expression of highest piscine beauty, Golden Trout, salmo myktss aqua 

 homta, to the royal family. 



The valley is traversed by Kern River and by numerous other less, 

 important natural streams of living water, and by an endless network of- 

 artificial conduits, canals and laterals. In addition to these are severa 

 large lakes and reservoirs ; one of them, called Buena Vista, is an im 

 mense natural basin that has been artificially assisted to a water capac- 

 ity of higher level. The foothills are sparsely wooded with oaks (white 



CALIFORNIA LION. 



Fehs Californica. 



and live), pines, laurel, buckeye and madrona, with underbrush not usu- 

 ally so dense as to impede travel. The higher mountains are clad in heavy 

 forests of coniferous giants ; the valleys by indigenous white and live 

 oaks in open park-like distribution, and the streams bordered by pop- 

 lars and willows. Much of the valley covered by artemisia offering 

 shelter to small game. Everywhere, in foothills and valley, quail are 

 abundant, and this is also true of doves and larks. Very small gunning 

 craft is needed to well filled bags. 



For water fowl the favorite resort is Buena Vista Reservoir, before 



[ 22] 



