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Sierra Club Bulletin. 



over the boundary unseen, as happened many times during this 

 last summer when our Club was in the meadows. We had 

 thought that if the boundary were extended farther east in the 

 places suggested in our report, that it would bring this finest 

 region of the park nearer its heart, where it would be afforded 

 better protection. Sheep-herders and trespassers would have to 

 travel some distance in order to reach these beautiful spots, 

 and their presence detected before they could reach them, even 

 if they would dare to enter wathin the boundaries so far and 

 place their flocks in such open jeopardy. 



You will also note that we have included much fine scenery 

 in our proposed additions to the park, which is of such an 

 attractive nature that it can well be included in the wonders and 

 scenic features already within the park boundaries. 



Regarding the mining phase of the eastern boundary ques- 

 tion, I wish there were some way of adjusting it. While there 

 are many claims, yet they can only cover a small area of the 

 territory, — and would it not be possible to allow their owners 

 to retain and work them, under restrictions, of course? Would 

 it not be better to suffer some small detraction of this nature 

 than to cut off the area contemplated and the magnificent scenery 

 it embraces, and thus lose it to the park entirely? Having had 

 a large experience with mines and mining, — for I have made 

 the branch of the law relating to mines a specialty, which I have 

 followed for some years, — I feel that very few of these claims will 

 ever be exploited to any extent. It seems too bad that all this 

 fine territory should be excluded simply to get rid of this 

 mining question. 



I have written the above merely by way of explanation of 

 our present attitude relative to the eastern boundary. We all 

 felt so strongly on the subject that I deemed it of sufficient im- 

 portance to elucidate and give our reasons more in detail. 



We shall gladly render any aid within our power or give 

 you such information as we possess in relation to any matters 

 affecting the park, if you will but kindly call them to our 

 attention. Very truly yours, 



(Signed) Wm. E. Colby, 



Secretary of Sierra Club. 



San Francisco, Cal., September 7, 1904. 

 Major H. M. Chittenden, Palace Hotel, City. 



Dear Sir — Upon a further consideration of the proposed 

 change in the eastern boundary of the Yosemite National Park, 

 I feel at liberty to advise you that our Club would not be 

 opposed to a change of the boundary of the National Park which 



