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IOWA ACADEMY OF SCIENCE Vol. XXV, 1918 



striking contrast with the smooth slopes above Boone, but are 

 equally gratifying- to the esthetic sense, and the spot has long- 

 enjoyed the favor of campers and pleasure seekers from mile^ 

 about. 



Between Boone and Des Moines the entire stretch of valley 

 is a natural park and it is difficult to choose a locality for pre- 

 ferment. The long narrow ridge which separates Des Moines 

 and Beaver valleys is already in part a national reservation and 

 it w^ould be well to have even more of the river bluflP and ad- 

 jacent bottom lands included, from the point of view of park 

 making, at least. The wide valley of the Beaver, together witli 



I'io. lii.- Loukiiig we.st aci'uss Bea\er valley :it Camp LiudoC 



the broad river flats opposite its mouth, is of geologic interest 

 from the fact that it represents the original valley of the Des 

 Moines. Another point which is of interest as a geologic phe- 

 nomenon as well as for its scenic attractiveness is Red Rock 

 bluff, near the village of Red Rock, about thirty miles below 

 Des IMoines. The wall of red sandstone which gives its name 

 to the locality rises high above the river and overlooks the broad 

 and fertile valley which separates it from the frowning bluff 

 beyond. 



A spot which has always held a fascination for the writer is 

 the south bluff of Des Moines valley directly opposite the State 

 House. A smooth, rounded slope with a few trees and a pic- 



