National Parks. 



65 



Extracts from 1912 Report of the Superintendent of the Mount 

 Rainier National Park. 



During the 1912 season 8,371 visitors entered the park by way of the 

 Government road. 



Sixty-two of "The Mountaineers," including packers and helpers, and 

 using 29 pack animals, entered the park near the eastern boundary July 

 25, 1912, and, after camping at different places, left August 9th over 

 the Carbon River trail, near the northwestern corner. They report that 

 a number of mountain goats were seen and some deer. Several members 

 of this party made the ascent of Mount Rainier on the White Glacier. 



The summit of Mount Rainier was reached by only 162 persons, 

 making the total number to reach the summit to date 1,174- 



During the 1912 season 674 automobile permits were issued and 869 

 machines entered the park. The speed limit in the park is 15 miles 

 per hour, and at abrupt curves this is reduced, signs being placed at 

 points along the road indicating the rate of speed allowed. Automo- 

 biles may use the Government road in the park during certain hours 

 of the day. The rules and regulations governing their use of the road 

 and admission into the park are rigidly enforced, and the disposition of 

 most owners is to adhere to them without question. No accidents of a 

 serious nature have occurred in the park. 



A shelter hut should be constructed of rock at Camp Muir, to be 

 used by persons attempting the ascent of Mount Rainier. 



Edw. S. Hall, 



Superintendent. 



Extracts from 1912 Report of the Superintendent of the Mesa 

 Verde National Park. 



This park is situated in the extreme southwestern portion of Colo- 

 rado, in Montezuma County. 



Mancos River bounds the park on the southeast. The Mesa Verde 

 lies to the west and northwest of the canon formed by the Mancos River. 

 The Mesa is cut into deep canons of various dimensions, with many short 

 spurs, forming promontories, capped with a rim rock of colored sand- 

 stone and evergreen forest of dense pinon and cedar. The Navajo, Ruin, 

 Moccasin, and Ute Canons are the principal ones. Ensconced in caves 

 in these stone walls are found the deserted houses of what we know as 

 the cliff dwellers. On top of the promontories are found the ancient 

 pueblos, some of which cover many acres. Within the limits of the 

 park there are some 400 ruins. The highest elevation of the park is 

 8,574 feet. These figures are taken from the topographic survey made 

 last year. 



During the past year 230 have registered at the camp at Spruce Tree 

 House ; no heavy traffic can be expected until roads are completed. 



• S. E. Shoemaker, 



Superintendent. 



