Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1845-09-04
From lhn American ArricultnrI.l.

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! TREES FOR SHADE AND ORNAMENT
The spirit Of authoritarian is carried 10 such an
extent in this country, that the ornamental Is almost
always sacrificed to the useful "What will be the
gain thereof" This is the question propounded,
when any project Is proposed, instead of saying, in
accomplishing this or that object, cannot the useful
and the agreeable be united?
There is nothing that harmonizes the passions of
man, ques the evil influences of trade, or adds to
the ease of the mind more than to throw around him
the various charms which are found III the natural
world-the green fields, the flowers, the fruits ma
jestic trees the WATERFALL in fact the panorama of
creation MS II meets the eye OF the agrcuturst in
lis daily pursuits. 1t enlargcs the soul, expands
The intellect, and exalts man. If this be the effect
OF uieClng nature IN her loneliness, with how much
more zest can these things be enjoyed, when our
own hands have dug the soil, sown the seed, plant
ed the tree, or trained the vine. We view them
then the fruit of our toll and all know there is
more real enjoyment in Witnessing the results of
our own labor, than in partahlng of that which is
bought with silver aud gold.
IL should require no argument ct mine to prove
the value and utility of shade trees in public streets
and roadsd DIES. Yet when look at many places in
the country, more especially westward, | AIN pain
cd At the thought that little attention is given to
bcautliying them with noble shade trees. In too
many cases, the streets are barren of shade the
ocean The people of New England have paid
considerable attention to this subject and, as
consequence, most of the villages are well cared for
in This particular. If any of your readers have ey
er passed through the village Of Upper Mlddetown
Conn. they have probably noticed two splendid
rows OF maple trees running the length of the main
street, which improves the appearance Of the street
more than would the most costly mansion And as
the inhabitants walk beneath the shade Of these
trees on n summers day, and feel the cool breeze
as it floats along and lays among their branches.
have they not just pride IN pointing TO them, and
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native place? | mention this place as an instance,
because it is my natal home; many more might be
noticed, If it were necessary. Take away the elns
from New Haven, and it would be shurn of its
beauty.
But shade trees have their value in pecuniary
point OF view, TOR they increase the value OF Land.
If ali individual is choosing location he does not
l. ok to the worth OF the land itself alone, but
weighs all the advantages and dis advantages the
place possesses; and to Of taste, shade trees
would often he The turning of the scales.
The objection is sometimes urged, when public
improvements OF th,s kind are proposed I'VE may not
reap the benefit, and hat Is it 10 trouble our.
selves about the matter" This selfish spirit, if
carried out by others, would stop many Of the pub
lie improvements ia which mankind are now enga
ged. What would our country be at this time, if
our foretalhers had acted on this principle
friend, Tone of those public spirited men that
the world needs more off, ON temporarily settling
in the Western part Of tins State, was Impressed
with the negligence Of the people IN not ornamcn
ing the place with shade trees ; ANA determining
that something should DC done to remove the re
proach, went to work in the following manner: He
invited the young men il the town to meet him on
a certain evening, us he had proposition to COM
muncate to them that for their advantage. -
This excited their curiosity, and they therefore
met him. He then stated to them the condition of
their town. that no shade trees were TO be seen in
hair ,,lI