Reports of Committees 



201 



The attempt will also be made, for those who desire to do so, to study the 

 birds, animals, trees, flowers, and geological features under competent super- 

 vision. Those who are interested in taking this trip, which will be made dur- 

 ing July, 1 92 1, should signify their intention in writing at as early a date as 

 possible in order to help the committee in making the necessary arrangements. 



Outing Committee, Per Wm. E. Colby, Chairman 



Le Conte and Parsons Memorial Lodges 

 The Le Conte Lodge opened to the public on May 15, 1921, and closed on 

 August 20th. Tourist travel to the Yosemite this season was greater than 

 during any previous year, and the number of visitors to the Lodge was corre- 

 spondingly large — nearly five thousand names appeared on the register for the 

 year. 



The library, herbarium, and photographs were in constant use by the visi- 

 tors, and all commended the work and spirit of the Sierra Club. Several new 

 books were added to the library — e. g., "California Wild-Flower Songs" and 

 "The Children's Lark," both presented by the author, Leila France AIcDer- 

 mott; Dr. Bade presented his interesting article, "John Muir in the Yosemite" ; 

 and an album of views of the Half Dome cable stairway was given by Mr. 

 M. H. McAllister. The library always welcomes any donation of books, maps, 

 or photographs, relating to science, travel, natural history, etc., that would be 

 of interest. 



The real necessities for the building constitute the following : Two doors for 

 the side rooms ; new lock and repairs on front door ; repairs on roof, and clos- 

 ing of numerous cracks and openings under eaves; complete stoppage of all 

 cracks and holes in woodwork in interior which admit wood-rats; improved 

 lighting and wiring. The planting of trees and shrubs around the building 

 would greatly improve its general appearance. 



A new fire-hose was purchased by the club, and is quite satisfactory, the 

 normal water-pressure being sufficient to cast a stream over the apex of the 

 roof. The fire menace is therefore lessened considerably. 



The cable stairway up Half Dome, donated to the park by Mr. McAllister, 

 proved very satisfactory, and enabled thousands to reach the summit of the 

 Dome, which heretofore had been a very hazardous undertaking. Early in the 

 season snow avalanches carried away nearly one hundred feet of the iron sup- 

 ports, yet the cable itself remained intact, resting on the surface of the Dome, 

 and many made the ascent while this condition prevailed. Later the Park 

 Service repaired the stairway, and it is now in first-class order. From experi- 

 ence, it is advisable to remove the supports at the opening of the winter season, 

 for snow avalanches are inevitable, and injury to the cable is almost a fore- 

 gone conclusion. A new flag was hoisted on the overhanging rock of the 

 Dome, and it will be necessary to renew it every spring. 



Several hundred pounds of rock salt was sent by Mr. M. Hall McAllister, to 

 be used for deer-licks, 150 pounds being placed in a meadow in the Little 

 Yosemite, and during the coming season I shall try to set out the remainder 

 in various spots around the valley. 



