83 
share of them. The remnant of wild life that is handed down to us, is a 
heritage. It should be used economically to supply our needs only, and 
then be passed on to our descendants. We have inherited a treasure, and 
it is a responsibility we have te see that others are left that heritage. 
If the natural law was strictly observed, the balance in nature would 
remain fairly even. Upsetting the balance has resulted in a great need for 
conservation. Thus it can be seen that the enactment of protective laws 
was necessary, and their enforcement absolutely imperative now. 
Wild life depends on forests for shelter and food, but mankind has taken 
them over for profit. Whole forests have been destroyed merely to gratify 
a desire for wealth. Little thought has been given to the consequences. 
Thus has wild life been destroyed and driven away. 
In like fashion what has been done with our streams? Water is one 
of our primary natural resources and absolutely necessary for our existence. 
Instead of safe-guarding it for our own use and that of generations to 
come, we are daily polluting it and making of our streams dumping grounds 
for filth. Thus have the waters of our state year by year been made less 
fit for fish to live in and their number greatly lessened. 
One of the first requisites then is to see that birds, game animals and fish 
have a home and proper environment to live in; then to see that they have 
food and are properly protected when they are reproducing themselves. 
This must be done by strict laws rigidly enforced. In proceeding with the 
work of game and fish conservation, the co-operation of every good citizen 
is needed. Public opinion must be molded in favor of game and fish laws. 
The public press here becomes of great importance. 
Laws are but the crystallized expression of public opinion. If public 
opinion is opposed to a law, merely putting it on the statute books will not 
produce any results. It is necessary to create and foster an enlightened 
public opinion. When that is accomplished game and fish laws become 
more easy and effective of enforcement. 
What is needed therefore, is a campaign of education. The public as a 
general rule is not informed as to game laws and the reason for their en- 
forcement. As a wise man said, “‘He who knoweth the law, and knoweth 
not the reason of the law, knoweth not the law, for the reason of the law 
is the life of the law.” If this be true, it follows that to teach the publie 
the reason of a law is the first requisite. Game and fish propagation serve 
as an aid toward increasing wild life in the state, but the greatest good it 
accomplishes is in educating the public. 
Fish hatcheries and game farms bring to public notice the life history and 
habits of fish and game in their wild state, which could not be imparted in 
any other way. A visit to a fish hatchery while the fish are spawning, con- 
vinces one that they should be protected when spawning in the lakes and 
streams. Such a visit has converted many a violator who formerly killed 
fish while on their nests. 
The foregoing leads to the conclusion that: 
1. Birds are of yalue to the people as insect, rodent and weed seed 
