Those of you who live in or near Pittsburg - or who may pass through that city some time in the future - will be interested to learn of the fine group featuring the sub-alpine flora of Mt. Rainier National Park that figures in the botanical hall of the Carnegie Museum in that city.

During the summer of 1931 Mr. and Mrs. Ottmar von Fuehrer, preparators of the Carnegie Museum, spent several months in the Paradise Valley region of the park gathering material and data and painting pictures to be used in the preparation of the finished group. The exhibit, now completed, is the result of that study and, judging from the photographs it is a highly creditable replica of the flora and scenic beauty of this section. Mt. Rainier National Park feels honored in being selected as one of the four groups portrayed in the botanical hall of the Carnegie Museum and expresses appreciation of the very excellent workmanship and technique of Mr. and Mrs. von Fuehrer who were selected to prepare this exhibit.

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A Mountain Goat was reported seen near Paradise Inn during December and early in the same month a small band was seen from Longmire on the slope of Eagle Peak.

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Among the plants that retain their foliage throughout the winter - exclusive of the trees which in this park are largely evergreen - and lend an interesting touch to the wintry landscape are the salal, twinflower, pipsissewa, sword fern, mountain box, kinnikinnik.

There has always been some agrument as to the presence or absence of porcupine in the park and in spite of the fact that these animals are not listed as native to Mt. Rainier National Park some people have claimed certain evidence as indicating their presence here. It was not until last summer, however, that one was actually reported seen. The nightwatchman at Paradise Valley reported seeing one of these animals late at night while making his rounds of the buildings, that he approached to within a few feet of the animal which became confused by the glare of his lantern and that he was sufficiently certain of what a porcupine looks like to be sure it was such an animal. Consequently, if we are to take this evidence as fact, porcupine are found in this area. This is, however, the only time one has actually been seen.

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Beaver are increasinly active not only near Longmire but at several other places - notably on the west side (near the highway) and on the Nisqually both above and below Longmire. Those at Longmire have become very active and a large system of dams and canals have been constructed. Upon the weedy banks of some of the pools one often sees a water ouzel bobbing about and kingfishers, generally considered rare in the park, are not uncommon here. At none of these places are the beaver readily seen, however. Numerous attempts have been made to photograph them at work but without success. Yet they are extending their activities as time goes on and without doubt these animals will some day be readily available and easily observed by visitors to this region.

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THE ARTISTS OF THIS ISSUE

This issue of "Nature Notes" was illustrated by the art students of Roosevelt High School of Seattle, Washington under the direction of Miss Lois M. Fulton.

Students whose work appears herein are as follows: William Jensen, David Saxton, Phyllis Heaton, Pearl Rothwell and Grace Scott.

In addition to illustrating "Nature Notes" students of the art classes of Roosevelt High School also contributed sketches and lettered signs for use in the preparation of several new museum exhibits to be installed in the Longmire Museum this winter.