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                     CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME                    73 
                  DON'T SHOOT HOMING PIGEONS 
    A letter was received by the Division from W. E. Mabey, 1824 
University Avenue, Berkeley, which says that homing racing pigeons 
are being shot and mutilated during training and racing, by hunters. 
    The note said that "during the 1930 young bird series there were

some valuable birds that came home, flying distances ranging up to 500 
miles, with their wings and breasts pierced with shot." Some of these

birds are valued at more than $100, pigeon club officials declare, and 
their worth as messengers in times of war or other emergencies is 
immeasurable. 
    Doves can be easily distinguished from pigeons by their general 
appearance. They have longer tails than pigeons, are smaller in body, 
have sharper features and, in most cases, a more bluish appearance. 
The flight of both birds is swift. 
 
           HUNGARIAN PARTRIDGES IN FRESNO COUNTY                   L-ftQ,

    Hungarian partridges appear to be increasing rapidly in Fresno 
County, according to a letter received by the Division from George W. 
Pierson, rancher. 
     This species of upland game bird was released on the Pierson 
Ranch during the past year by August Bade, Superintendent of State 
Game Farms at both Yountville and Chino. The rancher reported 
that he counted between 50 and 75 birds in one canyon where there was 
a spring and some green feed. 
     Pierson also said that: "At other points on the ranch and down

through the valley I have seen other small numbers of Hungarian 
partridges and I feel satisfied that there has been a nice increase of 
these birds during the season." 
     The Hungarian partridge, known in Europe as the grey partridge, 
is considered by many sportsmen as the best game bird of all, Bade 
said. In the State of Washington a check showed that they multiply 
just twice as fast as pheasants or quail. Their broods, according to 
that check, averaged sixteen, while quail and pheasants could do no 
better than eight. These figures are for matured families and not the 
number hatched, the superintendent said. 
     In discussing the habits of these game birds, Bade said: "The 
average nest of the Hungarian partridge will contain at least twenty 
eggs and the larger percentage of matured birds from that hatching is 
due mostly to better care on the part of the parents. Very few birds 
show so much practical knowledge of how a family should be reared. 
Both parents have an equal share in the family life and this care and 
guidance continues until the family breaks up during the following 
spring for the mating season. At no time in the history of the family 
do they come together in flocks but remain as separate family units. 
     "This practice leads to a wider distribution of the birds over
any 
 given areas, as one family will battle another for the territory they 
 have selected as their own. When this trait is understood it is easy to

 see why, with their prolific production, they will populate a given area

 sooner than any other game bird."