The Portland daily press., 1876-03-27
THE FARM AND HOUSEHOLD.
Centennial Tree.PIantinp.

WIN ShSaO ploPlicty we ueVOle IL 10 lOOklnS
back upon the first century of national life,
and especially TO recalling the incidents of
hardship and sacrifice which mark the be.
ginning of our independent existence. But
while it is right and profitable thus ''to le-
cur to pleasing recollections and indulge in
refreshing remembrance of the past" it is no
less incumbent upon us to remember that
we are not only closing The first century, but
we are also beginning the second century;
and the fact that we now partake of fruits
whose seeds other hands planted, suggests a
seed-time for ourseves-the rich. heritage we
receive from our fathers imposes upon us
corresponding obligations to our children.
Merely devoting the year to clarifying our
selves, or even TO building the tombs of our
ancestors, will not entitle us to discharge
in full from our responsibilities so long as the
demands of the future are entirely ignored.
We suffer from no anxiety as to the name
and fame of the founders CT this government.
They have taken good care of themselves
their record is complete and their renown is
secure; but we confess to no small degree of
solicitu1e for ourselves as these questions
confront us. How can we worthily sustain
the grand inheritance transmitted to us
What can we build up so strong and so well
that it shall survive the shocks and storms of
another century and be counted not as bape
but blessing for those who shall live then
in our places?
In making this a year of commemoration
and in dpyisipU rnaacuroo Gov ,oroo@,o+;.~
tn names and deeds of our forefathers, and
also in defining new points of departure
toward whatever is excellent in the future:
variety of commendabe suggestions will be
made, all entitled to consideration, and many
of them worthy of fulfiIlment. For example:
Building monument that should rival the
Misunderstanding National Universe
tY, or better still endowing those institutions
OF learning that have already earned a right
TO live-erecting memorial churches, hospit-
ais, libraries, and art galeries-in fine OPEN
ing somewhere, and If practical everywhere,
wells, that shall satisfy the desires of mems
souls with perennial supply. Transform
there ideals into realities land we make marks
upon our globe that will be enduring: and
they will be reckoned not only for their in
trinsic value, but as fitting memorials of those
who deserved to aforementioned.
Recognizing the. fact that many of the pro-
posed plans would require large expenditure,
and thereby be confined within the narrow
limits which only the few could enter-we
therefore propose something neither new, nor
strange; but simple, and practicable, and an.
propriate to this century-year-the planting
or settingout trees.
Custom has already connected this simple
transaction with interesting or important
events-such as The visit of distinguished
person, the anniversary of ones birth, some
remarkable occurrence, the erection of a
building, or the completion of an important
period in Individual or national life. Its ne
culiar appropriateness the present year, con-
sists in affording the twofold opportunity for
reviving the instructive lessons: and memoir
les OF the past by such memorials, and for
benefcent transmission of ourselves to DOS
terlty through the same medium; and we
thus infuse into an ordinary and meterial act,
sublime and almost spiritual significance.
We trust therefore that every man, woman
and child will contribute their mite towards
this year Of remembrance, by setting out al
least single tree-and it is within the
compass Of the youngest child, 10 scatter up
on the earth the seed OF some forest growth
and thus the most rapid and vigorous results
in arboriculture are frequently obtained.
As the interval between the thaw;ng of the
earth, and the unfolding of the leaf, is so
short, the cultivator of the soil is very apt to
neglect the planting of trees, and to yield to
the pressure of the ordinary seed sowing
which at the same time demand his atten-
ton. 1t is well therefore not to wait for in
dividual action, which is often mpuIsive
and unreliable; but rather 10 depend
upon the movements of organizations and
associations. Through the agency of agricul,
tural and horticultural societies, of literary
and religious organizations, of ladies circles,
and even the children of the schools; the
work of century ca1 easily be done the pres
ent year, in this department of town and
village characterization.
As the planting of tree is good thing of
itself, at any time, in any place, we would
not by any means discourage home adorn-
ment, now we desire to recommend special
attention to public grounds, in streets,
squares and parks, around churches, school,
houses and public buildings, those places
where men of business congregate and also
the cemeteries where the silent majority rest
To give such movement its fullness of ex-
preston, it should be of the people, and for
The people.
AS to the time TO be chosen for such work
we should ordinarily say, when the condition
of earth and air are favorable, the axe sharp.
the spade strong and the arm vigorous, and
yet there is an obvious propriety in observing
certain days and months in this centennial
year; and therefore whenever it is practical
bic, the anniversaries OF historical occur
ances may well be regarded. Much has been
accomplished In this direction in the West
by concert of action upon a specified day:
and ia this year of years their institution of
Arbor Day, might be appropriately trans
planted to New England soil.
We have avoided all reference to the usual
considerations urged in favor of planting
trees, the rich returns from wood and timber,
from shade and fruit. Persons who have
served their generation in this department.
have always been regarded as public benefac
tors.and always will be. And yet it seems TO
us, that the present year is full even of
higher suggestiveness and in the presenta-
ton of our subject, we prefer TO regard it not
as matter of fact transaction, but as one of
pure sentiment.
BE Sociable With Your Cattle.
Said farmer to me, last spring: "When
we were drawing out manure, let the bows
drive to the lot, and l stayed in the yard, be-
cause / could put on better loads. And the
cows commenced to give more milk right off,
Now this man is an active, industrious. in
telligent, experienced farmer; and vet, when
he is pliDg manure in the yard, his cows give
perceptible increase in their milk. VIM?
One OF his handsome grade Short-horns that
he is so proud of, seeing him around, goes up
tn him and says. as plain as COW can say,
'Give me lock of hay" and he gives it to
her. Another says, "Mr. Stevens, don't you
think that rack wants cleaning out % and on