92 



FISH AND GAME COMMISSION 



The chief claim, then, for this newer system, is the elimination of 

 the disease hazard and the better control of conditions under which 

 birds are reared. AVith advanced knowledge of sanitation and the 

 value of foods, rearing birds under this system becomes more a matter 

 of detail. The operator has the confidence that he controls the situation. 



Brooders may be built to suit the convenience of the operator. We 

 think the best results are had when small units are used. Pheasants, 



Fig. 33. Contra Costa sportsmen keeping plant pheasants in their locality. 

 Photo by Bear Photo Service, January 6, 1930. 



because of their individualistic traits, may be brooded in larger lots, 

 while quail, belonging to the covey type of birds, seem to do better in 

 families of from fifteen to twenty. In handling any kind of game bird 

 it is well to take into consideration these individual characteristics. 



DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM 



Shortly after the Yountville farm was completed, and it was evident 

 that a few thousand birds would be available for planting, it was 

 decided that some systematic plan should be followed in their distribu- 

 tion. At that time, and the plan is still being used, it was determined 

 that no small plants should be made of but a few pair of birds. It 

 was also agreed that all areas in which birds were to be planted should 

 first be surveyed by a competent person and the ground posted with 

 signs of warning, if approved. Then from fifty to a hundred pairs 

 of birds would be liberated in the area, the number depending on the 

 size of the closed area. These areas were formed by the pooling of 

 several ranches, and included from fifty to one hundred thousand acres. 

 It was further agreed that subsequent plantings should be made until 

 the area was sufficiently stocked. 



GAME BIRD REFUGES 



Our system of National Parks has demonstrated what a closed area 

 means to bird and animal life. Where properly organized refuges are 



