e
river, though a slow one. The measurements are taken by running a line
from one lateral moraine to the other with a transit, setting stakes
across the glacier at short intervals, and ascertaining the advance
they make from day to day.]

Even from the older and wider roads of the Yellowstone automobiles
have been excluded, although there are no large cities near by, as
there are here, to send hundreds of cars into that park on any
pleasant day. The automobilists will be wise to accept their privilege
of access to the foot of the glacier, and use it with care, too.
Several serious accidents have already occurred, and if greater care
is not exercised, the Interior Department will apply the Yellowstone
rule, at least to the extent of stopping all cars at Longmires.

[Illustration: Copyright, 1897, By E. S. Curtis. Miss Fay Fuller
exploring a crevasse.]

[Illustration {p.073}: Copyright 1906, By A. H. Barnes. Ice Cave,
Paradise Glacier.]

Questions like this, involving conflict between the interests of a
class and the vital needs of the Park as a public institution,
{p.075} give especial emphasis to the recommendation made by
Secretary Ballinger on his last annual report. Owing to the great
number and extent of the National Parks, and the inefficiency of the
present "perfunctory policy" in their administration, Mr. Ballinger
asked Congress to put the management of these institutions under a
Bureau of National Parks, conducted by a competent commissioner, and
organized for efficient field administration and careful inspection of
all public work and of the conduct of concessionaries. Regarding the
need of such a systematic and scientific organization for the
development of the parks, he says:

A definite policy for their maintenance, supervision and
improvement should be established, which would enable them to be
gradually opened up for the convenience of tourists and campers
and for the careful preservation of their natural features.
Complete and comprehensive plans for roads, trails, telegraph and
telephone lines, sewer and water systems, hotel accommodations,
transportation, and other conveniences should be made before any
large amount of money is expended. The treatment of our national
parks, except as regards the Yellowstone, has not heretofore had
the benefit of any well-considered or systematic plans. In all of
them the road and trail problems for public tr