THE MOUNTAIN'S ERUPTIONS.
Mount Rainier is an old volcano but scientific evidence proves that
although it is not actually dead, no actual eruptions have taken place
for a long period of time. Len Longmire, grandsone of the man who
established the first permanent residence within the present boundaries
of the Park, bears out this statement from his own personal
experience.
"No", he told the writer, "as far as I know there have never been any
eruptions, but twice I have seen it smoke. The first time was when I
was a boy of about 9 years. My father and I watched smoke issue from
the summit until the Mountain was completely obscured from view. The
next day, however, the air was clear again. 5 years later it smoked a
little again." This from an "old timer" who's acquaintance with the
Mountain carries him back 50 years or more--who knows the Mountain
better than anyone.
BROWNIE AND HER THREE CUBS AGAIN
Brownie and her three cubs are still rumaging about the Park in the
vicinity of Longmire. During the past month or two--during the time
when the huckleberries were extremely plentiful on the mountainside,
Brownie and her family were conspicuous by their absence. Now, however,
when the hand of Jack Frost is rapidly tinting the high country with
white, she is back with us again. Her appearance here caused everyone
to lock up refrigerators, etc. for Brownie is not particular where she
obtains food. And the cubs--those tiny fellows a few months past--my
how have they grown!