CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME. 



123 



intervals over the country, and con- 

 sistently operating them throughout the 

 year, a mass of valuable data relative to 

 the migration routes, speed of travel, and 

 affinity for the nest site of the previous 

 year, as well as a quantity of life history 

 information about the individual will be 

 acquired. 



To do this with any degree of success, 

 the observer should be advantageously 

 located with regard to bird habitats, as it 

 is obvious that traps can not be regularly 

 visited if located at any considerable 

 distance from the operator's usual station 

 during the day, and it is imperative that 

 they be visited at least two or three 

 times daily to prevent the birds captured 

 from injuring themselves against the 

 wires. The fascination of the work, 

 however, will amply repay anyone for the 

 little time and trouble, and for the ex- 

 pense for traps and baits. 



Experiments are now under way to 

 determine the most suitable types of traps 

 and the best methods of trapping ; and 

 arrangements are being made for a supply 

 of bands. 



In the meantime, however, the Biologi- 

 cal Survey desires to invite continued 

 cooperation and will welcome any 

 inquiries or suggestions for the advance- 

 ment of the work. The Bureau particu- 

 larly desires to get in touch with those 

 advantageously located for the establish- 

 ment of trapping stations. 



NEW ZEALAND ENCOURAGES 

 FISHING INDUSTRY. 



Recently the Industries Committee, of 

 the House of Representatives of New 

 Zealand, traveled throughout the Domin- 

 ion to find out how new and budding 

 industries might be assisted and encour- 

 aged. The fishing industry amongst 

 others was investigated and the follow- 

 ing interesting recommendations were 

 made : 



That the best way to bring about the 

 development of the industry is by organ- 

 ization for catching, distributing and, 

 where necessary, preserving the fish. The 

 only way to provide adequate supplies and 

 prices within the reach of all is by 

 traAvling. 



It recommended that a separate fish- 

 eries department of the government be 

 established with a director and staff. 



That the government own and operate 

 steam trawlers, and establish fish-chilling 

 and ice-making plants near the fishing 

 grounds and engage generally in the 

 business. 



That the aovernmeut advances be made 

 to fishermen on the security of their boats 

 and fishing outfit. 



That the fishermen's boats be insured 

 by the state office at a low rate. 



That a systematic, scientific and prac- 

 tical survey of fishing grounds be under- 

 taken without delay, and that the govern- 

 ment purchase a properly constructed 

 and equipped vessel for this work. 



That government assistance be given 

 to encourage the canning, curing and 

 commercial preparation of fish food, 

 special attention being given to the 

 canning of crayfish. 



That encouragement be given for the 

 maniifacture of fish manure and the pi'o- 

 duction of fish oil (other than whale 

 oil). 



Several recommendations were made 

 for licensing and controlling the business 

 of whaling, among which were (1) that 

 the whaling company should give guar- 

 anty that every portion of a whale's 

 carcass will be used, and (2) that each 

 company be confined to sixty miles of 

 coast and each must take at least a 

 certain number each year. 



KARAKUL SHEEP INDUSTRY. 

 A few years ago considerable pub- 

 licity was given the fact that some 

 karakul sheep, noted for their fur, had 

 been imported from Siberia. Added 

 interest now pertains to this importation 

 because of the fact that some of the 

 original imported stock has been moved 

 to California from Texjis. The Kerman 

 Karakul Sheep Company secured 200 

 animals from Texas in 1918, and the herd 

 is now considerably ;arger. The out- 

 standing importance of this breed lies in 

 the splendid fur whicn is produced. It 

 now appears also that this breed will 

 do well even on scanty alkali vegetation. 

 The karakul sheep will stand on its hind 

 legs and browse high up, and therefore 

 needs less territory as range. The lambs 

 grow rapidly, sometimes attaining a 

 weight of sixty pounds in two months. 

 The mutton has a peculiar gamey flavor, 

 and the large amount of fat (about 



