24 FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 



draining of Lake Earl in Del Norte County was prevented. In many 

 instances, lowered water tables nullify the expected valuable results 

 of drainage. Marsh lands have real values and these values should 

 be recognized before it is too late. 



The divei"sion of water from rivers where trout have existed for 

 ages into ditches for power and irrigation purposes have in many 

 cases rendered streams almost barren of fish life. Also the draining 

 of a number of lakes and storage reservoirs by the power and irrigation 

 companies have caused the death of many thousands of trout and bass 

 which it will take the Commission many years to restore. The extreme 

 drouth has been the cause of the drying up of many streams and the 

 consequent death of many fish. 



The generosity of the Division of Water Rights in allocating the 

 water of the streams and lakes without the least consideration of the 

 needs of fish life and the overgrazing privileges given in the forests 

 without due consideration of the needs of the wild life of the state are 

 situations difficult to handle. Until such time as due consideration is 

 given to the needs of wild life and less, perhaps, to the almighty 

 dollar, California's wild life will continue to suffer. Legislation should 

 be enacted that would conserve both feed for the deer and other wild 

 mammals of the forest, and sufficient water in the streams and lakes 

 to sustain fish life. Of what use are wardens to protect game that is 

 starving or hatcheries to propagate fish which ultimately meet death 

 because of a lack of water suificient for their existence? 



ACKNOWLEDGMENT. 



During the war, the free transportation which had been furnished 

 the Fishcultural Department for the distribution of fish was rescinded, 

 causing a large additional item of expense. The railroads of the state 

 have again generously granted the Hatchery Department transporta- 

 tion for employees and fish. The money thus saved the Commission in 

 planting fish has been made available for the expense incident to a 

 larger output in the state hatcheries. Grateful acknowledgment of 

 the splendid assistance thus afforded by the various railroads of the 

 state is hereby made. 



