Criticism of Yellowstone Lectures — By Dorr G. Yeager.
Probably the most severe criticism of the lecture system in Yellowstone at the present time is the distribution of subject matter. We aim to give each visitor who comes to the park a well rounded story of the park in the proper sequence. That is, Geology, Human History and Indians, Animals, Birds and Flowers. With tourists pouring in from give entrances, and with those driving their own cars not taking a standard trip it is next to impossible to so distribute the lecture material as to reach all of the people on all of the subjects, without duplicating at some points and so obliging the visitor to hear a part of a lecture twice at two different points. It is a difficult problem and one that requires considerable study and time to remedy.
Another criticism is that of too many lectures. At Mammoth, for example, three lectures are given each evening. In my opinion this is a duplication of effort. We should tend toward larger audiences and fewer lecturers, thereby raising the standard of each lecture. Government auditoriums should be established at each point where the centers (lodges, camps, hotels, etc.) are reasonably close together, and lectures should be delivered in these. It might be wise to schedule several lectures during an evening on different subjects, permitting the visitor to attend the one which he desired.
A criticism which we are working hard to remedy is that of the lack of illustrated talks. Of the eleven evening talks in Yellowstone, only two were illustrated last year. This is, of course, a gain of two over the year. We are hoping to add several illustrated talks next season.
Advantages:
1. Great many people.
2. More men lecturing means more qualified lecturers.
Disadvantages:
1. Lectures not properly correlated.
2. Problems arise from illustrated lectures.
3. Problems arising through cooperation with public operators
Changes suggested:
1. More illustrated lectures.
2. Better places to deliver lectures.
Criticism of Present Park Lectures in Lassen National Park — By Geo. L. Collins:
There is as yet no organization in this park which has as its major duty the business of effecting educational work. Because of this, our efforts are very limited as we must at present use our entire force in administrative and constructive work. The field for educational work in Lassen is open and ready for cultivation now. I think that Lassen presents one of the very finest opportunities that the naturalist could wish, but I shall not of course attempt to criticize something that is as yet entirely out of my province.
