Page THE MOUNTAINS ARE MADE 3 THE WORK OF GLACIERS 5 THE MOUNTAINS ARE MANTLED WITH PLANTS 10 PLANT COMMUNITIES 12 Below 9,000 Feet 12 The Middle Belt 18 Above Treeline 21 ANIMAL LIFE 23 Hoofed Mammals 23 Predatory Mammals 27 Gnawing Mammals 31 Coldblooded Vertebrates 37 Birds 42 MAN IN THE ROCKIES 46 CLIMATE 48 PARK SEASON 49 WHAT TO DO 49 Automobile Trips 50 Trail Trips 54 SUGGESTED READINGS 60 APPENDIX A—GUIDE TO MAMMAL OBSERVATION 62 APPENDIX B—GUIDE TO BIRD OBSERVATION 64 APPENDIX C—COMMON AND SCIENTIFIC NAMES OF PLANTS 66 [Illustration: Notchtop and Little Matterhorn from Fern Lake.] In 1859, Colorado’s historic gold rush _beckoned a legion of pioneers, and led indirectly to the settlement of the verdant meadows at the foot of the Front Range in the vicinity of modern Estes Park, and eventually to a “rush” of vacationists. As the scenic splendor of this region became better known, many public-spirited citizens recognized the need for preserving portions of the area as a National Park. In 1915, Rocky Mountain National Park was dedicated in simple ceremonies, at what is now called Horseshoe Park. Since that time millions of visitors have enjoyed the natural wonders of the park, including placid mountain lakes, rushing streams, and verdant high-country meadows. Here are trout to catch, native mammals and birds to be seen and photographed, and trails to hike._ [Illustration: Pine tree on bare slopes.]