Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-01-24


through wooded country has been raised
many degrees in heat Trees and plants cx
ercise great power upon the air in another
sense Under the influence Of the sun they
absorb carbonic acid from the air and reject
the oxygen which is so necessary for the
support Of animal life. Thus by "a beautiful
harmony, animal and vegetable life agree to
take each what the other does not need. The
dissemination of malaria is thus i'll great
measure prevented by trees and plants. The
air is rendered cooler in summer by the great
exhalation of water from the leaves, and
there is something more than shade that pro-
duces the refreshing GOODNESS of grove.
Taking all these into consideration, as well
as the highly ornamental effect produced,
should we not have our streets and houses
surrounded by trees and shrubs
Too close planting of trees about house,
keeping it constantly in a dense shade, how
ever. is unhealthy, as has been abundantly
proved, A judicious surrounding with shrub
berry will greatly improve the appearance of
the toughest habitaton, as well as make it
more nealtn1ul 10 tnt TeSlucntS.
In this State the majority of the community
is in an unsettled condition, constantly on the
change, especially in a manufacturing neigh
borhood. To this cause is attributable the
little care which is taken to beautify home. A
home presupposes a house. and let every young
man. by all means, use his first earnings
to purchase one. for a permanent residence
The house is a teacher and an index of the
state of civilization, and cxerts powerful in
tiuence upon its inhabitants as well as upon
those who live near. There is great room
for Improvement in the homes of most New
England farmers. Wooden buildings pre-
dominate even in places where abundant sup
plies of stone and other building material of
like substantial character are plentiful.
The attractions of home are much bright
ened by a garden, and there is no reason why
every farmer should not have one. In a coun-
try so diversified as this, there is great oppor-
tunity to combine art with nature in the dec
Grafton of our homesteads. The more we
foster love of nature the better we shall be-
The lecturer said he would give no special
course for general adoption each home must
have plan and a law of its own. The best
capital in these improvements is the love of
zeal for them which will surely arise. Far
mers' Clubs can be of great aid in the matter
of identifying our homes. BY the discussion
of plans, the best may be obtained, and the
emulation which will arise will achieve great
results, indicative of long stride of civiliza-
ton.
Some questions were asked in regard to
facts represented in the lecture, bearing upon
the different degrees of temperature caused
by belts of trees in certain sections Of the
country, and answered by the lecturer, and
also by Professor Fernald
Mr. Brown of Mass. said all bodies contain
a certain amount Of heat which is being con-
tinually exhailed. We can gain much by
planting belts of trees on our farms. He
referred to a successful experiment at Nahant,
where trees were grown on a barren island by
erecting fence and tree barriers which raised
the temperature. We are. people, just
what our homes are. This assertion will
hold good the country over. We are bound,
in duty, to improve every moment of our
lives. knowledge obtained here is not lost
it is just so much gained for the world to
come. All kinds of improved machinery and
tools are civilizers-money producers. He
says in his town they have an officer known
as the Town Forester, who has charge of the
shade trees. Several car loads of rock ma
pies are obtained from Maine or New Hamp-
shire, and furnished to those who will plant
and care for them. ~. * l.@
The surroundings of home must be pleas
ant to make it attractive to the young. Every
house should have good garden attached for
growing fruits vegetables, &C., for family
use. r
DR.. Garcelon of Lewiston, said the ques-
ton of planting forest trees should be made a
matter of public interest. DR.. Garcelon takes
great interest in agricultural matters, and was
sorry to see so small an attendance of the
citizens of the city and county at these meet
ings. If our men of influence were more in
terested it would not be so.
Adjourned. N
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The subject before the meeting during the
forenoon was continued for discussion. A
Mr.. Nickerson of Readfield, said there are
| many other varieties of shade trees than those
| spoken of this forenoon. Thinks fruit trees are
| as good for shade as others, besides being val
liable for their productions. Prefers short,
| low headed to high, large trees.
Mr.. Wilder of Pembroke, said some have
planting shade trees. The tornado last fall
caused much destruction in Washington coun-
ty, and more than three quarters of the forest
trees are laid low. Thinks the Board should
recommend setting out trees in all parts of