195 



LOCATION. 



The University of Montana Biological Station was opened in 1899. 

 For the past seven summers the station has been occupied from June until 

 September or October. During this time some fifteen states have been 

 represented. The Station has become well known to many American 

 naturalists, and all are enthusiastic in their praise of opportunities af- 

 forded in the vicinity of Montana's large inland lake. 



For scenery the vicinity cannot be surpassed. Few places offer more 

 varied points of interest. The roaring rapids of Swan river are at the 

 door of the building. Flathead lake, covering more than 300 square miles 

 of territory, with its beautiful islands and precipitous shores, has great 

 attractions. The Mission range, beginning on the burnt hills by tht' 



Fig. 120. A bit of Flathead lake, near the Laboratory. Photo by M. .J. E. 



laboratory, and rising higher and higher as they extend southward, cul- 

 minate in snow capped peaks 10,000 feet in height. A few miles to the 

 east is the Swan range, its high summits constantly in view. These 

 two mountain ranges afford some of the most beautiful panoramas to be 

 seen in the Rocky Mountains, and rival the Alps in magnificent scenery. 

 Farther to the east, reached in a short time by pack train, the main 

 chain of the Rocky Mountains breaks the horizon with lofty peaks and 

 precipitous summits. Untrod summits invite the courageous naturalist 

 who seeks the unknown animal and vegetable life. West of Flathead 

 lake are the almost unexplored Cabinets. Within a few miles are many 

 lakes — Swan, Echo, Rest, and others — while many ponds and swamps are 

 in the immediate vicinity. The waters of Swan and Flathead rivers 

 supply Flathead lake, the former at the laboratory door, the latter but 

 two miles distant. East and south of the laboratory the forests extend 



