THE NATIONAL PARK OF SWITZERLAND* 
By G. EpitH BLAND 
[With 5 plates] 
Many people who have completed one of the usual tours of Swit- 
zerland depart with the impression of a small country which seems 
to be but one large national park containing some of the most 
wonderful beauties of nature. However, away toward the eastern 
frontier, rather off the beaten track of the tourist, lies a small in- 
closed region which is Switzerland’s real or official national park. 
OBJECT AND LEGAL PROVISIONS 
The object in establishing the Swiss National Park was to set 
aside a district where nature could develop freely, untrammelled 
by man. It was not intended that the park should become a center 
for excursions, and for this reason few conveniences for the tourist 
are to be found within its confines. It is essentially a scientific 
institution where nature in her wild state may be preserved and 
studied. 
It is proposed to increase the already rich flora and fauna of 
this region in every possible way and to make it a national treasure 
ground of nature. Much has already been done in this respect, and 
in order to protect the treasures collected strict regulations are 
enforced. No shooting, trapping, or fishing is allowed, no flowers 
or plants may be picked, no specimens of any kind may be taken 
away, all visitors must keep to the official paths and roads, and all 
are requested to remember that the Swiss National Park is the 
national sanctuary where every flower, plant, and animal enjoys 
absolute safety. 
AREA AND SITUATION 
The national park at present covers an area of about 140 square 
kilometers (approximately 57.8 square miles). It is situated in the 
canton of Graubiinden, in the lower valley of the Engadine, on the 
1The information in this article was obtained from the following sources: Annual 
Reports of the Swiss Federal Commission of the National Park, 1924 and 1925; ‘“‘ Der 
Schweizerische Nationalpark,” by Dr. S. Brunies; ‘‘ Kleiner Fiihrer durch den Schweiz. 
Nationalpark,’’ by Dr. S. Brunies; ‘ Graubiinden,” by Verkehrsyerein; and from personal 
investigation.—AUTHOk. 
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