noted. It lies about forty miles southwest of Bakersfield and covers an 

 area of more than twenty-five thousand acres ; is surrounded by oak, 

 woodland and other trees and shrubs, and in places, by marsh and low- 

 lying lands. This lake teems with every variety of water fowl. Wild 

 geese whiten the land and water and darken the sky. Of the genus anser 

 none are wanting "honkers," brant, and the white and the grey, all, 

 in intermingled confusion, ready to fall at either skilled or unskilled shot 

 swans, pelicans, cranes, canvasbacks, mallards, teal, widgeon, pintail, 

 snipe, plover, and rail, not one of them but will respond to call of roll. 



WIDGEON. 



Mareca Americana. 



The market hunter is in evidence, and also his murderous gun of 

 unlawful bore ; but Nature, with the Arctic circle for breeding-ground, is 

 and will continue to be more than equal to his greed. He slaughters 

 thousands, but unslaughtered millions wag their heads at him. In con- 

 venient shelter on the banks remains the last certainly known herd of elk 

 in California. The same shelter also gives safe retreat to a band of 

 antelope. Both of these are strictly protected by law, with a fine of $300 

 for killing. Sportsmen will enjoy the sight of these noble and beautiful 

 animals, and will not only respect the law themselves but enforce 

 it against any who do not. 



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