f natural curiosities, and of American Game.

"In addition to this Pride-of-the-World-Park, the people shall also
demand, that all of the most available portions of the mountains of the
Pacific Coast Range, the Sierra Nevadas, the Alleghenies, the
Adirondacks and the White Mountains, shall be reserved by the
government, and set apart for the same uses and purposes.

"With the passing of this magnificent domain of mountain territory to
the permanent control of the government, would come the beginning of the
great public forests; which would clothe with new beauty, cover and
protect in the most useful manner, the principal water-sheds of our
broad continental possessions. Thus increasing to a degree approaching
perfection, the purity and abundance of the crystal flood, that shall
flow from a countless multitude of new springs of living water. The
volume of water from these springs, shall furnish a supply sufficient to
maintain with full channels, a perpetual flow in that net-work of lakes
and rivers, that arterial system of fertility and commerce, which
variegates and adorns the bright face of our fair land.

"Altogether, in considering the broad scope of this stupendous plan as a
whole, we have before us a most important work, which must be
accomplished! A work which affects the welfare and happiness of every
citizen of our Republic! A work which is in every way worthy of our most
earnest and persistent effort!

"This day, we have made a propitious beginning, which augurs well for
success. Let us on all occasions encourage tree-planting as a sacred
duty which we owe to future generations! A duty which must not be
neglected! From this time forward, let us strive in every way to
organize a broader, wiser, more powerful movement! Carried forward by
the resistless force of an enthusiasm born of a mighty purpose; with
strong hands and willing hearts, let us undertake the speedy
accomplishment of our chosen task! Let us remember our responsibilities
as immortal beings! Let us be mindful that life on this plane of
existence is very brief; that an eternity of countless ages lies beyond!
Therefore we cannot afford to be selfish! Let us heed the warning of
nature's just law of compensation, which declares that in the higher
life, selfishness becomes a torment in comparison with which a crown of
thorns would seem a coveted blessing!

"In our devotion to this noble work, let us ignore all unworthy
thoughts of self interest! Pos