American Big-Game Hunting 



The organic law establishing the Park, 

 after defining its boundaries, states that the 

 reservation is "dedicated and set apart as a 

 public park or pleasure-ground for the bene- 

 fit and enjoyment of the people." Exclusive 

 control of the Park was given to the Secre- 

 tary of the Interior, with power to make the 

 necessary rules and regulations for its proper 

 care and maintenance. He was authorized to 

 " provide against the wanton destruction of 

 the fish and game found within said Park, and 

 against their capture or destruction for the pur- 

 pose of merchandise or profit." The act was 

 approved by the President March i, 1872. 



It will thus be seen that from the very in- 

 ception of the project for a grand National 

 Park, the preservation of the game was con- 

 templated, although it is evident that abso- 

 lute prohibition of shooting was not then 

 intended. Probably this was not deemed 

 necessary in such a remote and unfrequented 

 region, to say nothing of its working a hard- 

 ship upon those who were ready to penetrate 

 its forests and search for fresh wonders. 



At that time the country included within 

 the Park was practically an inaccessible 

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