556 



AMERICAN FORESTRY 



ing the ascent of the foot hills of the San Jacinto Range 

 through vast areas of desert flora. Leaving the car and 

 climbing on foot a ridge is reached and spread below is 

 a canyon filled with palms centuries old. It is a gripping 

 scene, and the surprise of the beholder is complete and 

 overwhelming. It requires but a moment to descend to 

 the water's edge. 



Again the situation is superb ! Mt. San Jacinto towers 

 directly above and the views up the canyon are closed by 

 tremendous buttresses of tinted rock. Looking down Palm 

 Canyon the desert is disclosed and beyond are other 



biggest and oldest trees have been burned numerous 

 times by the Indians of the Agua Caliente Reservation, 

 to whom the lands belong, in connection with certain 

 ceremonies performed with the burning of the palm 

 "skirts" while still on the living tree. Fortunately, the 

 ceremonial fires do not apparently seriously injure them. 

 But many of the trees are being cut down and carried 

 away for various purposes and there is a great necessity 

 for taking steps to save the unique growth. 



A bill has been introduced into Congress to preserve 

 the area as a national monument. As the lands belong- 



A BEAUTIFUL PALM FOUND IN AFRICA 



Wide World Fliotograptl 



A remarkable palm tree, which grows into the shape of a palm fan in Forcadas, Nigeria, West Africa. It is known as the trav- 

 eler's palm, on account of the fact that one branch broken ofl would provide a good drink for a thirsty traveler. A remarkable 

 feature of the tree is that the branches grow separately from East to West. 



I 



ranges of mountains. In form, in color and in proportion 

 it is a scene hard to surpass. 



The palm trees are tall and graceful, but most of them 

 present an unkempt appearance with their "skirts" hang- 

 ing dry and lifeless about their trunks. Many of the 



ed to the Indians it was necessary to secure their con- 

 sent. The bill has been passed by the House and the 

 Senate and now only awaits the signature of the Pres- 

 ident to become a law "a consummation devoutly to 

 be wished." 



