CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME. 129 
The California Pampano (Palometa simillimus). 
The body is compressed and deep; about half as deep as it is long 
without the caudal. It is covered with fine scales. The profile of the 
head is rounded and with a blunt curved snout. The single dorsal and 
anal are similar, long, highest in front, low behind, and extending 
Fig. 74. The California Pampano (Palometa simillimus). 
nearly to the caudal fin. The front of the anal is behind that of the 
dorsal. The pectoral is long. When turned forward it reaches past 
the snout, and in its natural position far beyond the front of the anal, 
or nearly half way from its base to the caudal fin. It is bluish above 
and silvery below. 
This is a highly prized food fish, reaching a length of 10 inches, and 
found from Puget Sound to San Diego. About central California it is 
abundant in summer. Its flesh is rich and delicate. It is not related 
to the famous pampano of Florida, there being nothing between them 
in common more than the shape of the body, but it is one of the butter 
fishes of the East coast. 
DISCRETIONARY POWERS AND GAME CONSERVATION. 
By HAROLD C. BRYANT. 
California for many years has administered fish and game affairs in 
an unscientific way. The power to make or change fish and game laws 
is vested only in the state legislature. The laws are enacted for at least 
two years and no change can be made in them during that time, irre- 
spective of the fact that new conditions may arise and serious injuries 
result. Frequently it is impossible to secure the attention of lawmakers 
to matters that are of the greatest importance and it is impossible to 
put legislation into effect that is really necessary. In general, however, 
it may be said that our laws are as satisfactory as they can be under the 
present system. 
WHY DISCRETIONARY POWERS ARE NEEDED. 
A few years ago during the eruption of Mount Lassen, a mud flow 
destroyed all of the fish in Hat Creek. This creek was one of the best 
