THE OREGON SPORTSMAN 5 
well as judges on the bench. Dismissal of cases, sus- 
pension of fines, and other miscarriages, especially 
suspension of fines after the officers have spent much 
time and the State has gone to great expense in secur- 
ing evidence, have rendered the most earnest efforts 
abortive in many instances. 
In a number of counties in Oregon, within the 
past year, cases were presented wherein pleas of 
guilty were entered, fines suspended, and the enforce- 
ment of the laws practically annulled. We believe the 
courts of Oregon should show a greater interest in 
the enforcement of the laws enacted for the protec- 
tion and conservation of the wild life of the State. 
When this time arrives, the work of officers charged 
with the administration of the game and fish laws 
will become much more effective, and the wild life 
resources of Oregon will be greatly advanced. 
God has lent us the earth for our life. It is a great 
entail. It belongs as much to those who are to come 
after us, and whose names are already written in the 
book of creation, as to us, and we have no right, by 
anything we do or neglect, to involve them in any 
unnecessary penalties, or to deprive them of the ben: 
efit which was in our power to bequeath.—Ruskin. 
We are told in Deuteronomy not to molest a bird 
on the nest. Doubtless this was the first game law. 
In the ancient times, as now, it was realized that 
wild life must be protected during the breeding 
season. 
Are you helping out the game-protection idea by 
talking it to your neighbor and your friends? 
