fisheries. Dr. von Bonde is on an extensive tour of the United States and Europe to study methods of fisheries investigations used by various countries. He has already been in the eastern part of the United States, -and while in Washington, D. C, conferred with Henry O'Malley, U. S. Commis- sioner of Fisheries, Elmer Higgins and other members of the U. S. Bureau of Fisheries staff. While in southern California he also visited the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at 'La Jolla. On May 8th Dr. von Bonde left for the State of Washington, and. later intends to go to Europe for a stay of a few months before returning to South] Africa. BIG-EYED BASS AND STRIPED BASS In the October, 19-31, issue of the California Fish and Game appeared a note that striped bass were taken by sport fishermen at San] Clemente. Howard R. Hill, of the Los Angeles Museum, has since] written to say that the fish, on further study, proved instead to be the] young of the big-eyed bass (Xenistiiis calif or niensis) . That peoplel may not confuse these two fishes, the following brief description is] given of the big-eyed bass. a 4- INCHES Fig. 63. Striped Bass {Roccus lineatus.) The eye of the striped bass is propor- tionately much smaller than that of the big-eyed bass, being much less than one-third the length of the head, and the pectoral fin does not reach beyond the tips of the ventrals. CAMKOKNIA KIHII AND OAMK L'W iCcUitiomhip: Tin' only fb»h of lln* Mnap(i«'r fritnilv I.firinnifar; vliit'li o«'fm*M ill Califoiiiia. Tin* fuinily in u la n» inlmliitiiit; whi'Iii M4*aN tlirnii{;|ioiit tho world. Many %\ of tln'iii of iiuTfasiiii,' ••oiiiiiH'rfiai iiiipoi* iir in l.«iW'r • PLftiiKjuishinif ihurmhristirs: 1 .. : .. no f.-?ti •■' .,«T (that in, in the iM'nt«»r of tin* riMif of flu* month f»«rt of thf maxillary bono is covrrml by the lM)nfM jiint alKjvr it; li in lar;^'!', htiiij; a liltjf Ifss than om* tliini thr ' ' of thi* hia«i, th«" ptH'loral tins fxtfiul rartlHT hai-k than th«' tip •• vnifr^il ?mih Color: Mrtallic bluish abovf, silvery (»n ti -• ami Iwirk and siiU'H with six or Hcvrn hori/ontal, oranu'i' brown Mtri|N>fi. Attaiiut a Ifiiirth of about a foot. Distrthtitinit : San r«djii sonthward, into thr (iiilf of f * .t;f,.rf,ia to (iiuiynias, Mexico ; not comnion north of liowor Cnliforn U. A. W.MJoKD. California State Fisherii^s Laboratory, February. l!»:i*J. <^ \ s. Fig. G4. HtK-<-'ye IU\»» iXcHiatiuM cuil/omirN^U. ) DIVISION ACTIVITIES 1 BUREAU OF FINANCE Thouirli April .start»'tl out witli very bri^'lit p' r a prosjHT- ous l)usines.s in aiiirlni'T lieenses. the unfavurab ;..• e«)iuiitioiis caused a ilroppinj; otT duriii'^r May and the ineonie from this s«)uree was not up to former years. However, with the assurances there are plenty oF fish in the lakes and streams, and with more favorable weather, a brisk business was e.xperieneeil durinj; June. The unset tieil eeonomie eomlitions are Immh^t felt on the income of tlie Division of Fish and (lame. .luiljres are disposed to bo more lenient in assessinjr tines on jjaine law violators, and jjiviii}? as well, time to pay such tines as are levied. This inerea.ses the work of this bureau. Lieonses issued to credit ilealei*s are beinir kept at as small a number as po.s.sible, owing to retpiests from the biuidin^ companies covering tliese licenses. 264 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME Fish packers' tax and fines have fallen off, although all packers are paying promptly with but one exception. The bureau has also taken over the larger field of direct distribution of licenses, formerly handled hy county clerks. An order has been placed for 320,000 metal deer tags, and 160,000 cardboard tags for distribution when the deer season opens. BUREAU OF GAME REFUGES Early indications that the present year, on account of the abun- dance of rain, would prove a successful one on the migratory waterfowl refuges have proven true. Ducks nested well on the Gray Lodge Refuge near Gridley, nests being found on almost every section of the place. The San Joaquin area reports all the more common species of ducks were found taking advantage of the excellent water conditions, the best for ten years. On the Suisun refuge the number of sprig nesting there was sur- prising as were they on Gray Lodge and at Los Banos. Reports show a good crop of ducks will be hatched on Buena Vista Lake and in the Kings River area. By raising the water level at the Imperial Refuge thirty inches,J thus stopping spreading of tule growth, a larger surface will be affordec migratory birds for a loafing place. One of the most devastating predators the Los Banos Refuge had! to contend with was the house cat gone wild. These animals werej destroying the nests of the waterfowl, but with the killing of 51 this hazard is believed to have been eliminated. Los Banos reports great numbers of geese — Hutchins and cackling.] Although there have been some egg lays the females don't seem to bej interested in raising families. At Gray Lodge a good crop of mallards have materialized from thai domesticated birds and wild domesticated mallards have laid well at| Los Banos, but their eggs do not seem to be so fertile. Quail results throughout the State are good and many refuges are! being posted, especially in southern California and that area south of] San Francisco. The eight predatory animal trappers have made it tough for coyotes I and bobcats. The report for the year so far on waterfowl refuges shows] 130 coyotes and 108 bobcats killed. Lion hunters for the year to June 1 have turned in 159 scalps, 141 more than at this time in 1931. May was a big month — 13 females and 12 males being killed, 4 over last year. April was a dull month for lion hunters. They only bagged 13, but for March they turned in 39 scalps,} 20 of which were from females. The kill in March, 1931, was 29. To date this year, 345 game breeders have taken out licenses. The fur animal raisers have filed their annual report and show a I great falling off, as the prices have been less than half of last year and] .still less than prices for pelts in 1930. The State Department of Public AVorks has let the contract fori fencing the Kern County Elk Refuge. The rate was $700 per mile for 1 the metal posts and wire necessary for the seven-foot fence. The Anchorj Post Fence Company was the successful bidder. CAI.irOHVIA riKII AND UAUK 265 BUREAU OF HYDRAULICS TIiIm hiirraii Iiun ilrvolrd iMuiHiilcralili' tinir* to ki-i'|iint; fnf fmni pollution iiumy MtrraiiiH iiot«*«l for uanw (IhIi |)ri-ilu'«-H I'li tin- Mfrml aiul TiiolmiiiH' rivtTH luivt* «MK)prratiM| to k«'f|i th«- \\at»TH rli-ar ami have followed sum,'«''*ti'>ll.s from tin* head of tliin » •••■ m .lolm Spi'iiftT, cliiff of tin* Ixiri'aii, n d the n»«'«'fint' "f tlir ('aliforiiia Srwa^'f Workfrs AKHtM'iation hrld in Yo«M'ini!r .^ l|r also took part in tli«« drIihrrationH of tin* Stati* ChandM^r of < tv wliirli rtsulti-d in tin' llrtdxiw company a^ri'cint; to put in a |>ri*pvr linh ladd<-r in llifir powrr dam. A siirvi'V was nunlf of th«' propos«'d site for n commorciid liatchcr}* on r>ull (icfk to hi' opcriitcd by a Mr. Kotlwrmud. K'-portN of thin suivj'V liavi' iM'i-n forwar«lfd to tin* Hurfaii «)f Fish Culluro, TIm' Sierra IN>w«'r Company has instidlfd a paralh*! hnr >MTi*«'n on tlif Trncki't' liivrr at Floriston. Appt'aranct's in ronrts totah'd ov«'r \'2't; and nuips. planH and skftchi's pp'part'd for tlu» (h-partmt'nt amounted to over 500 in the thrve months just passed. BUREAU OF GAME FARMS March found I Ik- ;^'ame fai"ms all set for the annual ej;if layinj; .season. Pens had Ix'en eleaneil, plowed, sowed Jind otherwis*- made hahifahle tor the .seleeted brood stoeks that were to be plaeed in them. The demand for jrame bird e'_';;s was heavier than in any former season, and the allotment of ;{(),()()() rin;;-neeked phea.sjints was spoken for Ion;,' before the hei«,dit of the v^ii lavin;;. The (juail ejjjj crop was splendid, showiri}; an inereaM* over pa«t years. As this species of bird is to be distributed more in southern Cali- fornia, the ej^'jjs gathered at the Yountville (Jame Farm were s«'nt to the Los Serranos (iame Farm, at Chino. Interest in raisin^r pheasants, turkeys ami ipiail has shown a marked inerea.se. In Petaluma, the hatching' plant handlin*; phensjint ej^pi turned out a hif^li pereenta^'e of ehieks and thi'se birds when at the projx'r ajje are to be distributed in Marin and Sononui counties. In the San .Joatpun N'alley .section, threat success has attended the efl'orts of sportsmen's or«rani/ations in raising; pheasiints, and they have been properly distributed. The new Jamesway incubating; plant has proven its worth ami added to the convenience and producti<»n facilities of the Yountville farm. Superintendent Au«;ust Hade is lending every assistance to James Moftitt and A \\ Elder in inspectin)» ami selecting? sites for quail sanctuaries otTered by public-spiritcil laiuh)wners. To date six sanc- tuaries, four in the south atui two in the north, are expix'ted to bo posted and under proper supervision of the Fish and (Jame Commi'isic.n by the end of June. Others will follow. The Ciame Farm, at Yountville. has atTorded work to several local families, thus contributing its part toward It^sseninp the depression. 266 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME BUREAU OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES The closing of the sardine season in southern and northern Cali- fornia waters in March was followed by the opening of the salmon and I una season in April. In southern California, the five sardine plants reported an increase of 4000 tons over the 1931 season. Most of the cannery inspectors have been laid off. In Monterey some canners are experimenting with a new pack, using agar-agar jelly which dispels the fishy odors and keeps the sardines more solidly packed. Low prices of salmon have kept many fishing boats from going to sea. In Eureka, but a small portion of the 125 trollers have gone for fish, and those that did brought in small catches as compared to former seasons. Salmon running from 10 to 12 inches were brought in by half the salmon fishing fleet that sail out from Noyo. The boats report as high as 400 pounds of salmon per vessel. In the Shasta area, reports were received that many spawning beds were destroyed by overcrowding. A survey was made to determine how large the loss is. The migration of salmon fingerlings, which ended May 15, was heav}'' this year. Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers report a good run of shad, but prices dropped considerably. There was a good eastern market that made conditions desirable. San Pedro and San Diego canneries started operating in April with the opening of the tuna season. Nine of the 11 major tuna can- neries have formed a cooperative association, known as the Tuna Can- ners Institute. The purpose is to prevent overproduction and endeavor to promote the widest market for this commodity. Sardine canners are planning a similar organization. There was some trouble about prices between the tuna fishermen and canners at the beginning of the season, with the result there was a one-third dropping off of the tonnage delivered during the opening month. However, as the trouble has been settled, it is expected this decrease will more than be made up. From January to June 1, 3,500,000 pounds of mackerel were delivered to the canneries. The Bayside Fish Flour Company, of Monterey, made formal application for a permit to manufacture 20,000 tons of fish flour. They intend to erect a new plant in Richmond. Low prices for the fresh fish caused dealers to give away tons of yellowtail brought from Mexican waters to San Pedro. This bureau gave a half -ton of confiscated tuna to the Whittier State School. Harvey McMillin and Paul Bonnot have made an extensive survey of oyster lands along the California coast. All lands available for oyster culture have been filed on. ]Me]\Iillin went to Eureka April 7 to remain until July 1. In Hum- boldt Bay it has been found native oysters thrive and mature in much less time than in more northern waters. McMillin and Bonnot super- vised the installation of the first dikes on the California coast for the protection of oysters from climatic changes and to keep sufficient water over the oyster beds during low tide. This dike was built in North Humboldt Bay. Experiments were also carried on in Newport and CAMFOiiMA 111*11 ANU OAMK 1!67 Morro bnyM and Mut^'it liiKooii in ovhIit iduntinu. Tin* pinniinu '*( 370 b«x<'s of .lapani'Sf oyKtiT "nt'ed" in KIkhoni hIoukIi whu u plislunrrit of Ihrsi* »'X|htI.h. It Iuim Ih-imj provi-ii thai :i.! .j >•• oyHttTH in Kikhorn nuitur<- in U'hs than half thi* turn- f i'- '■ .r nativ«» watoiM, and that thry an* richrr in protiMn f«H n oyHtiTH fotwid in any phuM* in tht* worhl. ( 'ooprraf irij,' uitJi I)r. tl. (). Snydrr, of th** I" thij* hun-aii is working out n record form by \m.. .. .. , . .. may bo krpt of fish rauj^ht by sportsmen from (x'pan pirn*, h . chnrttT party and flshint; barjjcM. Krom rrHult.s obtained no far in the expcriiiii'iit, it lias Itn-n found that sportH Mshermen in the Ia>«» An/ ' ni'ea cauu'ht as many lish as the eominereial fresh tlsliermen. Small catfhes marked the oj^eiiini; of the salmon trollinp •»**a.Mjii April 1. S(|uid eatches in the Monterey district fell otT one-half over furm«T years. AH dried on the heath for Chinese trade; none were prepared for Italian trade. Tho patrol l)oat lilut/in, after boin^' put in repair, made a itirvey trip to determine the delinite nuixinunn sardine Kpawninj» area. Thia was found to he from the Mexican border to Point Coneeplion and extendiiij; 100 miles out to sea. During' April, the patrol boat Alfxuorr weekly aidempleted by the Department of Puldic Works and turned over to the Division of Pish and Game. Already, a small supply of snuiU-mouth blai'k bass has "been transferred to tlie ponds from Stockton as brood stock, atui several tlunisand trolden shiners to furnish foml for the bass receiveil from San Dicijo. Minor defects are being remedied and the experiment is being Ljivcii every encourajrement. Merrill W. Hrown has been placed in iharLTc with Carlton Koijers, as assistant. Durincr April, a shipment of 28,lKH") Atlantic salmon eggs were received at the Mt. Shasta Hatchery from th,> Canadian Department of Marino Fisheries. Tlicre was groat activity in all the hatcheries during the past three- months period, seeing the trout eggs were given the proper attention. 5 — 956S6 268 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME The hatch was above normal, assuring a good supply of sport fish for the streams and lakes of this State for future seasons. Plans were started in June for the annual planting in trout waters, and the anglers are assured of some 35,000,000 of these game fish for the streams and lakes, while the salmon plant will increase the fish planting to some 4^0,000,000 for 1932. BUREAU OF FISH RESCUE AND RECLAMATION March was a light month for this bureau, but its personnel was busy in May, rescuing and moving nearly 2,000,000 large-mouth black bass. This action was made necessary on account of the cannabalistic tendency of this species of game fish — the parent fish eating the young, | 'sometimes when they are 30 days of age. The young fish rescued were taken to permanent waters, awayj from their native haunts, where conditions would be ideal for their| maturity. Sports fishermen are continually increasing their demands fori black bass, to the exclusion of other species of spiny-rayed game fish.} The total of fish rescued for May was 1,842,861. For April, the] total was 390,430. The receding waters of many streams made it] necessary for this bureau to take prompt action to save these thousands] of fish for the anglers. In line with the policy of the Division of Fish and Game, many^ nongame fish were caught, destroyed or given away. BUREAU OF PATROL A change in the attitude of magistrates toward violators of thd fish and game laws has been very noticeable during the second quartei of this year. While justices of the peace are convinced the laws shouldl be enforced and arrests made, they seem inclined toward leniene^J when it comes to fining those arrested. They seem to feel that during the depression it would be well to go a little easy on those who have not violated the game laws too glaringly. In one month, out of 20( arrests, 57 defendants found guilty were given suspended sentences. With the opening of the trout season May 1, the usual number ol anglers were found without a fishing license. Forty-five of these were arrested by deputies. Sixteen arrests grew out of the fact of fisher-i men being unable to read, or at least they did not pay any attentioi to the signs posted, declaring certain streams and lakes closed to fishing.] Arrests and money collected as fines fell considerably below the total for March, April and May. For the period from January 1 tc May 31, 1931, $73,000 in fines were collected; for a like period this year, only $46,070. Deer meat possessors to the number of 34 were arrested, and finec or jailed for having venison in their possession out of season. The bureau heads are busy trading in automobiles owned by the State and used by the patrol since 1930. In purchasing new autos,] small type cars with closed cabs and pick-up bodies are being favored.] CAI.UUKMA riaU AND UAME 260 VOLUNTEER DEPUTIES Volunteer tlrputioj* have takni jfrral int«T«»t in the work of rsfaldisliiiiK' (|MHiI snn<'tUHri«**t tin ' '•'.'■ ',.J 111 posliriK' souii' I'i.iMto niTf.H of I.k. ; . i . . .. wf tills ii()t«'ti that luaki" u; • are Nicnti'*! ill Sail I)ie(;o, San Matro, Tularv and San JoAquin • h. Hrports trmn tli«« volimtiMTs imiiratnl tliat il jj «ea«(in tin- quail i>aiif San .Joatpiin area writoA in to My th«*rt' wvrv 2r)() pairs of (piail on one ranch .H«*t a ■ l-'nllowiiiLT tilt' poliiy of till' Fish ainl f this hureau. Predatory birds and animals in lar^rc numbers fell li«'fore the fire of the volunteer ileputies durinj? the past three months. BUREAU OF EDUCATION AND RESEARCH Some of the outstandiiis,' wurk of the I'.ureau of Kducation and Research was conlined to the wild life displays and the visual eiluca- tion exhibits. E. 8. Cheney erected an exhibit booth at the Butte Council of the Boy Seouts of America exhibit which was hehl at Marysville the latter part of April. In athlition to this, exhibit assist- ance was rendert'd by this bureau in the installation of an exhibit in the windows of the Pacific States Savinp» and Loan Avsooiation. This exhibit is a traveliii}; one and will be shown in the principal cities in northern California. The rapid -growth of the mailinj? list of Calikoh.sia Fish and Gamb necessitated a chant^e in the nietluxl of distribution from the old com- plimentary system to that of a subscription basis. Details of this pr(\iect were worked out by the Department of Finance and the s^'stem became functional with the current issue. An elaborate investij^ation of the effect of roilent control on quail populations was conducted by Ira (iabrielson, of the U. S. Hureau of Bioloj::ical Survey, W. C. Jacobsen, of the State Department of Agricul- ture, and Leo K. Wilson, of this burt>au. This work was d.-ne in Monterey and Kinj^s counties. Gordon II. True, Jr.. completed the work umlertaken by James MofTitt on the etTect of predatory animals upon the nestintr waterfowl population in northeastern California. This work will be the ba&is oi' a report to be published in the near future by James Moffitt. 270 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME REPORTS SEIZURES OF FISH AND GAME January, February, March, 1932 Fish: Abalones 1,062 Bass, striped, pounds 1,150 Bass, striped (fish) 195 Crappie, perch, sunfish 41 Crabs - - 316 Clams 1,537 Lobsters -- - 224 Lobsters, pounds 1,289 Nets, illegal -- 1 Miscellaneous fish 306 Mussels, pounds 496 Steelhead - - - 536 Spears, illegal 5 Salmon, pounds - - 134 Trout - 56 Traps, fish - — - 32 Game: Deer 14 Deer meat, pounds 721 Deer hides - - — 23 Doves -- - 5 Ducks, geese and mudhens - - - 728 Elk meat, pounds - — - 55 Non-game birds 171 Pigeons 33 Pheasants 10 Quail — - 20 Rabbits 19 Shorebirds - 32 Wood ducks 1 Skins, fur bearing animals - -_ 7 Trap, bird 1 FISH CASES January, February, March, 1932 Number arrests Fines imposed Jail sentences (days) Angling License Act; violations of 44 46 12 1 53 12 31 10 2 15 28 33 12 1 1 4 16 2 1 3 $578 00 580 00 350 00 100 00 740 00 770 00 320 00 240 00 64 Abalones; closed season; small 60 Bass- Striped, small; netting of . Black, small Clams; small, overlimit.. 185 Crabs; small; female . 6 Commercial Fishing License Act; violations of . 25 Illegal fishing apparatus ._ 130 Fishing in refuge . Lobsters; small.. . _ 205 00 53 Mussels; overlimit 336 Nets; seines; illegal 1,017 00 243 00 368 Perch, crappie, sunfish; closed season 36 Pollution Salmon in closed district 50 00 40 00 435 00 Spears, illegal . Trout; steelhead 25 Traps, fish Yelowfip; telling of. . 10 00 5 00 Taking marine life from Hopkins Marine Life Refuge Totals 327 $5,683 00 1,277 CALirORSIA riHIf AND GAME 271 QAMC CAMS Dwr: dflMd MMM Ducks, ■«<■•. mudb«M; ekaad m«* I)«ivr« rlivM^I acaaoo . . Aet. TtoUUoM ol. i /*».,... kllUncof ^•M liMOB. clawdMMOiL 4td MMOA. • .. . <«oJ WAffOA por«r| po«(. . .c tcenM Aet. ««...«.•••, » 1 3i 11 • • 3 1 1 I I tw ii iTn 272 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURES For the Period July 1, 1931, to March 31, 1932, of the' Eighty-third Fiscal Year Function Salaries and wages Materials and supplies Service and expense Property and equipment Total Bureau administration: KTPcutivp $6,600 00 16,603 23 $6,600 00 1862 97 17,426 25 225 79 $320 92 $171 26 17,958 38 Printirp 17,426 25 Automobiles 213 54 2,595 90 4,026 78 3,370 38 2,057 93 11,435 95 2,885 32 439 33 2,595 90 Posts ge 4,026 78 3,370 38 Freiffht cartapp and excress 2,057 93 Rent 11,435 95 Accident and death claims 2,885 32 3,375 00 4,950 00 3,375 00 Legal 718 37 87 50 68 86 182 46 5,850 83 87 50 Publicity 68 86 Total bureau administration $31,528 23 $4,612 94 1,962 05 $18,515 01 $27,781 45 $353 72 $78,178 41 $4,612 94 Clerical and office $163 71 $230 80 4,724 74 16 78 4 10 141 04 113 10 $26 70 2,383 26 Traveling - - - 4,724 74 16 78 Freight, cartage and express 4 10 Photographer -- 1,080 00 1,530 00 8,144 68 1,190 32 101 13 28 00 2,411 36 Librarian 23 08 310 08 1,767 31 8,482 76 Blueprinting . 12 66 518 32 8 25 12 66 618 32 Exhibits— 8 25 Lecturer 2,835 00 18 63 2,835 00 Temporary help . . 18 63 Total bureau education and research Bureau patrol and law enforcement: Chief and assistants $20,183 30 $8,295 00 2,415 32 $496 87 $5,769 79 $1,346 15 $27,796 11 $8,295 00 Clerical and office $70 32 6,550 20 $17 91 3,134 29 95,120 66 331 07 1,517 93 45 95 461 85 21 27 405 13 850 39 226 00 Sll 47 1,286 14 2,515 02 Automobiles 10,970 63 Traveling 95,120 66 331 07 Telephone and telegraph . 1,517 93 Freight, cartage and express 45 95 Rent 461 85 21 27 Captains and deputies 156,492 99 1,634 38 2,138 07 539 81 291 65 46 33 158,824 15 Launches 3,034 79 Fish planting .. 4,922 72 440 00 5,688 53 Volunteer deputies 440 00 Premiums on bonds 2,215 48 2,216 48 Temporary help . 30 00 1,536 29 30 00 Cooks .. 1,636 29 Total bureau patrol and law enforcement— . Bureau commercial fisheries: Chief and assistants $174,132 32 $12,075 00 7,964 72 $10,932 78 $104,347 93 $1,635 59 $41 00 8 60 $291,048 62 $12,116 00 Clerical and office $230 92 566 46 $97 42 242 12 16,242 84 3 52 495 47 476 50 890 68 310 50 8,301 66 Automobiles.. 808 58 Traveling . 16,242 84 Postage 3 52 Telephone and telegraph 495 47 Freight, cartage and express 476 50 Rent 890 68 Heat, light and power 310 50 Research 6,863 09 12,590 00 9,410 00 23,435 19 78 61 141 05 3,679 41 541 91 80 90 10 00 228 35 693 65 7,022 60 Captains and deputies Launches 36 57 1,965 52 1,159 90 5 94 750 00 1,355 67 11,250 00 12,777 62 15,283 28 25,730 65 5 94 Laboratory... Blueprinting Hydro-biological survey — Monterey Bay 750 00 Statistics 696 19 48 15 2 100 01 Fish cannery research 11,250 00 Fish cannery inspectors — seasonal 15,040 55 15,040 65 Total biireau commercial fisheries $87,378 55 $6,934 55 $35,282 65 $1,010 65 $129,606 40 CAi.ir "itSiA fi.-iM AND OA M r. 273 tTATCMCNT or CXI^NOITUIiIl rw MM P«M Mrl. Ittl. I* MMiHII. IMt •( *• tt.9\0 00 a,7« n 1 1 ' I and po««f '•»... . . ••• Id invcallcaUoM^. I' -.unf ( .«.iTiaH»rrn»«rc|» ,, I'bh batchcry aaaUUuil irmiotnl. ToUl bureau fi«mivr rrararea..... Tolal burrau hydrauli .Uon: Burr I . Sill- Clrr.. .., ^..,i„.„.^ Auloiiiotulw ............... Trurhtu ........ Pontngr .,„ Telrpliunc and t«lecraph.... Krrifclit. c3rt.tKr iind eiprtM. Ural, light aiid power Maiiitriiance ........... AasLitaiita Total bureau guat propaxatioo- Burr.t I'll. Traicliu^. .. Kfnl tanu. Total bureau fish rtaeue.. Boraui game refu(r: Chlrrand iLv^Litaots Cl.r 'lee Au:> TrnM-Um. ....... ....... Poalaci- ,„. Tfli'l'iumr anit ! ' . ' Krrmht. ourt.iv v Lion huiitor< a;.>; l;.., ,. ia Rrfugr ;niHtiM|j Pmlatorv aninial rootrot. TfiniHirary help K«{u«r uiaintrnance..... Total t: 17 ::. m 00 : ISJ3I « *U74 t7 1.471 n «67 M j.ir-i o 1 >: i: i 1.) J.'M v» 4, - 3.064 MOO t3«.137 70 * »U4« 97 > I11.7S7 1017 04 I W.M, 'C 274 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURES For the Period July 1, 1931, to March 31, 1932, of the Eighty-third Fiscal Year— Continued Function Construction, improvements and equipment: Telephone and power line from Chester to Lake Almanor Fish Hatchery Improvements at Lake Almanor Hatchery Filter at Big Creek Hatchery. - Permanent repairs on Brookdale Hatchery Construction of dams on Cherry Creek Completion of egg collecting racks at Chester Construction of rearing ponds and a temporary house for an attendant, Hat Creek, Inyo County Tank and egg collecting station at Huntington Lake Filter at Kaweah Hatchery , - Repairs and improvements at Mt. Shasta Hatchery Permanent improvements on Snow Creek Hatchery Total construction, improvements and equipment License commissions ' Purchase of game refuges State Fair and other exhibits Prior year expense — eighty-second fiscal year only Grand total proprietary group - Total $2,400 00 1,391 55 141 85 761 30 1,000 00 601 16 1,245 18 1,924 69 466 16 1,333 44 1,233 12 $12,498 24 $39,503 45 127,650 00 5,183 81 14,998 86 $999,726 27 CAUrORNLA riHII AND QAMB 275 • TATCMCHT Of INCOMC fm MM Pifiod tutf I. 11)1. 10 Jufl* M. Itl}. 9l llM Vflv Tatal IttI , 1(93 >i huoUoc club lircn«r I h'iiiliO([ club ut«r«'.' •fami. IWI. "I't l)fm«c*, ini-33. "t* aii i ^ ea ■£ i i 05 • I = I- m S O D CC >< a. -a tiJ O. il I CO UJ E Z o < u Monterey lO lO 1 1 iiOeO t 1 ICO 1 ICO lOlOit— 1 I'"** IU3 1 iCOlO lOOOO t^ n-H 1 I iooi>- 1 1 1 uo 1 1 cq liooocq 1 1 cq ico i it-cr icoct>oo ■^1 II icq 111-^1 1-^ '=^^0 1 icq ii-H 1 icOlO lOOCO ^1 111"^ JliCqlJt^ I CO oi" 1-7 I lod I I Icqcq I ic CO I 1 1 1 cq 1 1 -^ 1 I *-" 1 *o '^ cq I CO I I »o I un 1 III III t 1 1 II 1 1 1 CO ■ <^ iiii 1 i i i 1 ; ; i ; : : ; ^ I III III II 1 II 1 II 1 Santa Cruz.. IIII III II 1 IIII J II 1 , O 0> 1 1 1 it^iO 1 1 II-H 1 lOO I C5 1 1 1 lO ICO 1 1 t^ CO 1 i-^O g 1 : ; ;sg^. i i ;s i ;"= ;q ; i i :k !^ i iss ; iss cq III I"30 I I I*-" I I I*^ I I I I'-^ I I I CO cq I lo till III II 1 till 1 1 ( 11 IIII III II 1 1 1 1 r 1 II II IIII III II 1 IIII 1 II II San Francisco, San Mateo .. 500 ""l'4"2",448' 285,833 10,033 61 11,649 "2'3"8',975' 290" "2"8"6"367' 28,509 60 188,893 ,925,720 538 Alameda, Contra Costa 1 1 1 |I>.W5 OO 1 1 1 1 f 1 i^H 1 1 1 1 lo 1 1 1 1 1 it^^H 1 1 t 1 1 1 tc 1 1 1 I 1 1 O 1 1 1 1 1 lO 1 1 ' CO 1 1 1 1 1 rt 1 , ■ 1 t' 1 i' 1 1 1 I 1 I I |o ! I 1 1 1 1 icq ; J Solano, Yolo 1 1 1 1 -^ UO 1 1 1 1 1 t I I 1 1 1 it-O 1 1 1 l- 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 tcDO 1-^ iS 1 1 1 IC-J iC350q 1 1 1 i-«(Tj.t^ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 , 1 , icniS IM l"^ 1 1 I i'"* [nm 1 1 1 1 c» 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ,',',' 1 03 loo 1 , , , , •— 1 , 1 1 1 1 ^ 1 1 1 1 J 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Del Norte, Humboldt 1 1 1 1 1 loscq 1 1 1 i-<}4 1^ 1 1 1 1 1 it^ 1 I 1 1 cq ^H too 1 lOO 1 1 1 lO it^ 1 1 1 1 1 t -^ 1 1 1 IC50 it^ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 OO »0 1 1 1 ICO 1 C^ 1 1 1 1 1 t tjH^ 1 1 1 f<*,t^ 1 05 1 1 1 1 1 1 I ^eo I I I !^ !»o I '. '. ! J Ico I I I I »j:3 »o I uf I 1 1 1 1 1 1 ■* "^ 1 1 1 1 '^ 1 1 1 1 1 1 I -^ 1 1 1 1 c t-* ^ ^ >* S lli 31; 1 278 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME Total fish from south of the International Boundary brought into California. t^ -^ irt ■^^ 00 ^ i-T o 00 O W3 o >o CD t* CDQO Fish from south of the International Boundary brought into California via San Diego o »c ■*}< 00 Q0»0 Fish from south of the International Boundary brought into California via San Pedro M coeM Cs ^ ^J< X u u: > •= IE o t^ c£) C^ 05 00 CO Total. ■^ CO O lO O O O TP ■•— * 1-H C5 CQ CO lO ■.— 1 CO C^ r-H 1— I Irt C^ CO CO CO 1—1 .-H C-tOC300C5CQCOi--'C3i05 '"d^odi-T CO tCco lO cocTtCoo CO CO Ci lO -^ •— ' CO I— < CO 00 1—1 03 CO tH 1-H CO San Diego, Imperial. u: X i- z o-*o COOO ca 00 C» M cqcooo Orange. ■^ cq COiOO ■^ O U5 OO — I CD CO C4" coo Los Angeles. £ J (/> > t- Q ° f E » >- o UJ X X CO CO-«:Ji CO OiOO C^J 1— t CO t-- CO O lO *0 C5 IC o -^ ''^CO OGO Ci CO O Oi CI -^ lO -* ■-# lO O CO Ci oo lO r^ t— QO iTS 03 CO C5 t^ lO CD CO c^ as i>- "^ o t>- t^ Tt^ 00 San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura ■rt J ^^ iffO 1-H »0 o c^ O CO r-H !>. cc < o < •s eg 3z CJ« I l-i I II o n ^ ^ - ' - C3 C3 = JS-3-^-s-H s s-s.s 5 s 33 gi a ^ I g||| O fe fc M W W W W W W W <; <5 ,^ S CL, (Xi fe rt rt Ci 02 M M c CAUrORN'IA H^M AM> <.v>!i. 279 a;:s ;8 ;8' :1! S M I : » t • • • SIS < I ' I i t II 5Sii!!^i 8§ 1:8 i §111 §S9 *l 8 ^ I S "S? :=^? a 8R' i s 8 I 1^5 ^» «o o ro J* — * S s as I • * • t 1 \ I i 11 i;Si ODacxa:x:cxdB x x x x {- — i!^ 1 3 ABSTRACT CALIFORNIA SPORTING FiSH AND GAME LAWS VALID UNTIL 90 DAYS AFTER CLOSE Of 1933 LEGISLATURE 1931 OPEN AND CLOSED SEASONS 1932 WHITE SQUARES IMDICATE OPEN SEASOK . NUMBERS IN SQUARES ARE OPEN DATES oa.aj:ej 1 '"'"'"' )*". riB Nm. •PI •» tm juiT iw. 1 sin 1 OCT. 1 >DY. 1 Die. 1 BAG AND rOSSESSION LIMITS, ETC VA ■ □ -■■:-| BE' B No Does, Fawns or Spike Bucks No Forked Homed Deer in Dist. IX DEER Z-ZVr-i 1 ' ■:.• ~ . . ■ 1 'w^l^^l 1 1 Mo sale of Venison or Deer Skins Two Bucks per Season |.|!,'.4.<»!(-4!.'-a3 a4-as "7' ■ MB B 9 IJII6 IB except inV4 where limit is one See Notes e-9-10-12 Rabbits— Cottontail and Bnish | ALL tXCtPT 4% m HMHBWI5 1 ISpailjy. 30 per week. No lifnit in Dislikt 4 No protection in 4H Bear, Fur An. Ducks, Gees unals ALL ■BHHBI iEbi-^ Sec Nole 7 Prrialory animals tmpfolttled in diitritts 2-2M-3-W5^ >e, r(D[RAl WW % ■■BBBB OPIHS NOON oa 1 1 5 DutV5, JO in Possession; 4 Geese, 8 in Posusston; 20 Snipe, 2S Iriud Hens, No Ross Snow or CidUinf Oecse Jack Snipe, Mud Hens 1' BBB 9 25 Dudes, 25 Snipe, 25 Mud hens, 50 Per Week Coose limit Set Note 4. See Notes 9.10-1 1-12-13 Quail— Valley, Desert ALL EXCEPT 1"/s rr 1 - B B ■•" ii IBBI -1 Valley and Detert 15 per day. 3D per week and Mountain m '. -' B - ■ 1 Mountain 10 per day. 20 per week Dove ALL EXCEPT 4-4'/2-4y, --^ r ■ 1- 1 !■ ■ -■- reiltnl SfiM Senlabal 15 per day 4-4>/j.4% a ■11 30 per week There u no open season on Elk, Antelope, Mountain Sheep, Sea Otter, Tree Squirrel, Sierra Hare, Rail, Wood Duck, Pigeon, Swan, Shore Birds (except Jack Snipe) , Grouse, Sage Hen, Imported Quail, Wild Pheasant, Partridge, or Wild Turkey. I^ISH 1 ■»^™^ l»H. fie. Mim. *PH. ,., JU*it lUlt All G. stn. OCT. MV. DEC. j BAG AND POSSESSION UNITS, ETC. Kbmath River, lahe Almanor ■ m ■ ■ fiig limit (or taking asd poittMion, 25 trout or 10 poundi and one trout No Sale Steelhead and 2'A 28 B I30 NoSpcarinj ror other leslrklions all Trout (except Golden), 23-24-25 M • - I30 , Whitefish Truckee River B lis B Set Notes 12-15-16-20 Unlawful to take trout k( Nole 22 ■ --• B fl 21-22-28-2» ernor's proclamation U< Winter Klamath River ,:-.' --■ Bl IB 1 - 1 5 Tronl rcgirdleii ol wciihl 31-JJ On this Ricyan. Navirro. Napa and fc iIlisl2)Ii(icwatoDisls.2 3-l5 • ■ a Bi ■■ ) Tronl reitrJIeu of wtiflil Card Golden Trout ALL ■ fl ■ 1 ■ 1 fl 20 per day. None under 5 inches Not more tlian 10 lb». «nd one BLACK BASS Bran™ ■■■- ,; 15 per day IhdMHSwMit^; CLEAR LAKE IN LAKE CO. Clear Lake 10 per day No sale Hook and line only Sunfish ALL B ■ ■ B 25 per day Sacramento Perch ALL EXCEPT CLEAR LAKE I..': ■ ■ 1 1 25 per day Hook and line only and Crappie CLEAR LAKE 10 per day No sale Striped Bass 1-3.12A a B None imler 12 indies, 5 pa diy. None to be talien rrwri Salton Sen. See Note 19 Crabs ALL uctpr 1Vi.6-7-8-9 II il ■ F bcMon Da^J^ct^ 1 ;>6-7.A-9 Awgiat 31, Dtambtr 14 See Note 24, None under 7 inches. No Female Abalones ALL II i' B Ontrfof rood. MutbclifTwlMtoilHnolhtlniJMa Anglim lieenst fttifini. Set Note 27 Pismo Clams 17 1 ■ ■ ■1 l~ None under 5 indies. Nn stafoitiit ISpcrdqr Anifn license leguired District 18l Oosed Spiny Lobster ALL 1 ■ L 1 ■ 1 KoSakolUttt. FMM>,i See Note 24 GRimiON ALL 1 1 SthnoD and Shad May Be Taken ai h ote( in Para^aphs 19-23. M 0 open season on Sturgeon (possession prohibited). NOTES 1. To hunt, kill, possess wild birds or mammals, to possess firearms, except under written permit from the Commission, •within districts la, lb, Ic. Id. le. If, Ig. Ih, 11, Ij^ Ik, Im, In, lo, Ip. Iq Ir, Is. It, 2a, 2b, 3a. 3b. 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h. 4a. 4b, 4c. 4d. 4c, 4f, 4g, or General Grant Refuge, or the Mt. lamalpals Game Refuge, Including Richardson Bay, or San Francisco Refuge, or Silver Lake Kefugo (water fowl may be killed In 4a and 4e), or to hunt quail In the BoUnaa Quail Refuge, or to hunt or discharge firearms In Huntington Lake Hefuge or San Leandro Bay Refuge. 2. To hunt birds or mammals excepting predators without a bunting license. 3. To possess any bird net or to net, trap or to hold pro- tected game or birds ot any kind, their ncata or eggs except under written permit from i.he Commission. *• To take or possess more than 8 geese per day or 50 per Week; or more than 8 honkers or sea brant per day or 24 per week- \.th "^^ **^* ^^ **'" "on-ffome birds, except blue Jay. butcher Dira, h,ngllsh sparrow, sharp-shinned. Cooper or duck hawk, peat homed owl. linnet, white pelican, shag, and In districts 1« Z» 3, 4 and 4|, blackbirds. IT IS ALWAYS UNLAWFUL 6. To hunt deer without a deer tag license. To fail to attach to the horns of deer immediately on killing, properly filled out license tag or at the same time to send duplicate tag to the Division. To carry a deer into a closed district with- out having license tag countersigned, or to have untagged deer in possession. To fail to retain In possession during open season and for ten days after the skin and portion ot head bearing horns of deer killed and to produce upon demand. To use more than one dog to the hunter In hunting deer or to allow dogs to run deer in closed season, or to possess doe or fawn skins, or deer skins not bearing evidence of sex. 7. To trap for profit bear, rlng-talled cat, coon, pine marten, skunk, fisher, wolverine, mink, river otter, fox, beaver or muskrat, or to kill these animals during the closed season, except when destroying property. To Interfere with the traps of licensed trappers. To use saw tooth or spike jawed traps for taking fur bearers. 8. To use any animal other than a dog to stalk wild birds, 9. To shoot game from a power boat, sailboat, auto, air- plane : or to hunt waterfowl from a scull boat in districts 8, 9, except on Wednesdays and Sundays, or at any time in dis- trict 12 or J^apa Rfver south of £dgerly Island, or to use A --■-■- — t »l To 1 ^, «u» «/ tl T. . - ••-■«:-• »-«»-**««ti •M fc< I— — -»^- ■ • - -^ - '-^ .--.-■» ..- - -.- - - - *b> •i*(* t< IT. To . t . - ■ ■" , . lu ^,.K ..^ |k«HM. :i 11 Tu 1 1. l|. ». »>-- II. lit, '^•'^ «l : Wt« h«*o III.. .11., I« 1 : •n4 -' 10 ■ U In llM luna Li » iij .w 1. *.i ; •;;[*. r t * :•• wf hm^* than ) huuki. SI Tu h*v< ! anr Hah irxr w (*n (••'•«< ^ Un UA.»w(ul to sp* - 11 3» T.. I.W.- » 'i^a »l«».Ln !") ff*( .^» »»-« rrv^talll >». i'. -••^ o( . > l« wllh r H II T» ok lu Aw«4«( 1. tl To lak* Mimon on apawaln* b*Ja et wllhta 1* mnM af fc «.,^» . t, k ...^ «i .' . r, . r 5 t.. ;r B IL : • r i f 1 • ' .'» f I; f '. »- .* ♦' *•• *«• I t. II. It 1. Iw «. t. t^ •Jiy aA •» I* lAte I MA Wa« fr- «» W«r I %m tltU<.ii U>*1 U.« ft>A« *..kn t;^; t« lAACi;. v( ;~> U.l :.A . IK tNStS MLST BL SHOWN UPON DEMAND UCENSt PROVISIONS HVNTTNG Hii I..W ••4«> II l< •• Help '^ Prevent Forest ^ Fires ^JSH «, CAME DisrniCTS CAUFORNIA CaL1F()KM\ I'ISII WD (,A.\ir. "CON»i:mvatiun uv niu> Lire niHui uii cut <-ATio<« ' VOLUMR 18 BACKAMENTO. UCn«»Ul{ 11132 V..4 ■■ TABLE OF CONTENTS I'AOC ('4)Nsi:itVA ri<»N AS inic.Mi HI N ri(A«Tiri:i» iiv iin: im»ians in IIIK KI-A.MAIII IC1\I:K Ki:«.h»\ /.•«««* hrllrlt Kohrrl* .>:\ Tin: III i: iiisrouv am> tiii: «n.\Tu«»i, <»i rm: ntni'WMUM. CAl'll.l.AUI A rtt\|n|j|A |\ <.»IAII ' '• '■ Ih.i.mmr, j;«> Tin: sriciri!!' i:ass srn-i n tasi am» 1'Ui:si.\i ■. //. ri.tri. i.i»T SK«oM» A.NM Al. llhAi U IIUANT CEN^I < IN < Mil nUMA . •htmra Uoffitl 'J»»S ATAVISM IN A 1 Al 11 mU\1A IIALIiHr / /' l'h>lUp» lUO SI'«»UTIM; lACKI.i: 1"«»U SPmUIIVK STKKI.IIKAhS Tod I'-.u^rll :\V2 TIIK Wliri'K SKA I'.ASS AM' Kl!) A IKP SI'KriKS THAT AUK S<)I.I> l\ (• \1.II lnvisioN A< ri\iiii:s ••'<- ItKltHiTS - Stat«*iiH'iil of Iiui>iiu'- "l-*** Stiiti'iiit'iit of Kx|KMiililurf.s ''V'* N'iolatioii.H of Fish iiiul (Jaiin* Ijiws •l«'>- KisluT.v l^o«lin-ts, April, Mny inul June, VXiJ. ■■«•'►* CONSERVATION AS FORMERLY PRACTICED BY THE INDIANS IN THE KLAMATH RIVER REGION By Ruth KKi.i.»rTT RoHatrs Till' INDIAN'S suhsistnl u!r«'s whuli natiir«> pro- vulcil. Wiujv natural n'soiin-i's were bountiful, the popu- lation was most nnnu'rt)us. Str«'jinis nnd aivas that ab*niiul«Hl in fooil supplios ht'camo. naturally, the permanent alxxles of the Itulian. Tilt' lower Klamath Hivti i.u'ion supplieil all the nei-.'ssities of food, shelt.'f. clDtiiintr. aii.l mat.M-ials for ti'.ensiU. whieh their 9:s33 284 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME mode of life required. Througli its entire length the Klamath Eiver drainage area was supplied with foods in great abundance and variety. The waters of the river teemed with fish and the neighboring forests abounded in deer and other game. A rich supply of acorns was fur- nished by the oaks ; and grass seeds, pine nuts, and berries were easily obtained. The Indian name for the river itself is said to have meant "abundance," and it naturally followed that this locality supported manj- thriving Indiaii settlements. The density of the pre-white pop- ulation of this region was noted and commented upon in the early investigations of Stephen Powers,'- and in the later studies of A. L. Kroeber.^ During the acorn gathering season, the population migrated to areas where the oak trees were most numerous and frequently estab- lished camps there. Similar excursions were made for the purpose of gathering grass seeds, pine nuts, sea weed, berries, and other necessities. Fig. 65. Trolling at the mouth of the Klamath River. Regard for property rights among them was very much higher than it is among some of our more civilized people. They were not obliged, upon their return to their established homes, to make an inventory of the depredations committed upon their property during their absence. An exchange of products among the Klamath River Indians amouhted to a commerce which provided all groups with such supplies as they were in need of. Sea weed and other ocean foods were exchanged by the Indians living near the mouth of the river for such necessities as were more plentiful along the upper stretches of the stream. The Indians, of necessity, avoided diminution of any natural resources upon which their life depended. Public opinion and com- munity law disapproved of any waste. Trees were felled only for 1 "Tribes of California," Cont. N. Am. Ethnology, vol. HI, Washington, 1877, Stephen Powers. 2 Bureau of American Ethnology, Bulletin 78, Handbook of The Indians of California, A. L. Kroeber. OAI.irOKNIA riKII AVD OAUR FlK'. l.'iklnK up tho Kliiiiuilh Ui\'r ii'iii !.■ ji.i H'-<1 M-'uit.iin m ftitr U. const met inn of t-anoos ami lu»iis<'s, and dry brush ami stirk.H wt-n* ujmnI for llrrwood. Seasonal linrnin«,' over of certain areas was r ' * ' t» their moth' of fanning', as it served to pro«luee ^rra>.H veds ; hI. and ha/.el twijrs and jrrass Un- basket weaving'. This \vh.h «lom« i«vpr>' two years. It aUo protected their {fame by dostroyinjj the under- brush slielters of predatory animals. Systematic burninfj did nuieh to rid the immediate iifiirld)iirlit»t»«l of rattlesnakes, inountiiin li"" ">•! bear, and to eheek the increase of insect life. To destroy wild life for any other n'ason than to meet hin iummI of food would have been as ridiculous a procedure to the Indian as if we enttTcil our own jjardens or went amou'^ our own herilN and •'• -' •■•^ •••' for the sheer enjoyment of our prowess as destroyers. This "hap|»y iinntiu}; «;round' of the Indian showtnl no depb'tion of its remarkable resources of tish and «rame until after the advent of the whites. In contrast to the white man's idea of sportsnuinship, the Imlian killeil only what he needed for fo(Ml, and he waste