State Reports 311 



California. — The essential parts of the Model Law are now in force in 

 this commonwealth, having been adopted by the Legislature during the ses- 

 sion of 1905. This important change in the law was effected by the active 

 work of the Audubon Society, with the hearty cooperation of the Fish and 

 Game Commission and several of the most prominent ornithologists and 

 bird-lovers of the state. Secretary Way, of the California Audubon Society, 

 sends the following interesting report of progress : 



"During the past six months, much of the energy of the Audubon So- 

 cieties of California has been devoted to spreading throughout the state in- 

 formation regarding the non-game bird law and game law amendments 

 passed by the last Legislature. About 5,000 law leaflets have been sent to 

 school superintendents, teachers, game wardens, farmers' clubs, and indi- 

 viduals interested in bird protection; a second edition will be distributed dur- 

 ing the coming school term. Boards of education, superintendents and 

 teachers are cheerfully cooperating with the societies in bringing the new 

 bird law to the attention of pupils. 



"The societies have also distributed about 3,000 other leaflets, and, 

 through their educational influence, and by newspaper articles, obtained in 

 five of the seven southern counties ordinances protecting the Mourning Dove 

 until the end of its nesting period. Two counties practically gave no open 

 season for shooting Doves. This action resulted in an attack on the ordi- 

 nances on constitutional grounds in the District Court of Appeals at Los 

 Angeles. The Court went no further than to decide that a one-day open 

 season for game is not within the intent of the Law, but the decision caused 

 much confusion regarding all county game ordinances and thus resulted in a 

 great deal of illegal shooting. The matter is now before the State Supreme 

 Court, and the right of county supervisors to shorten open seasons will thus 

 be finally settled. 



"Two local societies have been recently organized and substantial gains 

 have been made in several other localities. There are now seven Audubon 

 organizations in the state, having a total senior membership of nearly 800. 

 The junior sections number over 500 members. Other organizations, co- 

 operating or affiliating with us, and having special Audubon committees, are 

 doing splendid work. A state organization and federation of the local so- 

 cieties is planned for before the next anniversary of our Audubon movement. 



" The Pasadena Society has given three illustrated bird lectures and held four 

 public meetings since the last report. The secretary has delivered a number 

 of addresses before farmers' clubs and other organizations, and Mrs. Myers, 

 president of the Garvanza local society, has addressed a large number of 

 club meetings and educational institutes. 



"About 1,000 warning notices have been sent out, and 'No shooting' 

 signs have been furnished free of cost to all landholders who would agree to 

 post them. By this means, birds and game are having almost absolute pro- 



