44 GAME BIBDS OF CALIFORNIA 



an event the full consequence of which must be carefully weighed. 

 The chances of failure in acclimatizing the immigrant, of introducing 

 an undesirable bird, of wholly supplanting some native species, and 

 of introducing some contagious disease fatal to native species, all 

 emphasize the great need of directing effort and money toward the 

 conservation of native game birds rather than toward the introduction 

 of foreign ones. Conserve our native species ! There are none whose 

 qualities are superior; they are part of the natural heritage of our 

 land, and have been serviceable to us in the past ; we are responsible 

 for their preservation. 



