Reports. 



47 



the sylvan beauty of the park the following seems worthy of 

 mention : — 



The growth of the sub-alpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) and alpine 

 hemlock (Tsuga Mertensiana) around Mt. Rainier, which forms 

 the extreme limit of tree-growth, is dying rapidly. Besides being 

 objects of beauty these trees have a second very practical value 

 as a means of conserving the water supply by retarding the 

 melting snow in the spring and summer months. 



So far as a cursory observation would permit, it is evident 

 that the cause of the death of these trees is not fire, but is either 

 a fungus or an insect disease, or both. It is therefore recom- 

 mended that the United States Department of Agriculture send 

 an expert to the park to determine definitely the cause of the 

 death of this valuable timber, and take measures to prevent 

 future damage, if possible. 



Roads and Trails. 



Too much emphasis cannot be placed on the importance of 

 the means of access to the various regions of this great park 

 with their varied features of interest, and in particular on the 

 desirability of a carefully considered system of roads and trails 

 connecting these regions with each other. 



It is earnestly advocated that the Government road, so finely 

 planned and located, from the mineral springs of the Nisqually 

 (locally called "Longmire's Springs") to the upper reaches of 

 Paradise Park, be completed at the very earliest possible date. 

 By it visitors could reach the park in their own conveyances 

 without the expense, inconvenience, and annoyance of packing 

 their outfits and supplies, which now deters many from enjoying 

 this magnificent region. 



Paradise Park on the southerly slope of the great mountain is 

 at present the one readily accessible region of this great reserva- 

 tion, and there are only two passable trails by which to reach it. 

 The "old trail" from the unfinished Government road up the 

 north side of the Nisqually River is in good condition, and passes 

 up a beautiful scenic cafion through wooded flats beside the toss- 

 ing river until the terminal face of the Nisqually Glacier is 

 reached. From this point pedestrians can ascend the steep sides 

 of the cafion to the park proper. This trail well serves the 

 public as it is, and will do so until the fine Government road 

 replaces it. In addition to this "old trail" is the one used at 

 present chiefly to reach Paradise Park, which leaves the Govern- 

 ment road near the end of the partly completed four-mJle stretch, 

 and, crossing the Nisqually once and the Paradise River twice, 

 enters the park near Camp of the Clouds. 



