neath this fragmental material is found to be solid lava, indicating the quiet nature of the earlier eruptions. The lava rose through north-south fissures some 5 miles long, but it was a stiff, viscous mass that did not flow freely. Consequently, it swelled up and, on cooling, formed a long domelike mountain. Afterward it was buried under the immense accumulations produced by the violent eruptions. If a valley like that of Chalone Creek had been cut along the west side, the remaining fragmental accumulations would have been removed, and there would be no picturesque pinnacles. On the other hand, if the eroded materials could be replaced, the restored vol- cano would be an outstanding peak of the coast ranges, comparable with those of 8,000 feet and higher in the Ventura region today. Several conditions have helped to preserve an important remnant of the volcanic mass. In the semiarid climate the rate of erosion is less rapid than it was during long humid periods in its earlier history. The climate helps also in another way. Moisture enters the pores of the rocks during the rains and later evaporates from the surface, where it deposits silica and other mineral matter which it dissolves from the volcanic ash and lava fragments. This hardens the surface of the rock and protects the softer materials within. Where the crust breaks away the rock crum- bles rapidly, and cavities several feet in diam- etter have been hollowed out, some of which may be seen along the trails. Faulting likewise has protected the forma- tion on the old west slope. A north-south belt 2 to 3 miles wide, which has sunk down along fissures at the east and west sides, now holds all that is left of the volcanic materials. They have been swept away completely from the areas of granite bedrock to the east and the west, but the granite bulwarks delay ero- sion and thus protect and preserve the sunken area between. This belt sank more at the west than at the east, so the layers of fragmental materials are steeper now than they were originally on the west slope of the volcano. The strong westerly dip appears at many places. It is particularly prominent along the switchback trail that leads up from the tunnel to the summit. Vertical cracks that were formed by the movements also are prominent, and they have largely aided and guided the erosion that shaped and separated the pinnacles. Unequal hardness of the beds also has produced odd forms, especially where a soft layer has crum- bled and left a great block like a head perched on a slender neck. Both the lava core of the volcano and the fragmental materials that came up through the numerous craters are composed mainly of rhyolite, a lava that is closely related to gran- ite. If it had cooled slowly beneath the sur- face it would have formed granite. Several other types of lava are found, including small amounts of basalt. Flora and Fauna The lower slopes of the monument are thickly covered with a dense mantle of brush, which is mostly chamise. Interspersed with this brush are scattered stands of digger pine, which is gradually spreading and some day may comprise an extensive forest cover. In the canyons and ravines are shady groves of live oaks. Chamise is important in furnishing food and protection for the monument's wildlife, and the digger pines afford safe roosting places for many of the larger birds. Deer are common in the monument, as are also raccoons, gray foxes, ground squirrels, cottontails, and wood rats. Less frequently seen are coyotes and bobcats. Pinnacles National Monument is notable for the variety and interest of its birdlife. Approximately 95 species have been observed. Rarest and most spectacular is the duck hawk. Its close cousin, the prairie falcon, is more common. The golden eagle is also present, but of the monument's large birds, the turkey vulture is most in evidence. In the vicinity of the high cliffs, the white-throated swift and his companions in flight, the violet-green swallow, the tree swallow, and the cliff swal- low may be seen. Other birds often seen are the raven, sparrow hawk, black phoebe, the California woodpecker, the California linnnet, the mourning dove, the California jay, the rock wren, and the western bluebird. The white-crowned and the golden-crowned spar- row are commonly seen during the winter. How To Reach the Monument The monument is open all year. It is just off State Route 25, 35 miles south of Hollister, and about the same distance north of King City. In approaching the monument from the north, leave U. S. 101 about 2 miles south of Gilroy; from the south, at King City. Ap- proaching from the San Joaquin Valley, the best route is over Pacheco Pass, State Route 152. All roads are paved. Visitor Use Fees Automobile, house trailer, and motorcycle permit fees are collected at entrance stations. When vehicles enter at times when entrance stations are unattended, it is necessary that the permit be obtained before leaving the park and be shown upon reentry. The fees applicable to the park are not listed herein because they are subject to change, but they may be obtained in advance of a visit by ad- dressing a request to the superintendent. All National Park fees are deposited as revenue in the U. S. Treasury; they offset, in part, appropriations made for operating and maintaining the National Park System. Camping and Picnicking You may camp and picnic in the headquar- ters area. Facilities, which are available with- out charge, include suitable tent or trailer space with table, fireplace, spring water, and East entrance to monument Camel Rock from Caves Trail