THIRTIETH BIENNIAL REPORT 



!)1 



the original supply has lasted longer than it has in other sections. Cali- 

 fornia, with its millions of inaccessable acres of domain, is the last 

 state of the Union to have to come to artificial propagation. But we 

 are now face to face with the problems that have confronted other 

 states, and in many cases they have been solved in a more or less satis- 

 factory manner. There is no doubt but we will solve our problems 

 to the satisfaction of the millions or more sportsmen. 



VALLEY QUAIL 



The California valley quail seems to be one of the native game birds 

 that is imbued with the determination to hang on. It is still found 

 in many sections of the state in goodly numbers. Nothing need be 

 said concerning its gameness and ability to care for itself. The fact 

 that it is still with us is proof enough. It is our judgment that if 



Fig. 2S. Pheasant pens are renewed by cultivation and planting. Photograph by 



Sidney Snow. 



suitable refuges were created and the overstocked areas trapped and 

 the surplus stock released in these protected sanctuaries where they 

 would have protection and suitable breeding grounds, the species could 

 be perpetuated and possibly brought back in numbers equaling the 

 days the old timers like to tell us about. 



There are countless places in the state wlhere valley quail can be 

 put into an environment perfectly natural to them and in which 

 they will reproduce in a normal way. In this way the quail population 

 can be very considerably increased at a very low cost in money and 

 labor. 



The next problem we have to deal with is the vast areas of cul- 

 tivated lands now occupied with, orchards, vineyards, and dairy proj- 

 ects. To find a bird suitable for this work We must, look beyond 



