These as the proverb says of the poor, we always have with us. From time to time experts in white pine blister rust, watching and searching for their pet pest, pay us a visit during their travels but no infection has yet been found in this vicinity.

The bark beetle, however, which years ago played havoc in the north part of the park among the lodgepole pines (Pinus contorta) has made sporadic appearances elsewhere. Since most of the trees of the south Rim are hemlocks there is no worry in that respect. But a group of very picturesque old white bark pines on the rim near the Community House are doomed. They are marked for cutting to prevent spreading of this pest. The bark shows pitch tubes in places so thick that it might have been peppered with a shot gun. The trees serve very nicely as an outdoor laboratory for demonstration to those interested, and a bit of bark peeled off will disclose larvae in various stages of development. This particular school for elementary forestry will be closed this week, however, when the axe lays low these infected trees.