Page:U.S. Department of the Interior Annual Report 1877.djvu/53

Rh supervision the original edifice and subsequent additions were built, offered his resignation as superintendent of the institution. The resignation was accepted, and Dr. Godding appointed to fill the vacancy thus created. He entered upon the discharge of his duties on the 1st of September, 1877.

On the 18th of April, 1877, P. W. Norris, of Michigan, was appointed superintendent of the Yellowstone National Park. As no appropriation was made for the payment of a salary to the superintendent, the services rendered by Mr. Norris have been without pay.

By reference to his report it will be seen that he has visited the park and taken such measures toward the protection of its natural curiosities as were deemed practicable.

He recommends adequate appropriation for the following purposes:

First. — Survey with distinct and durable evidence of the boundaries of the park.

Second. — Construction of a plain but substantial wagon-road connecting the two entrances to the park, and the laying out of necessary bridle-paths.

Third. — Salary sufficient to justify a capable and experienced superintendent, and at least one resident assistant, in devoting their time to the improvement and care of the park.

Other recommendations are made by the superintendent, looking to the improvement and protection of the park and its approaches.

Under the act of March 1, 1872, this tract of land was reserved and withdrawn from settlement, occupancy, or sale, and dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasuring ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people. It was placed under the exclusive control of the Secretary of the Interior, who was authorized to make such regulations as would provide for the preservation from injury or spoliation of all timber, mineral deposits, natural curiosities or wonders within the park, and their retention in their natural condition. It was also left discretionary with the Secretary to grant leases for building purposes, for terms not exceeding ten years, of small parcels of ground at such places in the park as may require the erection of buildings for the accommodation of visitors, the money derived from said leases to be used in the management of the park, and in the construction of roads and bridle-paths within its limits.

Very little has been done toward carrying out the provisions of the act referred to. No appropriation has been made for the pay of a superintendent or the survey of the park, and no revenues have been received, nor have any leases been granted by the department.

Without the necessary appropriation by Congress very little can be done toward making this land of wonders, what it deserves to be on account of its natural formations, one of the most attractive public parks in the world.