The U S. Department of the Interior, created in 1849, 
is concerned with management, conservation, and develop¬ 
ment of the Nation’s water, wildlife, fish, mineral, forest, and 
par!< and recreational resources it has major responsibilities 
also for Indian and Territorial affairs. 
As America's principal conservation agency, the Depart¬ 
ment works to assure that nonrenewable resources are developed 
and used wisely, that park and recreational resources are 
conserved foi the future, and that renewable resources make 
their full contribution to the progress, prosperity, and security 
of the United States, now and in the future, 
On the cover—A herd of Brindled Gnu or Blue Wildebeest, 
Connochaetes taurinus . (From a kodachrome slide by 
Samuel Jorgensen.; 
Back cover—Cape Buffalo, Syncerus caffer . 
Bob Hines.) 
(Drawing by 
