DECEMBER, 1971 50c - Desert Magazine of the Southwest

P.D.Q
A Complete Miniature Lapidary Shop, the
most versatile unit on the market today. For
&42.50 you get the basic unit.
adding the items you need, for the work
you intend to do; you can drill, saw, grind
and polish. Cut all types of cabochons, both
carved and plain. Working star rubies and
sapphires is a natural with this machine. Do
various types of carving in gemstone, wood
or glass. You can etch or inlay glass, stone,
wood or metal. Do faceting or make buttons.
The bead and marble attachment will soon
e available. There are buffing attachments
For the gold or silversmith. The splitting and
wafer ing saw is the answer to the opal
cutter's dream.
The P.D.Q. Gem Drill is ideal for the person
with limited space in the home, camper or
trailer. There is a battery inverter available
that enables you to take your P.D.Q. family
with you on vacation. The P.D.Q. Lapidary
equipment is compact, sturdy and inexpensive.
A booklet of instructions and a guarantee
card comes with each machine.
IDEAL CHRISTMAS GIFTS
AT WAMPUM WIGWAM
Indian Jewelry is an item of beauty today
and a priceless treasure of tomorrow. It is
getting more scarce and higher priced as each
year goes by and as older silversmiths pass
to the "Great Beyond." Wampum Wigwam
offers you authentic Indian-made items from
the reservations and trading posts of our
Southwest. May we send you a selection of
Indian jewelry? This enables you to'see the
merchandise before you buy it. Pay for the
items you keep and return the rest. Prices
range from $2.00 tie tacks and up, depending
on amount of silver and turquoise in the
item. State what items you would like to see—
giving ring sizes or other information. Feel
free to ask for a selection. We will do our
best to help you.
SHIPLEY'S
MINERAL HOUSE
On Hwy. 160 in southwest Colorado, 18 miles
east of Durango or iy2 miles west of Bayfield.
Mailing Address:
SHIPLEY'S MINERAL HOUSE, Gem Village,
Bayfield D, Colorado 81122
Phone: 303-884-2632
Postage charges not included
SEND FOR NEW CATALOG #9
A Peek
in the
T HE
DESERT TORTOISE; which has survived
for thousands of years but today
is in danger of being destroyed by
the white man's civilization, is getting
a helping hand in his struggle for survival.
A novel experiment is being conducted
in California's Mojave Desert where the
reptile's ancestors once roamed during
the dinosaur era and where several hundred
tortoises are believed to live at
present.
Four tortoises have been captured
and outfitted with electronic beepers and
then relocated in an isolated section of the U.S. Navy's nearby China Lake Station.
The operation is being carried out by the California Division of Highways in cooperation
with the Navy, State Department of Fish and Game, University of California
and local Boy Scouts.
It resulted when construction of a freeway was started. Biologists say the
increased tortoise mortality rate is due to them being run over on the freeways which
they continually cross in search of sparse dietary vegetation.
Initial plan was to build a tortoise fence along the freeway but it was discarded
when research proved the reptiles have an uncanny way of either climbing over
or digging under obstacles in their way. So the white man decided to round up all
the tortoises in the area and transport them to a safer environment.
The four tortoises outfitted with electronic gear are the advance party of
the major migration.
Armed with homing
devices Navy personnel
will tune the reptiles in
periodically throughout
the winter to check on
their welfare and ability
to adapt to their
new location. The beepers
affixed to the shells
of the tortoises are sensitive
to light and will
not transmit when their
bearers hibernate, bur-
row in during the day,
or even when they roam
at night. This factor
will extend life of the
micro - battery powered
system until next spring.
John Dow and Peter Goodman whose parents are employees
at China hake Naval Station assist in putting
electronic devices on two tortoises before releasing
them at their 'home away from home."
Meanwhile, the search continues for other tortoises which are being tagged
and transported to the safety of China Lake Naval Sation. So, thanks to the white
man, we may continue to quote that "the voice of the turtle shall be heard throughout
the land."
One word of caution. Because they are an endangered species, it is unlawful
to remove a tortoise from his habitat. If you find one on the highway, take a stroll
through the desert and put him back in a safe place—away from the highway—but
don't take him home.
And, to see how tortoises settle their differences refer to Hans Baerwald's
Desert Life photo feature on page 33.
The staff of Desert Magazine wishes each and every one of you a Most
Merry Yuletide Season and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!