The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1882-04-29
A Town Tree-Day.

anu lii oiS Hteu, anu aclcu with que regard
to the welfare of posterity, we OF the pre-
sent generation would not be under the
necessity of seeking to replace that which
they so thoughtIessly destroyed.
Shade trees set out along the high
way produce very pleasing effect and add
greatly to the beauty of the landscape. l
have read of many plans that have been
suggested to encourage people in this good
work. We have "a plan in this town which
has proved very successful.
The first of May, or "treeday," as we
have come to term it, is devoted to setting
out trees along the highway, and has come
to be recognized as sort of town institu.
ton. Of course there is nothing binding in
the observance of that day, but nearly ev-
cry man III town manages to honor the oc
cassion by SITTING out trees, ranging IN
number from ore upwards. some planting
as high as thirty on that day. 1t is only
two years since we adopted this plan, and
there are now in the town probably two
thousand trees alive and Furnishing as the
result of our tree-day labors.
We do not confne ourselves to any par
ticular class of trees, but as naples are
very plentiful in this part of tire country,
and will bear transplanting better than
some other kinds grow rapidly and make
very fine shade trees, we use them mostly
though we use also elm and locust We
expect that this year much larger num-
Der of trees will be set out than in both
the two years past. Other towns have
caught the inspiration and will this year
unite with US in observing the first of May
as tree-day. 1t is our custom to close the
laborS of the day with an entertainment at
the town hall, where the programme is
made up of recitations, oratiors, essays,
papers and music a report.of the num-
Der Of trees planted during the day, with
the name of each individual planting them
and the number set out by each, Is read,
and makes very profitable ending of
day spent in so pleasant and agreeable
manner. We charge only small fee for
admission, or complying with article fourth
of the following instructions, which we OBJ
serve in setting out trees:
INSTRUCTIONS.
Art. If possible cooperate with your neigh
bors and plant trees in straight rows leaving a
space Of ~ feet for & walk between the trees
and the fence.
Art, 2.-Trees should be cut back to height Of
about II feet.
Art. 3-The law for the abatement Of road tax
requires maple trees TO be set so feet apart; elm
trees - feet; locust trees SO feet.
Art. L. Every person carefully setting out
tree along any public highway will be entitled
to ticket to the Tree Day Entertainment
Art. 5.-Tickets or passes may be obtained from
the yicepresidents or from the secretaries on the
eve of the entertainment.
Art. 6.-ThOse who cannot attend the exer-
cises are requested to send their names and the
number of trees set out, to the secretary.
Art. THE names Of those who set out trees
and the number set viii be recorded by the sec
retaries and be publicly announced.
Art S,-An honorary list Will also be published
in one or two local papers Of those who set out
three or more trees.
Each person who sets out a tree or trees
on that day before entering the hall hands
in to the secretaries his name and the num-
Der of trees set out by him, receives his
ticket and passes in. This gives the secre-
taries ample time to make out their rey ort,
which is read later in the evening An hon
orary list containing the names of those
who have set out three or more trees is
published in the local papers. This holds
out superior inducements to the small boy
who is anxious to see his name in print,
and doubtless causes the transplanting of
many tree that otherwise would never
have left its native forest.
This plan originated with Mr. Daniel C..
Hopkins, an energetic young fruit-grower.
He has witnessed the beginning of n noble
work that shall endure for years
and years after the present generation has
passed from the stage of action. We think
we have solved the problem how 70 interest
the people in this cause, and hope to see
others adopt this plans We expect to see
this cause prosper and grow until every
roadside and by-waY throughout the State
shall be lined with beautiful shade trees.
J. B. f. ALMOND, Ny.