Flat Top Mountain, extending about 4 miles, a line of cairns was constructed, numbering 163. These cairns average 5 feet in height, the tips of which are painted white and black in order that they may be distinguished under all conditions.

CATTLE GRAZING.

Under instructions of the department no permits are issued for cattle grazing in the park, but straggling cattle have crossed the boundary on both the eastern and western slopes and caused considerable damage to roads and trails.

Only one permit was issued during the year for the transporting of cattle over park lands.

VISITORS.

There were more visitors in this region than ever before in one season, and during the months of July and August the hotels were filled and for several weeks tourists were turned away owing to the lack of accommodations. The different hostelries are now arranging to enlarge, in order to handle the anticlpated increased patronage next season. The threatened railroad strike in the early part of September prevented a great many from visiting the park and had a tendency to shorten the stay of those that were there; otherwise the tourist business for September would have been as heavy as that of the previous two months.

It is impossible to report the total number of persons entering the park, but a conservative estimate would place the number of visitors in Estes Park and vicinity on the eastern slope and Grand Lake on the western slope at 70,000. Over two-thirds of this number entered the national park, or, in round numbers, 51,000.

TIMBER CUTTING.

No permits are issued for the cutting of timber, except "dead and down timber in different localities, which have been burned over in past years, and on the right of way of the Fall River Road.

Timber for firewood is given free to residents of Estes Park and vicinity for their own use with the understanding that they volunteer their services when necessary to suppress forest fires. These permits are issued for timber located in the "Pole Patch," near Mill Creek ranger station. Residents near Grand Lake are allowed firewood under the same conditions, to be obtained in section 18, township 3 north, range 75 west.

FOREST FIRES.

On October 31, 1915, a large fire occurred in section 14, township 5 north, range 74 west, covering an area of approximately 325 acres, a part of which was on private land. The fire originated in a pile of sawdust on the site of a dismantled sawmill. With the assistance of volunteers from the village of Estes Park and vicinity, the fire was suppressed after burning two days. During the summer of 1916, owing to the scarcity of rainfall, the park area was exceedingly dry and the danger from fire was extreme, but fortunately none occurred within the park. A number of fires occurred just outside the boundaries, but proper action was taken to prevent their spreading. During the past year 11 fire-tool boxes, fully equipped, have been installed in different parts of the park. There are at present 18 fire-tool stations-13 on the eastern slope and 5 on the western slope.

EMPLOYEES.

There are at present employed one chief ranger and four other rangers. Also one temporary clerk-stenographer, whose term of service expires October 15, 1916.

GAME.

There is no evidence of the slaughter of game during the past year in the park, a strict vigilance having been kept during the winter months for hunters and trappers. Mountain sheep are plentiful and no doubt increasing, and have been seen more frequently by tourists than in former years. It is now possible to approac. them quite closely, and one instance is known where an automobile came within 30 feet of a group which did not disturb them. One ranger reports seeing 182 in one group near Specimen Mountain.

Firearms are not allowed in the park and a notice to this effect is posted at all entrances.

APPENDIX A-Continued.

appropriations made for, and revenues received from, the various irks, and expenditures made therefrom under supervision of the , during the fiscal years 1906-1916, inclusive--Continued.

APPENDIX A.

Statement of appropriations made for, and revenues received from, the various national parks, and expenditures made therefrom under supervision of the department, during the fiscal years 1906–1916, inclusive.

1 Proceeds from sale of Government lots (lot fund). 2Expenditure from lot fund.

Includes $1,272.71 expended in making survey and preparation of plans, etc., for sewer system, city of

Hot Springs.

Contributed by city of Hot Springs on account sewer system; $14.20 returned to city.
Includes 99 cents expended on account of survey sewer system.

Administration and protection.

7 Marking unmonumented portions of park boundaries.

For purchase of private holdings.

Appropriation, without year, for examination of water supply for city of San Francisco.