AN INCORRECT TELEGRAM 



natural history aspect of the Park, a subject which 

 sufficed to keep me fully occupied during my stay. 

 Close to the hotel the Government has a few buffalo 

 in a small enclosed pasture, so that the visitor who does 

 not care to go far afield can gather some idea of the 

 animal which a few decades ago used to roam the 

 plains in hundreds and thousands. Both in Canada 

 and the United States attempts are being made to 

 preserve the handful of buffalo left, and, it is pleasant 

 to relate, with encouraging success. Had a timely 

 curb been put on the activities of certain so-called 

 sportsmen the animal would never have come so near 

 to extinction as it did a few years ago. 



Whilst I was waiting at my hotel for my guide, 

 tent, and other equipment to arrive I made a few 

 strolls into the forest and saw several small herds 

 of deer. 



In accordance with instructions from Washington, 

 I reported myself to the Superintendent of the Park, 

 and found him, like all the officers of the Regular 

 Army, a most courteous and kindly gentleman. 

 The Superintendent explained to me that he had 

 received a telegram from the State Department in 

 Washington. It seemed to puzzle him a little, and amuse 

 him. According to it I was coming to Yellowstone Park 

 to " fake " natural history photographs. I hastened to 

 point out that an " f " had been substituted for a " t." 



Everyone connected with the Park, from the 



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