Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. During 1953 the Mountaineering Committee continued its efforts to promote rock-climbing safety, with special emphasis on instruction in dynamic belaying and principles of leadership. A regular program of belaying practice has been initiated, and preparation of a movie showing various aspects of dynamic belaying is now in progress. The film should be available for distribution to other clubs within the next few months.

Our usual program of weekly local climbing has continued, and during 1953 participation in these trips has totaled about 1000 “climber days” without serious accident. Several groups of climbers from Pittsburgh have visited Washington to join in our local climbing and use our facilities for belay practice.

Eight members of the group climbed in the Coast Range of British Columbia during the summer and made four first ascents. Another party made several minor ascents in the Tetons and climbed the Devils Tower on their return trip. Five members of the committee participated in the Rock Climbing Safety Conference sponsored by the A. M. C. in New Haven.

During the year, Up Rope, the official publication of the Mountaineering Committee, entered its ninth year of continuous publication.

J. C. Reed, Jr.