358 



Sierra Club Bulletin 



on the western rim, kindled by the last rays, which in turn brought out 

 Thielsen in sharp relief to the north, with blue sky above. The scene 

 was sublime, one feature only missing — the marvelous blue of the lake. 

 To our great surprise, the lake was frozen, fully three-quarters of its 

 surface being ice-covered. We had been told that the lake never froze, 

 and could not freeze, because of its phenomenal depth, constant tem- 

 perature and surface-ruffling winds. . . . Shasta and Union peaks ap- 

 peared to the south, from different points on the road leading westward 

 along the rim towards the Watchman. The sun frequently burst through 

 the white clouds to reward our patience. . . . 



Sunday found a slight snow falling, giving a cushion for the skis and 

 smoothing out irregularities. Reluctantly bidding our host farewell, we 

 started down to Fort Klamath. Our skis needed no urging and no guid- 

 ing. Down the broad road and around the broad curves on a gently 

 descending grade they kept the deep grooves, so arduously made on the 

 ascent, and nothing could ever be more wonderfully enchanting and 

 exhilarating. R. L. Glisan 



(Quoted from MaBama, December, 191 7.) 



Hon. Franklin K. Lane, 



Secretary of the Interior, Washington, D. C. 



Seattle, Washington, January 18, 1918 



My Dear Sir : As president of The Mountaineers, Incorporated, I am 

 requested by that organization to communicate with you in regard to the 

 proposal to pasture sheep in the Mount Rainier National Park. 



I approach the subject with care for I know the ease with which the 

 thought or the expression of "Obstructionist" may arise when anyone 

 calls in question any suggestion that seems to aim at the increase of 

 food. Our organization is patriotic and not obstructionist in any sense. 

 We are proud of our service flag of twenty-eight stars and more to be 

 added. When the call of digitalis came our members organized crews. 

 They are still gathering large quantities. The women of the club are 

 working with the Red Cross in producing sphagnum moss bandages. 

 We have nearly emptied our treasury in buying Liberty Bonds. 



If we thought the wonderful wild flowers of the Mount Rainier Na- 

 tional Park were necessary to produce more wool and mutton for the 

 use of the nation, we would endure the sacrifice in silence. We do not 

 believe that such is the case, and we respectfully request that you exer- 

 cise firmly your power to safeguard this great park from the destruction 

 that is impending. 



Everyone knows how completely these large bands of sheep destroy 

 the flowers and verdure of the wild places overrun by them. Every 

 year our members, visiting mountains where sheep grazing is permitted, 

 encounter new barren places, made barren and desolate by heavy sheep 

 grazing. Mount Rainier National Park should certainly be saved from 

 that sort of devastation. 



