Popular Studies of California Wild Flowers 127 



ager of the Marin municipal water district has directed the putting up of 

 new signs of warning on the trails about Mt. Tamalpais. These signs are 

 to be placed on the trails on all sides of the mountain. . . . Mill Valley 

 is by no means exempt from the difficulty of depredators as yet. It is 

 reported that a dooryard in Blythedale Canyon. was entered last Sunday, 

 and in the absence of the owner, a lusty red berry bush was chopped down 

 with an ax. . . . It is the opinion generally expressed that the prevalence 

 of pleasure seekers in automobiles, flying about the country, has given rise 

 to the wholesale destruction of the native shrubs in all the Bay Region. The 

 Sheriff of Contra Costa County is putting deputy officers on the roads for 

 the purpose of saving the shrubs in his territory. Other such officers are 

 being placed down San Mateo way. A protest against this wanton destruc- 

 tion and pleas for the protection of California's shrubs is slowly but steadily, 

 filtering through the press. The "Fresno Republican recently published a 

 lengthy article on the subject. Contra Costa County papers are taking it 

 up as well as the San Francisco dailies. . . . The leading genius of the 

 movement for the saving of the shrubs and native flowers as well is con- 

 stantly on the warpath in her quiet though effective way; and the press 

 notices in regard to her cause indicate where she is working. She predicts 

 that it may be necessary to pass new State laws for the protection of the 

 native flora and that the next session of the Legislature is likely to see such 

 a law enacted. Her work is in line with that of the "Save the Redwoods 

 League." 



The following is quoted from the Stockton Record: 



We are all deprecating the ruthless destruction of the Toyon or Cali- 

 fornia holly berry, on our hills ; but Dr. Jordan has said something sensible 

 and constructive in suggesting that people should be encouraged to cultivate 

 it. If any one doubts that it can be done successfully in Stockton, he should 

 drive past Mr. John Willy's place at the corner of North San Joaquin and 

 Acacia Streets and notice one growing in the yard. It is a glorious specimen, 

 the bunches of berries really larger and fuller than those grown in a wild 

 state, and there it glows week after week instead of just for a little while 

 at Christmas time. Planting a "red" berry bush in the yard would make a 

 hit with anyone who saw this noble one in the Willy place. 



Californians will be glad to save not only their "Mighty Red- 

 woods," celebrated as among the greatest wonders of the world, but 

 other well-beloved features of a scenic and economic value and 

 importance to their Commonwealth. 



The instances cited herewith are only a few of the numerous 

 editorial comments and protests against the wholesale vandalism 

 which threatens to seriously mar and destroy much of that wildwood 

 beauty which is the natural heritage, and should be a lasting joy and 

 pride, of Californians. We might very well close this article with 

 the pertinent suggestions of Dr. P. B. Kennedy in his "Annotated 

 List of California Wild Flowers," prepared for our Annual State 

 Exhibit ; of the Toyon berries he remarks : "A well-known and beau- 

 tiful shrub, characteristic of California. Let us be merciful when 

 picking it, and use it, but not abuse it. A well-s elected spray will 

 bring us as much cheer as an automobile load, and yet leave some for 

 future generations." 



