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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