28 FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 



been carried on with the Bureau of Pollution. Minor cases of pollution 

 are attended to by the captains or deputies themselves, but in serious 

 cases of pollution by manufacturing plants, the head of the Bureau of 

 Pollution is advised and outlines his own policy. 



In many sections of the state, due to the lack of rain, there has been 

 serious loss of trout on account of streams going dry. Whenever it has 

 been possible the patrol force has rescued such stranded fish and 

 planted them in living waters. This is a very important part of the 

 work of the patrol department and will be carried on more energeti- 

 cally in seasons to come. 



The Fish and Game Commission is an educational commission as 

 Avell as a law enforcement body. We believe that more good will result 

 through educating the sportsmen of the state and showing them that 

 it is to their interest to respect the various conservation laws, than 

 through the courts of the state. We are seriously opposed to technical 

 cases. A technical case will do much more harm than good and in prac- 

 tically all instances makes an enemy of conservation rather than a 

 friend. Serious violations must be prosecuted vigorously and it is only 

 through the active support of the various justices of the peace of the 

 state that this work can be carried on successfully. The game laws are 

 more flexible in the penalties provided than almost any class of misde- 

 meanors. The minimum fine for game cases is $25 and. the maximum, 

 $500. It rests w T ith the court as to whether the maximum or mimimum 

 fine is imposed. Flagrant and repeated violators should receive the 

 maximum rather than the minimum fine. 



At this time the patrol department wishes to thank the justices of the 

 peace throughout the state for the most excellent cooperation that 

 they have given. We need the help of every justice of the peace in 

 our work. 



California sportsmen have been more kindly considered by nature 

 than have the outdoor men of any other part of the United States. 

 While there are many thousands of square miles of fertile valleys 

 where every branch of agriculture may be carried on, there are many 

 more thousands of square miles of wild country that is not agriculture 

 land, and which will be held in practically its primeval condition for 

 years to come. Under wise conservation laws, strictly enforced, wild 

 life will continue indefinitely. 



Under sane management there is no need for any controversy 

 between the agriculture and the sporting interests. Fields can be 

 cultivated along side of wild land teeming with game; streams can be 

 utilized for irrigation and power without detriment to the fishing 

 interests, provided each problem is met with an open mind and a 

 sincere desire to solve it in a manner that will work for the best 

 interests of all the people. 



The past two years have marked a distinct advance in conservation 

 in our state. In general it can be said without fear of dispute that 

 conditions are better than they Were at the beginning of this biennial 

 period. The most striking increase in game has been with valley and 

 mountain quail. This is true in practically every part of the state. 

 It is due, without doubt, to the change that was made in the law at the 

 last session of the legislature when the season was limited to the month 

 of December. The season comes at a time when it is difficult for many 

 hunters to get into the field, when the birds are fully developed, after 



