88 



riSH AND GAME COMMISSION 



of these birds were secured and placed with healthy birds, the healthy 

 birds quickly took the disease. The causative agent of this dangerous 

 disease has not been discovered. 



On the predatory animal is placed much of the blame for depletion 

 of game. "Whether this is entirely justified is not known. It seemed 

 best, therefore, to try to find out more as to interrelations between the 

 predator and the animal preyed upon. Mr. E. L. Sumner, Jr., of the 

 University of California, was employed beginning January, 1930, to 

 assemble data on the interrelations existing and the value or nonvalue 



Fig. 31. 



Caiiillaria contortuni removed from the crop lining of California valley 

 quail. Slightly enlarged. 



of such animals as the bobcat, coyote, weasel and other predators. Plans 

 were immediately laid to carry on control experiments on similar plots 

 of ground, on one of which predators are to be killed and on the other 

 to have full sway. Censuses should indicate which is the best method 

 to pursue. A book soon to be issued by the University of California 

 treats of the fur-bearing animals of the state, and Avill furnish valuable 

 data as to their food. 



Another problem which has grown more and more serious with the 

 years has to do with damage by deer. Deer appear to be increasing in 



