SWISS NATIONAL PARK——BLAND 499 
the richness of the fauna of these districts, the old forests, and the 
diversity of the flora. They came to the conclusion that an inclosure 
taking in the districts of Scarl and Quatervals, joined by the high 
plateau of Fuorn, would constitute an ideal national park. Doctor 
S. Brunies wrote an article showing the interest of the Cluoza 
Valley from a geological, meteorological, botanical, and zoological 
point of view, describing the isolation of this part of the country 
and its wild grandeur. He pointed out that the commune of Zernez 
viewed the park idea favorably. It was then that the Commission 
for the Protection of Nature definitely chose this territory. After 
some negotiations Val Cluoza was at last obtained as an inclosure 
for 25 years to date from December 1, 1909, the commune for- 
feiting the right of exploiting this valley in any way in return for 
an annual indemnity. Thus the National Park was founded. In 
1910 the Tantermozza Valley was added; in 1911 the lateral valleys 
of Trupchum, Mela and Muschauns, the left side of the Scarl Valley, 
and the valleys of Mingér and Tavru. In each case contracts were 
made with the respective communes by which a certain annual in- 
demnity was to be paid and reserving the right of transfer to the 
Confederation. 
The Commission for the Protection of Nature found itself thus 
faced with heavy financial responsibilities, and therefore an auxiliary 
society was formed toward the end of 1908, the membership of 
which cost 20 francs per annum and was open to all. It took the 
name of the Swiss League for the Protection of Nature and in- 
augurated an extensive educational campaign. The membership 
rose year by year, and the League was able to meet the expenses 
of the park. But, meanwhile, the commune of Zernez offered to 
give up the districts of Praspél, Schera, Fuorn, and Stavelchod 
in return for an annual indemnity. The League not having sufficient 
funds in 1911, put the matter before the Federal Council and 
asked for a yearly subsidy of 30,000 francs. The Federal Council 
sent two of its members to inspect the country reserved. They re- 
turned with a favorable impression, but suggested that if the park 
were only to last for 25 years it would not have much value as 
an institution, and that the League should attempt to get the com- 
munes to extend their contracts for 99 years. In spite of numerous 
efforts all the communes but Zernez refused. In 1912 the Federal 
Council appointed two commissions to study the question. They 
visited the park and made a number of recommendations regarding 
its administration and finances. 
In December, 1913, a contract was signed between the Confedera- 
tion, the Helvetic Society of Natural Sciences, and the League for 
the Protection of Nature, by which the Confederation would pay 
a subsidy of 30,000 francs per annum, the park would be adminis- 
