THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 37 



the use and enjoyment of all the people. Unfortunately for 

 the safety of such tracts, they contain various streams and 

 waterfalls which might be developed as sources of power and 

 these have long been regarded with covetous eyes by certain 

 private interests who would destroy the fines't view on earth if 

 it could be turned into dollars. It has been seriously suggested 

 that the falls of Niagara would be much better employed in 

 turning mill-wheels than running to waste for the delectation 

 of visitors. In the past, all attempts of private individuals to 

 turn our National Parks into profit for themselves have been 

 defeated, but new schemes are constantly being brought for- 

 ward and disguised as projects for benefitting the people of 

 the region, may ultimately succeed if we are not eternally vigi- 

 lant. It is likely that there is considerable water-power on the 

 public lands, but this nation is certainly large enough and rich 

 enough to spare an occasional waterfall simply for the pleasure 

 its beauty gives. If a single company is allowed to begin water 

 power development in our parks, others will follow and the 

 damage will soon be irreparable. Those who believe that life 

 is something more than mere existence should make it plain to 

 those who represent them at Washington that our National 

 Parks should not be exploited by private interests. 



BOOKS AND WRITERS 



Le Naturalist Canadien of Quebec, the only natural his- 

 tory publication outside of France which is printed in the 

 French language, has recently received from the Province of 

 Quebec, a subvention of $400 a year for the carrying on of 

 its work. This is well merited recognition of Le Naturalist 

 Canadien and the important part it plays in the education of 



