Die Gefahrdung der Naturdenkmäler und Vorschläge zu ihrer Erhaltung

Abstract

READERS may naturally ask, “What is a Nature denkmal?” and, since the word is a comparatively new one to the German vocabulary, necessitating its elucidation by the author even for German readers, it may not be out of place if we explain its meaning, as near as possible, in his own words. The usual meaning of “Denkmal” to the German mind suggests a monument or memorial to commemorate some famous personage or victory (for example, Gœthe-Denkmal, Sieges-Denkmal). But in addition to this the title is often applied to outstanding works in science, literature, music, &c. Further, the remains of ancient buildings or works of art of whatever kind which have a historical, technical, or educative value, are spoken of as Bau- and Kunst-Denkmaler. Also the term is applied to prehistoric remains, such as lake-dwellings, burying mounds, urns, tools and weapons of stone or metal; however, the author points out that all those Denkmaler are of artificial origin, that is, the result of man's work and ingenuity. The term Natur-denkmal has a wider application, and includes certain results of nature's handiwork, for example, the elaborately carved stone obelisk is a Denkmal of recent times, and the rough stone-block, erected by the hand of man to commemorate the dead, forms a prehistoric Denkmal; while the Glacial boulder, carried from afar in a former epoch and deposited on the plain by natural forces, forms a Denkmal of nature, or as the artificially built up cairn and rampart wall of a former age may form prehistoric Denkmäler, so the hill and mountain range, formed without man's intervention, are Denkmaler of nature.

Die Gefahrdung der Naturdenkmäler und Vorschläge zu ihrer Erhaltung.

By H. Conwentz. Pp. xii + 207. (Berlin: Borntraeger, 1904.) Price 2 marks.