Arbor Day Celebrations

We cannot encourage nature study in schools without producing external evidences in the beautification of school grounds, and we must not overlook the value of our native trees as subjects for nature study; their flowers, fruits, and economic uses are interesting, and many useful lessons may be derived through their study.

It is our duty to impress on children that trees are living organisms, that injuries done to them in thoughtlessness may result in their death, and when trees serve a useful function in Nature they should be protected; thus children will be taught to respect shade trees when planted for the comfort and enjoyment of future generations.

The institution of Arbor Day which is an annual feature in so many large cities, affords a splendid opportunity for children and grown ups to share with each other the pleasure and responsibility of establishing shade trees in the vicinity of our schools and homes, thus adding to the beauty of our surroundings.

Believing that the establishment of Arbor day celebrations will be for the good of the community, and recognizing its close relation to nature study, it should be our duty to see that this side of civic development is not neglected. There are however so many phases of Arbor day work, and so many points to be explained, that it is impossible for me to do more at the present time than merely refer to this topic. Before we take any active part, it will be necessary for the rank and file of our members to know what we propose to do, and how we propose to do it, so that each may discover what part he or she may take in carrying the work through. Perhaps on some future occasion I may have an opportunity of discussing details of the scheme with you, we shall then see what our Society can do to give an impetus to the movement.