AROUND THE MESA

The fire is under control. After ten days of fighting, with a large force of men—whites, Utes and Navahos, the flames are under control and last night (July 19th) a rain ended all danger. Friends of the Park were probably alarmed by such reports as these: that all of the headquarters buildings had burned, that the Park was closed to travel, and that all visitors were being sent to the fire line to battle the flames. The fire was not within three miles of the headquarters area and the regular Park program went on as usual. Our visitors had the added thrill of seeing the heavy clouds of smoke rolling across the mesa, and at night the spectacular view of a seven mile line of flames sweeping through the forests. Although the burned area will cover a large range it is so situated that it will not be noticed by our visitors. In our next issue we will tell you more about the fire. A great string of pueblo ruins has been revealed by it, also some dams and terraces built by the old inhabitants, and one strange piece of construction work that looks like an old canal.

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Last summer's E.C.W. camp of 200 men is with us again this year and in a few days will be joined by a drouth relief camp of 200 more men. Many fine improvement projects are under way and, with the E.C.W. camp staying through the winter the Park will soon be made so much more beautiful and livable place. On your next visit you will be surprised by the changes.

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One of the greatest changes is in the Camp Fire Circle. The old one in front of the Museum is gone and a beautiful, natural ampitheatre down on the side of Spruce Tree Canyon is now the scene of our evening ceremonies. With its great sandstone benches, soft cushions, flickering fire, and its view over the canyons and mesas it is an entrancing spot, and on moonlight nights the effect is delightful.

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The Navahos still dance for us at night and even the never-changing Navahos have changed. They have new costumes. Not new though, in a way, for they are the costumes the Navahos wore long years ago before the white men had affected them a great deal. White cotton pants they wear now with the brightly colored velvet jackets and their ever present jewelry. The boys are quite proud of their showy clothes and under the leadership of Sandoval Begay are putting on finer dances than ever before.

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On the first of July attendance figures were 47.8 per cent ahead of last year. People surely seem to be traveling again and with similar reports coming from all the parks, National Parks year seems to be a big success.