74 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME. 



little mite of selfishness, which, alas, exists in ns all. They are nnaltev- 

 ably opposed to any measure that curtails their self-g:ranted privilcfjes. 

 and the restrictions placed upon them by the enactment of game laws, 

 they view in the light of an infringement upon their inalienable rights. 



However, if it is impossible to educate them, a serious check may be 

 placed upon their future activities. The rigid and impartial enforce- 

 ment of the game laws by the resident deputy, and the ever-increasing 

 sentiment in favor of game protection serves this purpose admirably, 

 and while it may not result in their complete reformation, it compels 

 them to proceed with more than ordinary caution. 



But it is logical to assume that the offspring of this line, will, if no 

 attempt is made to curb them, follow the footsteps of their fathers. The 

 sjTnpathy and understanding of the child is fundamental to the attain- 

 ment of the conservation measures of the future. In some of our 

 isolated school districts no attempt is made of adequately teaching 

 nature study. In conducting the campaign of education along con- 

 servation lines it behooves us not to ignore the little mountain school 

 ma'am. She is, potentially, a most important factor in the dissemina- 

 tion of knowledge along the desired lines. It is not only necessary to 

 acquaint her with the names and habits of the different forms of wild 

 life, but she must be made to understand the full significance of the word 

 "conservation" as applied to them. It would be an excellent step in 

 the right direction if the Forest Service, acting in cooperation with the 

 Fish and Game Commission, could have the district ranger or other 

 persons familiar with the subject visit these schools at least once each 

 month and arrange field trips so that children might be more acquainted 

 with the out-of-doors. I am convinced that the results attained would 

 prove very encouraging. 



CONSERVATION OF FORESTS INCREASES GAME. 



By GEORGE W. COURTRIGHT, Deputy Fish and Game Commissioner. 



Personal observation in Modoc and Lassen counties dating back to 

 1890, at which time forest fires were permitted to spread and destroy 

 the reproduction of the forests, has convinced us that the present 

 method of forest conservation is the correct one and that game increases 

 with forestation. 



We have personal knowledge of a forest fire which swept over almost 

 the entire area of 14 townships in the fall of 1892. This was not at all 

 exciting to the settlers for the reason that forest fires could be sighted 

 at all times in the mountains. Fires were often willfully set. Hunters 

 finding a secreting place for deer, such as an area of brush where they 

 were hard to find, would simply set a fire and burn this hiding place. 



In the 90 's all reproduction through the forests of Modoc and sur- 

 rounding counties was very small and cattle and horses could be sighted 

 at a distance of a mile in some parts of the forest ; in fact, it was a very 

 uncommon thing to find young trees in the forests at all. Deer were 

 scarce in the forested areas where they had no hiding places except in 

 the shade of a large pine tree. 



