1961

YOSEMITE FINAL ISSUE

1922 1961

NUMBER 6

1961

LIBRARIANS!

See Page 145

YOSEMITE

Volume 40, Number 6 Published by the Yosemite Natural History Association, Inc., in cooperation with the Naturalist division, Yosemite National Park. Subscriptions are to be discontinued with Vol. 40, No. 6. The contents of this publication are not official in nature and do not necessarily reflect policy of the National Park Service. Address: Editor, Yosemite, Box 545, Yosemite National Park, California.

The Final Issue It is with a deep feeling of sadness that we announce the demise of Yosemite — a victim of rising costs, diminishing manpower, and the changing times. For nearly 40 years Yosemite and Yosemite Nature Notes have served the park and the National Park Service interpretive program. From the first mimeographed news letter published July 10, 1922 by Ansel Hall, to the issue you are now holding, this little publication has been read in its various forms by millions of park devotees. In its more than 400 regular issues and 23 special issues will be found much of the story of Yosemite National Park — its human history, archeology, biology and geology. The passing of Yosemite marks the end of an era. Yosemite was the last, and first, of its kind, outlasting similar publications produced in other National Parks. A new era will begin in 1962. The Yosemite Natural History Association will begin a series of publications, "Occasional Papers of the Yosemite Museum," covering specific subjects of interest to visitors to Yosemite, including butterflies, insects, shrubs, the Pioneer Yosemite History Center and the Yosemite Valley Railroad. Although no subscription lists will be maintained, these publications will be available by mail from the Yosemite Natural History Association. Notice of their publication will be made in conservation and National Park periodicals. No production schedule will be attempted but it is hoped that at least one occasional paper will be issued each year by the Yosemite Museum. We thank you, reader, for your continued interest and support. We hope that the void created by the discontinuance of Yosemite will be fitted by personal visits to Yosemite and your other National Parks and Monuments. The Editor

FISHING FISHING FOR FUN AREA-NEXT 3 MILES

Sign — On Tioga Road "Ranger, where are some places to fish around here?" This is a familiar question to any ranger or ranger naturalist. Any water course in the Park is fishable, but catching fish is easier said than done. Fishing success increases as the distance from the road increases. Often the visitor comes into the Park with the idea that he can find a place along the road where the fish are just waiting for him to toss in a baited hook. Places like that are of the past. They are not likely to become more plentiful as time goes by either, unless drastic action is taken. Fish in the Merced River in Yosemite Valley are probably more expert in detecting baited hooks than the fishermen are at catching fish. Anglers have different objectives when they set out to enjoy their pastime. Some have the overwhelming desire to catch their limit. To them this is the measure of success. There is something satisfying in being able to say, "Oh, I caught my limit." Others want their limit and also big fish. They are the ones who tend to By Earl M. Corder, Ranger Naturalist stretch the six incher to a nine incher. A few are out to catch trophy fish. They usually either eat or release smaller fish. Lastly we have a group made up of a special kind of angler, the true sportsman. They fish for fun and not for meat, nor limit, nor size. Their sole aim is to have fun. All fish caught are released unharmed to provide more fun for others. In California there are many programs under the Department of Fish and Game by which more streams are being made fishable. Pollution control and debris clearance in various streams make more fishing available each year. The planting of catchable trout in both roadside and high country lakes and streams along with

opening of new waters make a fine good program for the fisherman. As civilization expands and increasing demands are made on fishing waters, fishing is going to get worse, not better, unless some action is taken. Limits have already been lowered in California, and lowering them still further might help, but probably not enough. It might be well to look to other states which have the same problems. We know that California is not the only state with an exploding population, and we know that we have no monopoly on anglers, either. As early as 1943 a possible solution was suggested in an article by Albert S. Hazzard called, "Fish

FOR FUN!

— Not For Food" in the Michigan Conservation. Then in 1952 the August issue of Sports Afield carried an article by the same author called, "Better Trout Fishing — And How." In this persuasive article Dr. Hazzard again proposed the idea of fishing for fun when he suggested that states consider making laws making it illegal to have trout in possession at any time. The Hazzard plan, as it has become known, is simple in concept. Trout fishing the year round, but kill no trout. If the desire is for eating fish, your local market is the easy and economical source! Mr. Hazzard admitted the extremity of the proposal, and expected the editorial lumps which were forthcoming. But in addition to the lumps there was enthusiasm and praise for his courage to go all the way when other conservationists feared publicly to advocate even a more moderate approach. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service took the first step in 1954 in implementing the Hazzard Plan in cooperation with the National Park Service in two streams of the Great Rocky Mountains National Park. The program was not well received at first, but as a few tried it and told others, its popularity grew by leaps and bounds. Robert E. Lennon and Phillip Parker reported to the meeting of the Society of American Foresters in Washington, D.C. in November 1960 that fishing was better ever better. So much angler demand was Vol. 40, No. 6, 1961 mand was made that an additional stream was opened to fishing for fun in 1955. The trout grew larger and more plentiful after a three year period, and of course the angler was happier. Pennsylvania also tried the idea in 1958 as a research project. The Left Branch of Young Women's Creek was selected and set aside for fishing for fun only. The Right Branch of Young Women's

Creek was limited to fly fishing only one morning. " Subsequently it and Hyner Run was open to all fishing. learned that he had fished this str The Left Branch was easily accessible for 40 years and that it is better and close to the other streams for than it ever was, even when this c( good comparison as to catch, fishing try was nearly inaccessible. pressure and size of the trout. Dan He continued to explain that in Reinhold writing in the Pennsylvania early days a few fishermen would f Angler, 1959, relates that the idea here, until they couldn 't carry any more 1i too, was slow to catch on, but fishing The result was that a few fished out pressure on the Left Branch, by the stream just as today 's many ang end of 1959, was more than twice that each taking a few fish can fish. of Right Branch and Hyner Run had stream. only one-half the use of the Right Since only artificial flies are all. Branch. All this in spite of no stocking on the fishing for fun waters the f on the Left Branch, while the other are hooked in the lip or other s two streams had been regularly ficial tissues and consequently can stocked. released without being harmed. Another interesting turn of events is well worth mention. Since the Left Branch was limited to fishing for fun and also to fly fishing, it was expected that only the fly fishing purist would fish the area. What a surprise when actual losses have been calculated as between 3 percent and 6 percent when flies are used contrasted with over 50 percent loss when bait caught fish and released to the stream. fish the area. What a surprise when dad, mom and the kids came along This year 1961 Yosemite Nati too. Not only did they come and fish Pa rk has set aside a three mile se but they caught fish as well. Some re of the Dana Fork of the Tuolu ported that they had caught their first River as a fish for fun area. The fish in the fishing for fun area. Fork has a mixed population of eas The handicapped came too. The brook, rainbow and brown trout. only reason being : " We have a chance cording to a creel survey last to catch fish here and are not crowded there are 10 eastern brook to 5 out by inconsiderate anglers." It is bow to 1 brown trout. The vast maj. evident that anglers fishing this stream were from 6 8 inches long with a are more courteous and friendly than 8 10 inches and rarely a fish over the majority on open waters. This is inches. presumed to stem from the fact that As in other areas the rules for anglers are out for fun and not for Dana Fork are simple. Only artifl fish in the creel. flies may be used and all trout mus What better way is there to teach returned to the water unharmed. children a true love of nature and a objective of the program is to meet wholesome respect for conservation? ever increasing needs for more t In helping to provide for future generfishing without re's rting to meas ations they become less self centered that would lower )e quality of and more thoughtful of others. fishing experience The emphasis On the Left Branch fishing pressure placed on the recreatio :al enjoyment and was up, but how about the fishing? on the number of fis caught and rota "No, fishing isn 't too good today. " ReDana Fork is a typical high m. ported one angler. " I 've been out since tain stream, close to open streams 7 A.M. and only released 26 fish. " that comparisons can be made of (It was near noon.) The opinion was exsize of trout and of angler succ pressed that this was a good catch. The Tioga Road provides ready act " No, last week I caught 160 trout in to the fish for fun area. 1 25 Yncr. u

The results of our experiment are likely to be so dramatic as those experienced in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or in Pennsylvania on the Left Branch of Young Women's Creek. The trout in the Dana Fork e a short growing season because the high altitude. However, under protection afforded by this prom, the fish are expected to increase lize in a few years with the average size being 8-10 inches and an occasional fish going 12 inches. No great increase in population is expected. Anglers are encouraged to fish this area and to report their reactions to the idea and also their success to the Park Superintendent. The few reports which have come in so far this year indicate that the plan has many friends and some have suggested that other streams be put under the plan. Let's all get out those fly rods and go fishing on the Dana Fork, fishing for fun, that is.

LITERATURE CITED

Cochran, Bill 1960 Some suggestions on the New Way of Trout Fishing. Virginia Wildlife. 21 :7 (July) pp 18-19. Forbes, Tom 1958 Put 'em Back Alive. Pennsylvania Angler. 27:12 (Dec.) Gould, John D. 1960 Fishing For Fun. The New York Conversationist. 14 :4 (Feb.-Mar.) p 21. Hazzard, Albert S. 1943 Fish For Fun — Not For Food. Are Lower Daily Limits Necessary? M.-bigots Conservation. 12:10 (Dec.) pp 4-5. Hazzard, Albert S. 1952 Better Trout Fishing — And How. Sports Afield. 128:2 (Aug.) pp 17-19, 95-96. (Reprinted in : Wildlife in North Carolina. 16:10 (Oct. '52) pp 8-9, 19-20). Lennon, Robert E. and Phillip Porker 1960 The Trout Fishing For Fun Program on Trout Streams in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Proceedings, Society of American Foresters meeting in Washington, D.C. Nov. '60. Reinhold, Daniel G. 1959 Fish For Fun. Pennsylvania Angler. 28 :9 (Sept.), pp 8-12. Reinhold, Daniel G. 1960 Fish For Fun — Who? Pennsylvania Angler. 29:3 (Mar.), pp 5-6. a 40. No. 6. 1961

A NEW FIRST FOR THE PARK

By Benjamin B. Slater, Ranger-Naturalist During Mid-August, on a trip to I picked out another fragment climb the famed Half Dome, I had and examined it and, sure enough, the good fortune to pass through the there were very definite bladders beautifully forested Little Yosemite on it. Using my hand lens I could Valley. That was a day of many new see clearly the actual bladders by wonderful adventures as my wife which the bladderwort may be dim and I became more and more actinguished. The type of bladderwort quainted with wonders of this, to us, normally found is Utricularia vulgaris, new environment. The greatest thrill This specimen was a leafy type a came at the end of the day, when, the bladders were not nearly as passing through the camp area at numerous as Utricularia vulgaris. Fat the base of Sunrise Creek, I later identification I took notes of glimpsed a small pond. the appearance. A study of the fe Since one of my obsessions is examples in the herbarium showe• ' searching for the interesting carno plants like this one had ever nivorous plant known as the bladbeen collected in the park. Study derwort, as.well as for the equally leads me to believe the plant was interesting fairy shrimps so often Utricularia minor„ hitherto not listed found in small waterholes, I at once among the flora of Yosemite. headed for the pond to make my The significance of this find, as usual inspection for those two items. far as the pond is concerned, is that My hopes were considerably dashed it proves the presence of myriads of when I noted that there were few tiny protozoans, insects, and cruse plants other than a scattered numtaceans, since these animals a ber of water buckwheats. The area necessary for the bladderworts ex• showed evidence of extreme usage istence. Each bladder will have

by pack animals which were grazing or 20 trapped denizens which the in the area. In addition the pond plant utilizes to gain nitrogen was almost non-existent as the water needed for the production of pro• table had become very low. tein. Bladders have a valve-like Imagine my surprise when I noted door through which the animals are a small scattering of what appeared drawn by suction and a large plant to be parrot feather, Myriophylum, may contain as many as 150,000 in several places. Closer surveillance trapped individuals. I 'ioted many showed these had a rather peculiar of the bladders seemed to be almost appearance. Obtaining a long stick, empty. They may h,e had slim I picked out a plant to examine. Bepickings as the pond subsided. ing quite covered by a layer of alReports of bladderwort are very gae, the plant was rather hard to limited in Yosemite at best and it examine, but I could see what apwould behoove an authorized col. peared to be some nodules upon lector to bring back this plant and certain leaves. make a firm identification.

YOSEMITETI'

The

YOSEMITE MUSEUM WILDFLOWER GARDEN

by Enid M. Benson Mrs. Benson, the continuing guardian and mainspring of the museum wildflower garden, has spent part of each summer since 1924 lovingly caring for the much visited garden to the rear of the museum in Yosemite Valley. Also, she has contributed numerous manuscripts to Yosemite Nature Notes, with more than 150 articles appearing under the byline, Enid Michael. Editor) The Yosemite wildflower garden began in the old village in the summer of 1919. At this time Superintendent W. B. Lewis had his headquarters in an old building there. On the front porch Ansel Hall, a park ranger and later Yosemite's first park naturalist, maintained a little exhibit of trees and wildflowers. My husband and I arrived in Yosemite at this time and I was interested in the exhibit and offered to help. To show his appreciation Mr. Hall built a specimen stand of metal with running water under the shelves for the display of wildflowers. Before long Ansel established a large museum in the old Jorgensen Studio and took the specimen stand along. In 1924, when the Yosemite Museum was completed, the wildflower garden was installed on the back porch of the new building. One day Margery Montgomery Beard and Grace Haskel visited the museum and went out onto the back porch to see the flower show. Grace noticed the sandy expanse back of the museum and said to her friend, "Margery, you had in mind to make I. 40, No. 6, 1961 Yosemite a gift, how about giving money to establish a wildflower garden out there, " and she waved to the sandy area. This suggestion pleased Margery and she gave four thousand dollars to the Superintendent toward creating a wildflower garden. In this way the building of a wildflower garden was begun. The following season Margery gave five hundred dollars more. To start, the area was fenced and flagstones were laid along the paths. Then many loads of leaf mold were scattered over the area (a practice which continued each fall for many years.) Superintendent Thompson put me in charge of the development and told me that he wished a lush garden by next spring. I was given a man to help me, and the first thing we did was to bring water into the area. A pool was established in the upper far corner in front of the water main which had been put there for garden use. The area sloped from there toward the museum so we built a mountain stream in that direction and toward the center arranged a little waterfall into a large pool. In this

like manner we arranged other streams He walked with mt over the area at and pools and in the end the area was advised as to the arrangement of plain well watered. ings. He suggested that the arch 1 Shade was needed, so we collected arranged in plant zones. That is, plotr seedling alders and cottonwoods and from each of the life zones should 1 planted them along the water courses. planted together in as natural an osM Across the back area we threw a scarf ciation as possible. Then he sugge's of native trees. It was our aim to have that one area should contain a ford all the trees in the park represented. group of plants. In the fall of the year we drove into The largest section was devoted all sections of Yosemite to gather wildthe Transition Life Zone and it ocq flower seed. Late in the year, when pied the central portion of the area storms seemed eminent, we mixed the one stepped from the back door of $ seed with sand and broadcast them museum, at the left, would be a gl over the area, then raked them lightly. ing bowl of godetias, bordered by The following day snow fell, softly Indian pinks and white star flo tucking in the seeds. whilst at the right in the shade of The next season wildflowers bloomoak, bleeding heart, Solomon 's ed. It seemed as though overnight the and other shade loving plants. In li sandy desolate area had become a shade penny royal and collinsia go mountain meadow and the streams lovely bloom. gave tinkling music. The SuperintendOther Transition Life Zone plod ent was much pleased, and so the carried on to about the center of fM garden was on its way. garden, where the Canadian Life Zal On a certain day in June Dr. John plants took over, followed by Hudsd C. Merriam, then president of the ian and Alpine Life Zone planting Carnegie Institution, came to see me. Shrubs and small trees found a plot The Museum Garden — Before

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useum Garden — After hese arrangements and helped From time to time my distinguished d out the various plant communi friend, Dr. John C. Merriam visited the garden. He expressed pleasure in n the border of the terminal pool the development and when the fern ndy area with low rocks was orcommunity was complete, he was exed to hold the alpine plants. In tremely delighted. all of the year it was my habit to In working with wild plants I gained b Mt. Dana with my knapsack on an insight into their nature and my back, to collect as many plants aim was to make them happy. They the alpine community as I could were planted, so far os possible, in y away. These transplants did well, situations similar to the one from to my great delight, most of them which they had come. In other words, med. I took note of their habit, whether dry t the extreme right of the garden, or moist, shady or sunny, and, as to r the great yellow pine, a section soil, whether they grew in sand or leaf arranged to make a home for the mold. Plants from exposed areas of s of Yosemite. When this was very high altitude when set in the y I shouldered my knapsack once garden did best in light shade. and wandered over the park to Year by year, as the plants became ct ferns. Down in Bloody Canyon habituated to the garden and the species of rare Woodsio were colstreams took on a natural aspect, the d. A complete collection of ferns area grew truly lovely. The streams made and planted. In their new and all had a natural look as though e the ferns thrived and aroused they really belonged and had always t interest. been there. 40, No. 6, 1961

THE BREATHING OF THE WINDS

by David Essel, Ranger Naturalist Early morning. Bright, windless skies chapter in nature's textbook, is • over Tuolumne Meadows. Yesterday's ing. thunderstorm, punctuated by Thor's Up-canyon winds? — easy — Thunderbolts and mighty Wagnerian sun heats the bore granite moun chords of echoing sound, has died tops, causing a column of hot air away. rise from the peak. The colder air f The crackling, raucous tone of the the shadowed forest and meadow c ranger radio breaks the quietness — valley is sucked up, causing the wl " 510 from 715". The ranger answers, that blow uphill. " 715 this is 510, over". " 510, there's Beginning about 9 or 10 o'clock a fire on the hillside above Echo Creek, the morning, these winds reach f a lot of smoke visible". greatest strength from 2 to 4 PM, So it begins. Lightning struck, a gradually diminish as the valleys snag has fallen to the ground and up. By 6 or 7 PM there is a hus started a ground fire through manzanwindless quietness on the moun ita and chinquapin. Fire danger in The fire settles down to a Iocoll Yosemite? — Extreme! Humidity? — burning (it is not large enough in low, after a long rainless, hot summer. to generate a wind with its own col The brush should burn rapidly. of rising hot air). Then weary f A decision is made : send the men in fighters breathe more easily, knock by helicopter! A lovely scenic 15 minfor supper of K rations or box lu ute ride over the Cathedral Range (4 There is no wind now. The sun hours by trail), and the copter sets ing set, the mountain tops are b down on a tiny knoll near the smoking ning to cool off. Now the valleys hillside. warmer, and so gradually a br Then work! — exhausting, hot, begins to blow off the mountain, d• smoky work! Clear a fire lane 5 feet hill into the valley below. Cool, it I wide — take advantage of every first pleasant, but becoming stro boulder and bare patch of ground you and colder it is uncomfortable and can. Scrape the forest humus away must keep active to keep warm. and get down to gravelly soil so fire All night long the fire lane gr. can't creep across! Seven men on a 20 and the chill wind blows. Then, fi man fire! You brought your camera, as dawn arrives, there is again took some pictures as you circled the pause, as the sun hits the peaks; a• fire to survey the situation. Now, no that hesitant turn in the everlas time for that; later, after the fire is breathing of the winds. dead, then some shots of the wasteThe fire is stopped, the cons land of charred chinquapin—not now! vigil repaid by more than mere! It's 2 PM and the winds are blowing fire extinguished;. repaid in the coi up the mountain, fanning the flames an understanding of one of the si into fresh patches of undergrowth. natural events that so easily esc. From now to 4 PM the up-canyon the eye of the casual observer; re• winds will be strongest, the toughest even more in the growing aware time to fight a fire. And so you begin and ability to read one of the gre• to learn about the winds; slowly a new of all books — The Wilderness.

Yosi

it rry Parker Leading An Early Morning Bird Walk — Yosemite, 1946

HARRY PARKER 1906 - 1961

By Carl P. Russell News of the sudden death of Harry In 1940, Harry was a park ranger rker, August 9, 1961, came as a in Olympic National Park where he ck to Harry's many friends, east engaged in part-time naturalist activid west. Since 1936, when he atties. His ability as a lecturer was evided the Yosemite School of Field dent at once, and the beginnings of Mural History, Harry Porker has interpretive work in that park are n identified with national parks. credited to him. He was transferred His boyhood and college years were to a naturalist position in Yosemite in ent largely in Arkansas, with brief the fall of 1940, and before his first nods in Ohio and Oklahoma. He obyear in the park elapsed, he married ned his AB (Zoology) at Kansas Katharine D. Johnson, a geographer iiversity in 1930, and a Masters dein her own right, and a graduate of the e (Geography) at Clark University, Yosemite School of Field Natural His38. Beginning in 1930, and contintory, Class of 1941. The marriage took g for ten years, he was Director, place in the presence of close friends, aseum of Natural History, Worcesnew and old, under the ancient oaks at Mass. — an experience which, the base of El Capitan, October 17, le r, quite naturally caused him to 1942. w special interests and abilities in The great call to arms took Harry eting park museum problems. away from his bride, and away from 1. 40, No. 6, 1961

the Park Service in November, 1942. of the over-oll Interpretive progl In the Army, he attained commissioned His assignment come at a time rank and served in the Aleutians. Not planning activity, and Harry parr until the summer of 1946 did he leave pated in this work both in the park4 the military and return to his Yosemite in the San Francisco offices of

job. National Park Service. It was my privilege to become well His capacity to originate was a f• acquainted with Harry and Kit Parker in determining his appointment to during Harry's last tour of duty in Grand Teton park naturalist poll Yosemite. He created for himself on December ll, 1955. In 1955-I something of a monument in the important museum plans were pro minds of the field-schoolers during his ed for Colter Bay, Jenny Lake, years of management and instruction, Moose. Harry applied himself in 1948-1952, and he left an everlasting planning, as well as in administ• favorable impression upon all readers the going interpretive program. It of Yosemite Nature Notes, because of his at this time that peremptory warn meticulous attention to content, forof heart trouble dictated that he mat, and general worth of the magato lower altitude. zine. As manager of the publications Late in 1956 Harry became and sales business of the Yosemite seum Specialist in the NPS Brant Natural History Association he mainMuseums, with headquarters in W. tained for it a sound financial strucington, D. C. Regarding Harry Par ture which is still reflected in the afcontributions there his chief, R. fairs of the successful organization. Lewis, writes: Harry's contributions to the Yose "He brought to his work. a comb) mite publications program were not tion of knowledge and experi limited to editorial and managerial which can not be duplicated. He h• work; on occasion he appeared in thorough grasp of the practical Yosemite Nature Notes as author. Among theoretical sides of museum work. his substantial pieces are " Has Protection Worked Destruction"?, July, knew intimately from personal e rience the practical problems of 1949, pp. 93-96; and "Mammals of men who operate park museums in Yosemite, June, 1952, pp. 53-105. field. His work with the Yose The first-mentioned article is a review, School of Field Natural History, pro and con, of the recommendations part he had played in training seas. mode by park planners for vista clearnaturalists, and his supervisory ing, and other management practices in the Army, made him our str. affecting the forest on the floor of support in the training aspects of Yosemite Valley. In it, Harry concludes work here. His expert knowledge that Nature should be allowed to take taxonomic biology and ecology her course. The profusely illustrated numerous applications in exhibit pl "Mammals" article has become the Wing and production. With all t standard popular reference "Special the Harry had a strong devotion to subject. Sales of the item, a Special National Park Service. He underst Number", have contributed notably to its history and policies. He believe the scientific output and to the favorfirmly in high standards for all aspect able financial standing of the Yoseof park work, but partcularly in int. mite Natural History Association. pretation. With these attributes Ho In June, 1952, the Parkers were served the museum program in m transferred to Crater Lake where ways. His greatest contribution, pr Harry, as Park Naturalist, took charge ably, was in the application of

Yosem

ledge and judgment of field conled people, and he was critical. Fie ions, and the requirements to be wanted the men around him to use t in planning. He hod fine organiztheir full abilities. He could be caustic, ability and used it to set up effecyet behind it was kindness. He was procedures here for handling plans a wonderful friend and a superb • programming. He did much of the teacher". •anizational work for the annual Another writes: "Only those of us seums methods training course, and who have sat with Harry around many ved as a principal instructor. His a campfire on glacier surveys, field t major accomplishment was the school pack trips, and in old Camp 19, sting of the wayside exhibit section can understand fully his dynamic perthe new Sign and Wayside Exhibit sonality, or the depth of his soul... ndbook a tool which stands as a lastHis warmth of feeling for the Indian, reminder of his good works. Harry his staunch support of Chief Le-me s active in the American Association and the Indian interpretive work done Museums. He was chairman of the in the Museum Garden, his independ- •tional and States Pork Section at the ence in appraising park plans and eting in Boston last year, and did planners, his strength as a lecturer, usual fine job." and his dedication to the cause of ConDuring recent weeks, a number of servation — all were characteristics orry's former associates in Olympic, which cause us to say that the Service •semite, Crater Lake, Grand Teton gained much because of him, and that d Washington have written in fullwe as individuals' benefited in knowing ss of the heart expressing a common him". rrow. Says one who was formerly, a Harry Parker was a vestryman and nger and is now a senior member chairman of the Christian Education mg the NPS interpreters : "In the Committee within the St. Lukes EpisII of 1947, Harry urged that I try my copal Church of Alexandria, Va. On ilities as an interpreter, and he orAugust 9 a host of friends of the ged my appearances as speaker at Parker family gathered for the funeral •semite Lodge and the Ahwahnee services at that church. Burial was at.tel. In January I was placed on loan Arlington among big trees on an atInterpretation with Harry Parker as tractive slope overlooking the Potosupervisor, and thereafter I did not mac, and just below the Custis — Lee cape the kindly but firm tutelage of Mansion. A guard of honor fired the really great park naturalist. What final salute. le I know, or have been able to acKit Parker informs that her plans mplish in the interpretive field, I owe for the future have not crystallized, the inspiration and guidance given but she, Harry Mac, and Betsy will reHarry Parker. He was a man so main in their residence at Fort Hunt. icated to the Service that he would until the end of the school year. Young -ve no stone unturned in his zeal to Harry is a sophomore at St. Andrew's t the best for the NPS, and to mainSchool in Delaware. Betsy is attending n the standards established by the St. Agnes. To these well-loved memunders. Harry was truly a great man bers of Harry's family goes the heartd a meticulous interpreter. He needfelt sympathy of the entire NPS. 1. 40, No. 6, 1961

CERAMIC GLAZES FROM YOSEMITE ROCKS

by Will Neely, Ranger Naturalist In December 1960 I set out to make a series of glaze experiments using Yosemite rocks. That a glaze made from native rock would resemble the original rock is doubtful since most of the Yosemite granites are crystalline and the result of very slow cooling. Still, the temperature range of a modern stoneware kiln makes it possible to melt most kinds of Yosemite rocks, if they can be ground finely enough. A useful stoneware glaze for pottery consists of a flux, alumina and silica. The higher the amount of flux the glossier the glaze and the lower its melting temperature. The most common flux in stoneware is feldspar and/or various wood ashes. Feldspar is abundant in Yosemite granites, sometimes forming large crystals, such as in the Cathedral Peak granite of the Tuolumne region. Furthermore, feldspar contains sufficient alumina for a glaze. Finally, since our granites contain large amounts of silica, all the glaze requirements are met... if the rock can be ground finely enough. There is the problem. My thanks go to Mary V. Hood, who is an incurable collector. She presented me with a jar of "granite dust" which she collected under the rock-crusher by the new Tioga Road. "Here is some ground-up Tioga Road. See what you can do with it!" she commanded. Very high temperatures are needed to melt granite — about 2400 degrees F. The first tests looked like glue and sand. To bring the melting point of the rock down I used wood ash, a traditional Japanese and Chinese technique, now being used by potters in America for unusual and subtle effects.

The Mug Of course, to keep within the boundaries of the Park, I used lodgepole pine ash, scraped up after the Naturalist campfire program at Tuolumne Meadows. Any kind of campfire ash would have done, but the campfire programs at Tuolumne Meadows are traditionally of such high quality that I was sure this particular ash was most appropriate. One part lodgepole pine ash to three parts Tioga Road granite at 2200 degrees F made a waxy matte granite glaze, smooth to the touch, like glazed polish. At 2300 degrees it turned into a glossy transparent glaze with blue speckles. The most successful glaze came from the Kuna Glacier. In 1958 I conducted a naturalist hike there. The glacier lies in a cirque of dark metamorphic and igneous rocks just below Kuna Peak, and the whole area had a gloomy, somber aspect. Much of the rock, especially on the western edge,

YOSEMITE

cirque, is of amphibole, containing Here the glazes come out os on variety of metallic minerals, espeunexpected surprise. The ferric irons •Ily iron. On the cliffs ore green reduced to a ferrous state and proeaks of malachite which contain peer. duced what the Chinese call a "chiin" The glacier is a tremendous mill, glaze, dark greenish black with pale inding the rocks from the cliff and blue mottled streaks. The happy pres- •es of the cirque to a fine powder. ence of impurities of metal produced low the terminal moraine of the surprising effects never to be seen in no Glacier are shallow ponds or rns of arctic aspect and we found commercial glazes. em thickly deposited with this finely I made some pots on which to use ound glacial flour. It is so fine, that the glazes. Since there is no clay in glacial regions it gives a milky color Yosemite, I used the nearest available, the streams and lakes. After a a sand-stone-buff fire-clay from the •etic description of the glazes that little Mother Lode mining town of ight result, the hikers waxed enthusiMurphys. This clay holds up to the tic, and some of them were easily high temperatures needed and fires to rsuaded to yield their lunch bags a pleasing orange yellow with magd carry down amounts of the rock netic iron impurities coming out as eur. black specks bleeding through into the Under a normal oxidizing fire the glaze. st glaze trials in the kiln were dis- •pointing, looking like brown old I made a series of six coffee mugs, ustard. But under reducing condiglazed them, and though they were ens, that is, firing with a minimum of somewhat overfired and warped, they I r, the yellow smoky flames were represent a bit of Yosemite — some arved for oxygen and attacked the Tioga Road, some campfire ash, some emically combined oxygen in the Kuna Peak. azes and reduced the oxides to (One of the mugs is now in the Metallic forms. Yosemite Museum collections. —Ed.) Dana Crest — From Dana Meadow

STAGECOACH DAYS

and

HOLDUPS

by John Goodwin, Ranger Naturalist Eddie Gordon and I were discussing the wheels of the old stage in preparation for its daily run around the Pioneer Yosemite History Center and over the century old covered bridge. While we worked, the duty was to accomplish there was little conversation, but when all has been done and only time itself can complete the job then one can lean back against a yellow pine and exchange thoughts with Eddie (who is speaking about the old days). But our conversation was at an end. For the rest of my time there I answered questions I must turn to J. M. Hutching's book, In the Heart of the Sierras.(1) little conversation, but when all has "Wawona, formerly called 'Clark, been done and only time itself can is the great central stage station wl complete the job then one can lean the Berenda, Madera, and Mari pa back against a yellow pine and exroutes all come together; and whl change thoughts. also forms the starting-point for P Glancing at Eddie (who is 75 years Mariposa Big Tree Groves. The v of age and one of the two old time instant the bridge is crossed, on Yosemite stage drivers living today, 82 way to the hotel, the whole pld year old Eddie Webb of Sonora being seems bristling with business, and by the other) I observed him looking wistness energy. Conveyances of all kirll fully at the stage. If ever one is going from a sulky to whole rows of pass) to get an old timer to recall his past ger coaches, capable of carrying fly you've got to time it so as to make the one to eighteen or twenty persons e question coincide with the mood. Espeat a load, come into sight. From s cially is this true of Eddie Gordon! the horses are just being taken "How was it here in the old days, while others are being hitched up. Eddie?" I asked. "What was it like as and grain wagons; freight teams c you drove up to the steps of the Waing and going; horses with or withq wona Hotel in that stage?" harnesses; stables for a hundred "Well now, I'll tell you," he replied imals; blacksmiths' shops, carriq in his slow measured drawl "I'd whip and paint shops, laundries and ofll the horses up and go roaring over that buildings, look at us from as and old bridge to pull up in front of the different stand-points. That cozy-lo Hotel in a cloud of dust. The thundering structure on our left is Mr. ing sound of the horses hoofs on the Hill's studio; but that which now m) deck of the bridge caused everyone to claims our attention, and invites 1 dash out to see who was arriving and sympathies, is the commodious to greet old friends from past seasons. cheery, yet stately edifice in frd Yes sir, that was when Wawona really known as the Wawona Hotel. " lived!!" This, I think, must have been There followed a long silence in picture Eddie was seeing in his miM

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is also is the picture of the post Here some few stage drivers themselves ich is being recaptured at the Piowere relieved of their cash. The driver er Center. was expected to behave himself and Another approach to Wawona was keep the horses under control during • the Mariposa Road over which the the episode. •ymond - Wawona - Yosemite stages According to Mr. Shay, the most •ssed. It was along this route that famous of the stage holdups took ost of the stage holdups occurred. place near Grubgulch (about seven •hn C. Shay, in his book : Twenty Years miles west of Oakhurst as the crow the Backwoods of California,(2) tells us flies). The lone bandit selected a level three stage holdups. The masked sandy flat surrounded by brush. From •ndit usually chose a point on the this point he could see quite a distance ad where he could conceal himup and down the road. In Mr. Shay 's If until the selected moment and a account of the affair this is what hapot which also gave him a good view pened :(3) and down the road. "... Three stages had left the depot An old-fashioned forty-four Winthat morning, all well filled with tourester repeating rifle was often the ists. Five freight wagons, with from eapon used. This was swung over the four to six horses, had also left several oulder by means of a piece of bailing hours before the stages. There was re thus suspending the gun about hip also a company of one hundred and gh and in a handy position for quick fifty soldiers on horses, en route to e with the right hand. With his free take up their summer abode at the ft hand he would hold out his hat and National Park, as guards for the quest that all passengers drop their season. oney and valuables into it. When "This whole collection arrived in is had been accomplished the driver caravan style, and following the first is told to move on. Few protests, apstage, as it was now being held in de- • rently, were voiced by the passentention by the bandit, at the point of hree In A Row " — On the Old Wawona Road

his gun. After the occupants of the claims that the driver of the Yoseml three stages had been ordered to get stage that day, Wolter Farnswo out and line up in a close line, the (Walt died just recently), told him t freighters began to arrive. The driver there were three women and five of each was told to keep his seat and aboard. In a bend in the road betw attend strictly to his own affairs. As on Ahwahnee and Wowona, o high other occasions, with hat in one hand man wearing a woman's dress and the swinging rifle in the other, the with his face hidden by a flour sack passengers of the stages were cornwhich eye holes had been cut, held pelled to drop their donations into the the stage. hat. About the time this was completAfter getting what he wanted f ed, the company of soldiers rode up on

the passengers and before the gr• the scene. This did not cause the banwas ordered to drive on, one of dit to lose his nerve, for he swung his men requested permission to take gun on a line with them, and ordered picture of the event. This person them to halt, and keep their hands off supposedly on his way to Yosemite their guns. "I'll get you if you don't, " take pictures of the great granite che yelled. This last display of nerve yon for his magazine and had was no doubt backed up by the knowlequipment along. edge that all ammunition was removed According to Eddie (as told to hl from their guns, and also taken from by driver Farnsworth) the photograp the men before they started on their received permission but was so sco journey for the park. that he could not hold still enough " Drinking and personal brawls had take the picture and another man taken place on other occasions of this tually operated the camera which kind, so as a matter of precaution no corded the affair. Incidently, shells were allowed to be carried until Fresno Bee (Fresno, Cal.) printed the regular camp and discipline were entirely different version of the so re-established, though each man carrobbery in its Sunday paper of Aug vied his regular arms...." 29, 1954. According to the Bee artic When the bandit was through the the cameraman wanted to tackle t entire crowd was ordered to move on. bandit instead of being afraid of hi It is said that the soldiers obtained At any rate, if you visit the Wayside Art Shop you will see the much discussed picture depicting the whole action almost as though it had been posed for some Hollywood set. Some ammunition a few hours later and returned to look for the man but could find no trace of him. Another odd holdup on the road from Raymond to Wawona is told by One of the last holdups took place on July 10, 1906 involving Eddie Gordon and is detailed in Carl P. Russell's book, One Hundred Years in Yosemite. Eddie Webb, the other of the two remaining old time stage drivers mendon and is detailed in Carl P. Russell tioned previously. Eddie now lives on book, One Hundred Years in Y. Shaw 's Flat near Sonora, Calif. He mite.(4) The location was on the side comes to visit us now and then in the Chowchilla mountain some six mil old Wagon Shop at the History Center. from Ahwahnee. Eddie told me t On one such occasion Eddie informfive stages were involved one after ed us that we had the wrong date on a other. The holdup man used a. robbery which had actually been phoWinchester and one by one as tographed by a participant with the stages arrived he made the passenge consent of the bandit himself. Our get out and line up. Eddie was t data claims the action took place in (*For a description of the last hold August of 1907 and was photographed (1920) see Yosemite Nature Notes Vol. 2 by one of the lady passengers; Eddie No. 12, page 121.)

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river of the fifth stage upon which As I leaned back against the yellow as the payroll for the Sugar Pine pine that day and silently watched ills. Sharp eyed Eddie saw the lineup Eddie I couldn 't help but wonder what time to hide the money bag under thoughts were going through his mind e cushion of his seat and thus save as he fondly stared at that old stage e $500. coach. Maybe he was wondering about In none of these robberies was the Black Bart, or whether he'd be in on ulprit captured; however, there are the next gold strike along the Mother hose among the old timers here in Lode just a few miles away, or maybe awona who claim to know who at he was reveling in memories of the ast two of them were — but they days when Wawona was the gayest efuse to tell you more. place in all Yosemite. SOURCES, J. M. Hutchings, In the Heart of the Sierras Pac. Press Publishing House, Oakland, Col. 1888, pages 253-254 plus plc. on 255. John C. Shay, Twenty Years in the Backwoods of Calif. Roxburgh Pub. Co., Inc., Boston, Moss., Chapter six, 1923. Ibid, pages 71 to 73. Carl P. Russell, One Hundred Years in Yosemite U.C. Press, Berkeley, 1947. Personal interviews with Eddie Gordon and Eddie Webb. A Water-Striding Microtus By W. G. Bullinger, Ranger Naturalist It is not too unusual to hear or read shrew and the eyes confirmed the fact report of the northern water shrew that this was indeed not a shrew. Sorex palustris) having been seen runAnother couple of seconds and the ing across the surface of water for little meadow mouse (Microtus sp.) venome distance or even accounts of this tured out in full view on the patch of hrew pursuing quarry beneath the gravel, all the while alert to any moveurface of the water. This is what I at ment from above. I sat very still and irst thought I saw as I sat beside a had a good view of our Microtus friend mall stream running through the as he retreated under the overhanging ampgrounds at Porcupine Flat. rock several times before scampering It was about nine o'clock in the the few remaining feet along the orning and I was quietly watching water's edge to a hole in the bank of ome caddisfly larvae as they slowly the stream. oved about the bottom of a little Meadow mice often live near water hoot. A small, dark, furry animal left and are known to swim, but this little row of dimples and small splashes as fellow was not swimming as he crossed t scurried across the pool, around a the pool. He had crossed the pool more moulder at one end of the pool, and rapidly perhaps than he would have wt of the water onto a patch of gravel crossed the same distance in his grass nder a rock protruding from the bank. tunnels. He definitely left no swimhe action took place so rapidly that I ming wake but kept his body out of id not get a clear view of the animal the water and touched the surface s it flashed by. The ripples in the with only his feet, and perhaps his ater covered a span of some five or short tail. ix feet. Although weighing six times as A second or two after this water much as the water shrew and not triding animal disappeared under the possessing the special stiff hairs which •ck, a small dark head appeared, its the shrew has along the sides of its 'lack beady eyes surveying the area. hind feet, yet this meadow mouse ran he blunt nose was not that of a over the surface of the water with ease. ol. 40, No. 6, 1961

On the High Trail to Adventure

AROUND THE WORLD IN THIRTY-ONE DAYS

by Woody Smith, Ranger Naturalist There is no way of accurately cornwhen computed by totaling mileage Its puting the mileage stepped off by all participants, or nearly the circum. Yosemite hikers during the month of ference of the earth. July 1961 since there are no counting Distance totals for scheduled walks devices along the 700 miles of trails and hikes in the Tuolumne Meadows to record how many of the 271,504 accounted for a good share of thi visitors during the month escaped in monthly figure. Two thousand "high this way to the by-ways and wilderness. country" hikers participated in walk@ However, an accurate count is kept and hikes that averaged a total of 60 of travelers driving into and out of the miles per week. Half-day, all-day, and Park at the four entrance stations, and some overnight trips brought at least the naturalist division keeps records of a three miles-per-person average for the numbers of visitors who join the these "mountaineers. " ranger-naturalists on walks and hikes The doily walks and Monday-Wed• organized by the interpretive service. nesday-Friday all-day hikes around tho Naturalist-led hikes of this type exYosemite Valley brought the next ceeded 22,000 miles for the month, highest total of 4,000 miles for the,

YOSEMITETE

200 participants. The hikes featured though rough and approximate, are imbs to the top of Nevada Fall, Yosesufficient to delight shoe manufacte Falls, and Glacier Point. Robbers ' Curers and repair men. But it is also •ost and El Capitan hikes were added noteworthy that the 10,000 hikers er in the season. Walks circled the represent only a small fraction of the •Iley floor, rotating daily from starttotal visitor count of 271,504 for the points at Happy Isles, Mirror Lake, month. If one turns back the pages of •semite Museum, the Village Chapel, Yosemite Nature Notes to an article d Bridalveil Fall. written in June 1935 by Ranger-NaturDuring the month over 500 visitors alist James E. Cole, it becomes imboth Bridalveil Creek and White mediately apparent that our modern olf campgrounds accompanied the mileage is nothing to boast about. ger-naturalists on walks and hikes Ranger-Naturalist Cole estimated, in •ng ridge, meadow, and rim areas. an article entitled "Walking Nature ariposa Grove and the Wawona Rovers", that hikers covered 70,000, mpground activities included 1,500 miles during the summer season of sitors. Glacier Point, recording the 1934. At this writing the August figortest distance per visitor for the ures for 1961 are not available, but to •turalist walks around the Glacier assume that it would be sufficient to •int footpath, made up for the short bring this year's seasonal total up to stance (approximately 1/4 mile) by the 1934 estimate would be overlyracting the largest number of visigenerous. rs to a single area, over 4,000. We must certainly give the edge to The return of ranger - naturalist 1934 for "trail-mindedness" when we ided seven-day walking trips around consider the proportion of visitors pare High Sierra Loop during the 1961 ticipating in trail use. Park visitors for mmer season was a welcome addithe entire 1934 season totaled less •n to the interpretive program. Five than a third of today's million-plus rcuit trips, including the new Sunrise who come to Yosemite National Park.mp on alternate weeks, approxieach year. Increased all-year use of ated 65 miles per person. Side trips Yosemite in modern times could be climb Mt. Hoffmann, Vogelsang called into account to soften the blow -ak, and the eastern slope of Mt. of our poor comparison, perhaps, and +ark were extracurricular additions the possible but unprovable assumpthe majority of the enthusiastic tion that more people are going out on kers. Dr. Carl Sharsmith, a veteran trails on their own could make the corn- 'turalist of 30 Sierra seasons, easily parison look better. Nevertheless, the pped all his associates by posting data suggests that to keep up with the -II over 350 miles by the end of the hardy generation of thirty years ago, onth. we should be accumulating mileage By now the reader can judge that that would extend around the world le estimates of hiking mileage, three times, instead of just once..1. 40, No. 6, 1961

Where's "ELMER"? by Lewis G. Karcher, Ranger-Naturalist Those of us who are of World War II vintage can well remember the pa patetic, but elusive " Kilroy" who, regardless of our speed or the remoteness of tl area, always seemed to have arrived there first, leaving his well-known callli card, " Kilroy Was Here". The origin of "Kilroy" is unknown and the reason the perpetuation of this mysterious personage lies somewhere deep in the psychr ogy of man. No less elusive is "Elmer", whose Park, an area set aside for the relarl name, if not his person, has been tion and enjoyment of all people? plaguing Yosemite campers for many Others feel that youth should exl a year. Who among us has not settled cise some moderation in the campll back to relax at an evening campfire areas, particularly during the evenit program, to enjoy community singing hours, traditionally a quiet time. Th around the glowing embers, to listen it does distract from the evening pf to an illustrated talk on some aspect gram conducted by park personal of our natural history, perhaps to there can be no doubt. Frequent watch the spectacle of the Firefall questions from visitors after the corn from Glacier Point accompanied by the fire talks revolve around "Elmer noble strains of 'America The Beautiful", "Who is he?", " Have you foul only to be jolted from our reverie by a him?", "How did the call start?" youthful cry of "E-L-L-M-E-R—R—R", The origin of "Elmer" remal~ (the last syllable being held approxsomewhat of a mystery. There ark imately twice the time of the others)? number of theories current, which e This call is apparenty a triggering tempt to explain his genesis. One mechanism because almost immedithe more popular explanations is tt ately the floor of the valley echoes and one time a little boy named Elmer b re-echoes with the call for "Elmer". came separated from his parents. Du Camper reaction to "Elmer" varies ing the search for the boy, the Ranger from amusement through mild annoymoving through the valley, constant once or bewilderment to outright called his name. This call was pick) anger. Many feel that it is good for b children in the valley to have a chance to run, to fill up by small y w their lungs with air and shout, and perpetuated it themselves or taught what better place than a National to future generations who continue tl

YOSEMITETE

<!-- Page 25 -->.ll. There is no evidence to support is theory. Another well-known story related at a certain bear, who more or less mained in the valley, became known Elmer to the children who began to 01 for it. Again, this story seems unely. The story which seems to be the ost credulous, at least to this writer, valves the comedian, Joe E. Brown. his writer has talked to a number of ng-time Notional Park, Yosemite.rk and Curry Co., and Degnan's emoyees. They generally agree that i• ey cannot remember "Elmer" pre- • ous to the early 1930's at which time •e E. Brown starred in a movie entled "Elmer The Great". In this I, ovie a great deal of calling for Elmer" was apparent. This call struck e fancy of the youngsters of that day ho transplanted the call to Yosemite. Whatever the origin, it is interestg to speculate on the reasons for the -rpetuation of the call. Fads come d go, but this one threatens to run,never. Children generally tire rather ickly of a toy or activity and it is robable that if each child were here Yosemite Valley any length of time ey would weary of the game. Cer- ' inly the children of the permanent ~ ployees, living here season in and ason out, do not find amusement in is way. Children returning to the ' Hey for a second season's camping re quickly reminded of the sport of e previous season and soon take up e call. In the meantime, children ho have not visited Yosemite previsly immediately learn of the sport d so it is perpetuated. Most of the ildren have no idea about what they e saying, only that it is fun to join the shouting. Another interesting fact is that.Ifing for " Elmer" begins at or near e time for the Firefall, previous to hich the traditional calls are exanged between Camp Curry and lacier Point. Apparently this calling 'ol. 40, No. 6, 1961 "Elmer"? in some way stimulates the call for " Elmer". It does, however, frequently make it difficult for the visitor to hear the traditional calls for which he is listening. Another sidelight to the story is that whatever the origin and reasons for the spreading of the ailment, conditions apparently are riot suitable for "Elmer" in other parts of the park. Very few reports have been heard of " him " at Glacier Point, Wawona or Tuolumne Meadows. "Elmer" then remains a mystery, perhaps to join the many other unfathomable activities of Man in Yosemite National Park. How bewildering we must be to the natural residents of this community; the deer, the bear and the Steller's jay! In the meantime, if any visitor finds "him", they are urgently requested to get in touch with the nearest Ranger Station so that we may call off this long-continuing man-hunt for "Elmer".

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF YOSEMITE NATURE NOTES AND YOSEMITE

Year Vol_ Issues Number Special Issues (13) of Pages Number Subject 1922

8 (1) 23 (2) — — 1923 2 16 (3) 57 (2) — — 1924

22 (4) 93 (2) 1925

21 (5) 120 (6) 21 (7) Game Conserv. in N.P.s(15) 1926

12 (8) 96 (9) — (10) 1927 6 12

Bodie(15) 1928 7 12

— 1929 8 12

Sequoias 1930

Birds 1931 10 12

Mariposa Grove 1932 ll

96 (ll) — — 1933 12

Birds 1934 13 12

— — 1935 14 12

— — 1936 15 12

(12) — 1937 16 12

1938

160.

Birds (3rd ed.)

John Muir (15)

101 Wildflowers 1939 18 12

Cone-Bearing Trees ('14) 1940 19 12

— — 1941 20 12

Indians 1942 21' 12

Auto Tour (Valley) 1943 22

Bears

Geology 1944 23 12

Fishes 1945 24

Waterfalls 1946 25 12

Reptiles and Amphibians 1947 26 12

Broad-Leaved Trees 1948 27 12

Mother Lode,

Concessions(15)

Native Fish(15) 1949 28 12

Sequoias(New) 1950 29 12

— — 1951 30 12

Centennial(15) 1952 31 12

Mammals

Devils Postpile 1953 32 12

1954 33 12

Birds (New) 1955 34

Places Names (Valley)

First Tourists (15) 1956 35

Auto Tour (Park)

Hutchings (15) 9-10 Pioneer Cabins (15) 1957 36

Happy Isles Copies of most issues ore available. Prices of single copies and sets upon request. (Above compiled by K. A. Trexler) Year Vol. Issues Number Special Issues (13) of Pages Number Sub 1958 37 12

Mariposa Nature T 5 Inspiration Point Not Trail

Wildfloweti the Sierra 1959 38 12

Pioneer Cemetery

First Photogr 1960 39 12

Ferns

Nature Gu Svc. (15)

Tuolumnii Meadow T

Junior Ro (15) 1961 40

Tiogo Road (16)

Wawono Totals 40 493 4,974

(Some Duplicates) 1. Weekly, July - Sept. 2. Mimeographed 3 Weekly, June - Aug.; Monthly, Sept. - Dec. 4. Monthly, except June - Aug.; June - Aug. 5. Monthly, except July - Sept_, July - Sept. wee 6. Printed from 1925 on. 7. Also issued, but not included in volume: "Bulletin No 1, Hikers Camps of Yosemite Nat' l. Park." 8. Monthly (may have been irregularly issued) from 1926 on. 9 Does not include covers. 10. Also issued, but not included in volume: "Bulletin No. 2, Distributional List of Yosem Birds." ll. Not numbered consecutively 12. Birds (Vol. 12 #5) revised, reissued and new pagination. The first of a series of pr tuses on the

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School of Field N History was issued this year These were I annually for a number of years; some are some are not. 13. Whole issue on one subject 14. From 1939 on, revr,tonr of special issues do appear as part of a year's issue. See Indly special issues for current revision. 15. Probably not sold over the counter as a issue. 16. Title changed from Yosemite Nature Note, to Yot NATURE NOTES had been dropped from the page for a number of years.

THE MOUNTAIN'S GLAD TIDINGS

By Ray Draper, Ranger Naturalist As autumn approaches, heralding to ripen further, and goes on to anhe end of a summer in the High other. erra, the thought of leaving such a Finding some seed heads suitable to autiful, inspiring place brings a sort his taste, he quickly gnaws the stalk pleasant ache which makes one through below the heads, picks up the ish the summer would never end. prize in his mouth, and scampers to In a real sense it never will, for the top of a convenient rock and feasts any of the sights and experiences of upon the seeds, his tail bobbing up e summer will be retained as indeliand down nervously the whole time. memories to be relived and enjoyed This procedure is repeated over and i!ain and again during many winters over until his apparently ravenous ap- • come. Experiences which, though petite is appeased or until he is interdividually not earthshaking, collecrupted by a human or other large anvely add up to a richness and fulness imal. In this event he gives forth a f living that can be well understood burst of a few well-chosen scolding my by those who know and love the chirps and scurries under a large rock, ountains. where he stays until the danger has How pleasant the memory of achpassed. g, complaining, flabby muscles and Most people find it exciting so see a raining lungs as the first mountain wild bear, even if it is busy eating mmit is climbed. What a thrill to garbage, or stealing bacon, butter, •ok down on the world when the sumand fish from the camp ice chest. How it is finally reached. After a relaxing much more thrilling it is to meet one -st, absorbing as much of the superb face to face when walking alone enery as possible and the descent through prime forest. Such a bear may egun, what exhilaration and sheer well stand fully three feet high at the •y can come from a rapid 1,000 foot shoulders and weigh 300 to 400 ide down a giant snow - packed pounds. But it will seem to be at least ssure. twice as large! It is indeed a tense What a fine experience it is to sit moment as you stand looking at him ietly on a rock above a beautiful and he at you, while you both wonder l,ountain lake and watch a tiny alpine what the other is going to do. What a ipmunk, with body scarcely three relief when he finally turns and slowches long and bushy tail, busily harly lumbers away to go on about his sting seeds from sedges fully o foot business! d a half in height. To reach the Who could help but thrill to the -eds he stands on his hind feet, grasps sight of a newly born fawn as it stands stalk of the sedge and bends it to alone in the forest and looks up with e ground. Quickly he works up the frightened brown eyes, too large for alk to the heads, examines the seeds the delicate head, that seem to say, •refuily to determine whether they "What are you going to do to me? " e ready. If not, he releases the stalk, A lovely, pitiful sight that once seen is ich springs back into the sunshine not easily forgotten. Vol. 40 No. 6 - 1961

IAA

The first sight of the sky pilot cleansing, making the superb view t (Polemonium), or the white colummore worth-while. bine, is a memorable occasion, and an Yet even this is not all, for on t experience which comes only to those return route what wonderful luck who climb our fabled mountains. discover the entrance to a labyrinth These are species not seen by the ice caves under a massive ice fie camp bound nor by the explorer of nestled in the protective shaded side meadows and roads, for these are the rugged mountain. What an ex. hardy, beautiful plants which grow Hence to crawl under the ice and fi only on the upper, rocky slopes of our chambers with beautifully arched r.. highest peaks. So lovely and colorful of ice. are they that seeing them is alone Some of the chambers, as large enough to make a strenuous climb 12 feet in height, 8 feet wide, and worth the while. feet long, extend between and arou There are few things that can match massive blocks of granite that h• the beauty of the lovely meadow lupine been broken from the mountain after a summer rain. This beautiful weathering. By carefully working on plant with its long finger-like leaves way through narrow ice-rock torridand delicate flowers is always a strikconnecting the chambers, more t ing sight, but during a shower each 100 feet can be traversed under t outstretched leaflet gathers a row of ice along the edge of the ice field, wl glistening water droplets which sparkle glimpses of the blue sky through s in the sunlight like rows of diamonds. windows and doorways of ice and roc Once again one must marvel at naThe cool, dark dampness of the iture's ability to create profound beauty chamber and the echo of our volt from the commonest of natural made this a truly unforgettable o• materials. venture. The climbing and savoring of a fine Experiences such as these are mountain such as Mount Conness is a numerous in the mountains that o most fitting climax to a summer in the can easily accumulate enough in mountains. Conness offers the experisingle summer to last through the lo enced hiker a challenging climb, rewinter months. Each new adventu plete with a maximum of thrills, yet added to those already enjoyed furt with a minimum of actual danger. As strengthens one's love and fascinati• one climbs toward the summit, almost for the mountains, and with them al 12,600 feet above sea level, how good comes a much keener understanding is the feeling of strength in muscles what John Muir meant when he wrot made hard by a summer of hiking. "Climb the mountains and get the{ How fresh and clean is the bite of the good tidings. Nature 's peace will fl. icy August wind that brings refreshinto you, as sunshine flows into trees ment after the long, hard pull to the the winds will blow their own freshn summit; so cold one must seek shelter into you and the storms their energy from it after only a few moments, yet while cares will drop off like autu at the same time invigorating and leaves. "

YOSEMITE

YOSEMITE'S 1961 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

By W. J. and Erma Fitzpatrick The Christmas Bird Count taken Mary Curry Tresidder, Keith Trexler, nually in and adjacent to Yosemite and Robert Upton. ational Park, California was conThe detailed count follows : Cooper's cted on December 26, 1961. The Hawk, 1; Red-Tailed Hawk, 4; Golden ea covered included Yosemite Valley Eagle, 2; Sparrow Hawk, 2; California st to El Portal, California and the Quail, 23; Mourning Dove, 12; Pygmy [.per rims of the Valley south to Owl, 3; Great Horned Owl, 1; Anna's empo Dome, east to Peregoy Meadow, Hummingbird, 2; Belted Kingfisher, 4; nd north to Big Meadow and Crane Red-shafted Flicker, 18; Acorn Woodlat. Elevations ranged from 2,000 feet pecker, 51; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, t El Portal to 8,200 feet at Tempo 5; Williamson 's Sapsucker, 2; Hairy, ome. Weather conditions were altoWoodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, ether favorable, with clear skies, rela1; Nuttall's Woodpecker, 5; Whitevely mild temperatures and a cornheaded Woodpecker, 3; Black Phoebe, lete lack of wind. Snow and ice were 1; Steller's Jay, 175; Scrub Jay, 68; ncountered only above 4,000 feet. Mountain Chicadee, 67; Plain TitSixteen observers, working in four mouse, 44; Common Bushtit, 22; Red-parties, recorded 53 species and 1,381 White-breasted Nuthatch, 16; Reddividuals. This was slightly more in breasted Nuthatch, 6; Brown Creeper,.th species and numbers of individu14; Wrentit, 10; Dipper, 6; Winter is than were counted last year, but Wren, 2; Bewick's Wren, 1; Canyon.s below the twelve year average in Wren, ll; Robin, 31; Varied Thrush, c.th categories. The outstanding ob3; Hermit Thrush, 6; Western Bluervafiions were those of a Great bird, 65; Townsend's Solitaire, 6; prned Owl and a pair of Williamson's Golden-crowned Kinglet, 82; Ruby- •psuckers at Big Meadow. crowned Kinglet, 17; Audubon's Warbler, 1; House Sparrow, 27; Purple The participants were : Robert BarFinch, 2; Cassin's Finch, 2; Pine Sise, Katharine Coakley, Erma Fitzkin, 25; Lesser Goldfinch, 7; Rufous-.trick, Michael Fitzpatrick, W. J. sided Towhee, 72; Brown Towhee, 83; tzpatrick, Carl Haglund, Isabel HagSlate-colored Junco, 2; Oregon Junco, nd, D. H. Hubbard, D. H. Hubbard, 226; White-crowned Sparrow, 1; Gold-., Dorothy Johnson, James Johnson, en-crowned Sparrow, 135; Fox Sparrgena Koller, P. R. F. Marshall, row, 4; Song Sparrow 1. 14. 40, No. 6, 1961 1A8

Francois Matthes — the Master Interpreter A Review By Keith A. Trexler, Park Naturalist FRANCOIS MATTHES AND THE MARKS OF TIME : Yosemite and the H Sierra, by Fritiof Fryxell. Published by the Sierra Club, San Francisco, Febr 1962. 192 pages (no index), illustrated, $7.50. "It was the unique gift of Francois ate the mood while Matthes' Matthes to make geology a living subdrawings, diagrams and maps (the ject. A detective of the high-mountain plates reproduce his Yosemite Vo wilderness and an artist in the way he topographic sheet) compliment presents his story, he gives nothing text and make even the most co away prematurely, but asks the reader subjects clear and easily understand himself questions: Could the Of the 16 essays presented, 4, range have formed because the moundealing with parts of Yosemite No tain lifted or because the valley dropal Park, are published for the ped? If the valley dropped, then should time. In these Matthes describes we not find two or three kinds of eviaine Dome, Tuolumne Meadows dente? Let's go out and look. vicinity, Tenaya and Merced Lo "After a certain amount of susThe remaining articles cover as. pence, we find the evidence, and he of the winds of Yosemite Valley, lets us discover it for ourselves—again motions in Yosemite and Little Y and again, on field trips through these mite valleys as well as Devils Pos pages with Matthes. The man who is and portions of Sequoia National P not a geologist to begin with ends the Matthes' essays are preceded trip with the makings of a geologist in most human and sympathetic bi.. him — and he will love the transforphy written by Fryxell. In it we see mation and his new appreciation of the many facets of Matthes ' genius. old mountains he thought he knew. " was not only a fine topographer, g If ever a book jacket description ogist and glaciologist, but a hu were accurate, this one is. Francois itarian and democratic gentleman Matthes and the Marks of Time once more well. His work with Boy Scouts ear allows each reader the unforgettable him that organization's highest aw. opportunity to journey with Matthes In 1937 the University of Califo into the valleys and on to the peaks of presented him with the honorary Muir's Range of Light. With map in gree of L.L.D. for his "artistry in hand, the lucid, vigorous, and artistic delineation of land forms and prose transports us to the hidden floor clear, scientific descriptions, (whl of the Incomparable Valley, thence have interpreted the beauty of upward, over domes and crests to the Western American Landscape to little lost valley of Shepherd 's Crest, mind as well as the eyes of all who land finally, to our journey ' s end on the the mountains." heights of Mount Whitney more than Having read most of Matthes ' 14,000 feet above the sea. It is diffilished works, we must agree with cult to descend the heights, to return Fryxell that Matthes "is one of to earth, as it were. Such is the effect relatively few whose writings rank of Matthes' writings. both science and literature." We This volume, handsomely produced this modest volume will undoubt by the Sierra Club, is edited by Fritiof find a place on the bookshelves and Fryxell, Matthes' long time friend and the hearts of those who know and I• co-worker. Ansel Adams' pictures crethe Sierra.

YOSEMITE

Francois Matthes — in Yosemite, 1927. Photo Credits: P 124, 126, 141, 145, Anderson, NPS; 123, 135, Trexler, NPS; 144, Museum of Vertebrate Zoology; 150, Russell, NPS; 129, 130, 132, 136, 138, Unknown.

WHERE ARE YOU GOING MY PRETTY MAIDS

By David Essel, Ranger Naturalist (Penned upon meeting a Girl Scout troop on a wilderness cleanup trip.) "Where are you going my pretty maids?" —"We're off to pick cans from the depths of the glades; To seek out the haunts of the litterbug free And to put a quick stop to his perverted glee!" "Why do you choose such a task unrefined?" —"To restore to our mountains, so lofty and pined, The vestige of majesty they naturally had, And remove the debris which makes the vista so bad; To pick up the cans, so carelessly tossed, On a virgin green bank, so moist and so mossed; To remove the papers and pick up the foil That litters the bushes and covers the soil. It would be so easy for travelers and campers To save us our time and all of our scampers If they'd burn their paper and carry home all their tin To leave it just lying there seems such a sin A crime to the wilderness, and also to man, Who loses the magic at the sight of a can; The magic of forests, primeval and green Where no man has trod, which no one has seen." "And what are you paid to do this great task?" (They looked at me strangely—as if odd that I ask) —" If we have to explain our motives to you Then no doubt, essentially, you're a litterbug too!" And so—My pretty maids, "Teenagers,"—THANKS! We salute you! and more—! We'll help you!