REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 29 



of value have been instituted. Of particular interest is the experiment 

 now under way, devised to test the present theory regarding steelhead 

 trout. A number of these trout have been placed in barren waters in 

 the high Sierras where they will be landlocked. It is hoped that the 

 experiment will demonstrate whether this sea-run form will revert 

 ((uickly to the landlocked form (see pages 147-153). 



The attempt ha.s been made to stop, as far as possible, the pollution 

 of waters by refuse from wineries, sugar factories, gas plants, and oil 

 refineries. Many investigations have been carried on to determine the 

 amount of pollution, and many manufacturing companies have been 

 forced to install filters and other devices for preventing pollution. 

 Marked improvement is to be noted in the type of equipment used. 

 The old straw filter used for obtaining lampblack has been succeeded 

 by three types of mechanical filters — the Oliver, the Kelly and the 

 Butters, the latter of which appears to be the most successful. We are 

 glad to acknowledge the cooperation of all of the larger companies. 

 They have willingly expended thousands of dollars in the attempt to 

 prevent waste destructive to fish from entering the waters of this state. 

 For a more detailed report, see pages 127-134. 



There has been a steady reduction in the number of lion bounties 

 paid and it is evident that mountain lions have become greatly reduced 

 in number. As a consequence thousands of deer are saved each year. 

 Bounties were paid on 162 lion scalps in 1915 and on 111 between 

 January 1 and June 30, 1916, as against 482 in 1908, 361 in 1909 and 

 333 in 1910. Without taking into consideration cattle and sheep, the 

 saving in deer alone has more than justified the total expenditure of 

 $49,160 during the last nine and one-half years, during which time the 

 bounty has been in force. We are glad to report that there has been 

 little or no fraud connected with the payment of lion bounties. A claim 

 for each lion must be made upon a blank form and this must be signed 

 by the claimant and three witnesses and acknowledged before a notary 

 or justice of the peace. In addition, the claim must be accompanied by 

 an account of the pursuit and killing of the lion, giving details as to 

 the method used, the number of deer carcasses left by the animal, and 

 such other facts as may be of assistance in determining the damage done 

 to deer and other game. Two litters of young animals sent in were 

 found to be on examination the young of coyotes. There was no 

 evidence, however, that the men making application for bounties on 

 these animals were not sincere in their belief that they were young 

 mountain lions. It may be that the lion bounty should be increased in 

 order to still further reduce the species. 



The above are a few of the many activities of the commission directed 

 toward the better protection of fish and game. 



