NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TO EXPLORE NEW MAMMOTH CAVE SECTION

The large new section of Mammoth Cave, which bore no evidence of previous explorations at the time of its discovery last October, will be investigated during the summer by representatives of the National Geographic Society. A reconnaissance survey will be conducted by that organization sometime after July 15. It is possible the Society will make a photographic record of the caverns which, at the time of their discovery, were described as the most remarkable portion of the area brought to light since white men first learned of its existence in 1798. (See The Review, Vol. I, No. 5, p. 32, and Vol. I, No. 6, pp. 6-10.)

Meanwhile, members of the Service staff at Mammoth Cave National Park have been carrying forward a survey designed to determine a practicable means of linking the old and new sections. A small hole was drilled into the new portion during the month and a telephone line was installed for the safety of the underground workers.

SANTA ROSA ISLAND BECOMES NATIONAL MONUMENT

Santa Rosa, a slender barrier island with a glistening beach more than 40 miles long on the Gulf of Mexico south east of Pensacola, was added to the National Park System by a recent proclamation of the President which gave it a status of National Monument. The new area, containing approximately 9,500 acres, is notable for its historical background as well as for its fine Gulf sands, its marine scenery and its geological interest. Since 1696, when Fort San Carlos was established on the mainland nearby, the island has had five different flags planted upon it: Spanish, French, British, Confederate and American.

Formerly a military reservation, the major portion of Santa Rosa was sold to Escamabia County, Florida. Local officials abandoned interest in the land and title reverted to the United States. Fort Pickens, which played a part in the War Between the States, still is retained by the War Department as a post at the western tip of the island. All the remaining area, including the long central section which is roadless and entirely unmodified, is embraced by the Monument. The only road on the island is a highway link of about five miles situated at the eastern extremity and making accessible the development known as Tower Beach. A second development, restricted in area, is near the western end. It is reached by bridge from the mainland.

Different in character, Acadia National Park, Maine, the proposed Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina, and Santa Rosa National Monument will constitute the three Service areas of the East which embrace coastal islands having ocean beaches.