substantial lodge there. Members could be provided with lockers and have other advantages that would make the plan most desirable. It would also aid in solving a perplexing question growing out of our inability to accommodate an increasing number of applicants for our annual Outings. The Club is deeply indebted to those members who have advanced the funds necessary for this purchase and is doubly grateful to those who have given their subscriptions to the Club outright. W. E. C. REPORTS. REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. It is a genuine pleasure to make a report on the condition of the Sierra Club for the past year, for it has been marked by a steady increase of membership and the Club's influence is becoming noticeably greater. The Treasurer's report indicates a larger balance than ever before, which is fortunate in view of increased expenditures. The total membership of the Club is now 1,527, making a net increase for the year of 127. The accumulation of books and exchanges and especially the growing stock of back numbers of the SIERRA CLUB BULLETIN have made it necessary to rent additional space adjoining the present office, in which to store these possessions. The Club conducted a vigorous campaign early in 1912, with the object of securing an increased appropriation for the Yosemite National Park, in order to make adequate preparation for the accommodation of visitors during the exposition year, 1915. The boards of trade, chambers of commerce, and other organizations throughout the State co-operated most actively. Unfortunately, the desire of both political parties in Congress to make a record for economy may operate to keep the appropriation for the next fiscal year down to $50,000, which is the amount regularly appropriated for some time past and which might have been reduced were it not for this concerted effort to secure a larger appropriation. This amount is more than three times as much as was appropriated under the State régime, however. A Bureau of National Parks, or, more properly, a National Park Service, to take charge of all such matters as appropriations, creation of new parks, extension or alteration of boundaries of existing parks is a matter of pressing necessity. The inclusion of the Kings-Kern region, and other similar areas in national parks, are questions which will probably be left for such a bureau to determine, and it is to be hoped that Congress will without delay pass the pending bill providing for such a service. The acquisition of the Soda Springs property in the Tuolumne Meadows marks a distinct step forward in the Club's history. This has been commented on editorially in this issue. The Southern California Section of the Club has evidently been organized on a permanent basis and is conducting a series of well-attended and enjoyable walks and excursions. The Local Walks about the bay region have also proved more attractive than ever, if one may judge by the increased attendance. The 1912 Outing to the Kern River region promises to be one of the finest trips the Club has ever taken. The full number was secured at an early date, and many had to be refused who applied late. While the plans for the 1913 Outing are only tentative, the trip as outlined is most attractive, including as it does in its itinerary the Kings River Cañon, Simpson and Grouse Meadows, and Tehipite Valley. Respectfully submitted, WM. E. COLBY, Secretary. REPORT OF THE TREASURER. MAY 6, 1911, TO MAY 4, 1912. TO THE DIRECTORS OF THE SIERRA CLUB: Gentlemen: I submit the following report of the finances of the Sierra Club for the year ending May 4, 1912:— Publication of BULLETINS, Vol. VIII, Nos. 2 and 3.... $1,449.45 |