a good road system leading to the park's entrance, and developed within its borders, travel will grow rapidly. MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT, CALIFORNIA. This monument was established in 1908, after it had been donated to the Federal Government by William Kent, of California, and each succeeding year it has been visited by many thousands of people. STEEP RAVINE GIFT TO NATION. Mr. Kent is now arranging to convey to the Government another tract of beautiful forest land for the purpose of enlarging this monument. This tract will include Steep Ravine, a particularly beautiful wooded gorge not far distant from the Pacific Ocean. AUTOMOBILES MAY BE EXCLUDED. A question has arisen as to whether or not automobiles ought not to be excluded from Muir Woods. I am inclined to take the view that automobiles ought to be parked south of the monument and that the present road in the woods ought to be maintained hereafter as a foot and bridle path. In the event that it is decided to exclude automobiles, it will be necessary to construct an adequate parking space immediately below the reservation. The owner of these lands has tendered to us the privilege of utilizing them as a parking area. With machines excluded the monument will offer far more advantages as a camping and picnic ground, and visitors will undoubtedly gain more pleasure from their contemplation of the beauty and majesty of the immense Sequoia trees, as the short walk from the proposed parking area will not be a hardship to the motorist. A WATER SYSTEM INSTALLED. During the year 5,040 feet of water pipe were installed in the Muir Woods, together with 10 hydrants, thus making good water conveniently available for drinking purposes. A small dam was installed in a remote ravine beyond the boundaries of the monument, thus providing a reservoir protected from any ordinary means of pollution. The right to use this water was conveyed to the Government by Mr. Kent. Better toilet facilities will also be provided this season. Many other improvements, however, are required, including the rebuilding of most of the trails of the monument and the construction of new trails, both for the use of visitors and to serve as fire-patrol routes. A cottage for the custodian must also be built in the early future. CASA GRANDE NATIONAL MONUMENT, ARIZONA. Under direction of Custodian Frank Pinkley a very considerable amount of important yet inexpensive improvement work was accomplished in the Casa Grande National Monument during the past year. The work was largely confined to clearing débris from the reservation, and particularly the recent growth of brush that has sprung up dur. Restoration of this prehistoric cliff dwelling is now going rapidly ahead. MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK. |