The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-04-12
INDIANA ARB0R DAY.
Programme of Exercises Suggested for the
Schools of Indiana, April Ia.

Prepared by w. D. NJ Hooper, City Librarian.
In preparing programme of exercises for
Arbor Day there is one important thing to bear
in mind, namely that the great business OF the
day is tree-p planting, and not tree-talking The
chief exercises then, should be muscular, not
vocal Take time by the forelock, and have all
your arrangements made ahead; above all, have
clear understanding of what you are going to do
whe1fthe time comes.
Draw rough plan of the schoolhouse and
surrounding grounds. Mark out upon this the
location of the trees TO be planted, having an
eye to the picturesque effect which will be pro
duced when they have reached larger growth.
Get the trees to be planted ready on the ground
early, the day before the ceremony if possible.
Provide plenty of tools, so that every one who
wishes may have share in doing the good
work. Do not plant too many, but leave room
for others to have the pleasure OF setting out
more each succeeding year. 1t would be appro
pirate to name each tree planted after some
great literary educational man, and an inter
esting part of the ceremonies would then be
christening the trees
Remembering first that to the God of nature
must be left the success of the days work, and
secondly that the literary exercises should be
short, here is the outline of programme which
will be sufficient:
l. Reading of 65th Psalm.
2. Prayer.
8. Reading or Recitation-W. c. Bryant's Forest
Hymn, commencing 1.-The Groves were God 5
First Temples"
4. Short address.
5. The Business of the Day-Planting.
Here are a few suggestions: Divide your
workers into as many squads as there are trees to
plant Dig the holes. When all is ready, let
the squads take hold of the trees and at given
signal drop them into position.
Fill in the earth around the roots carefully,
pressing it down we'll and leveling the ground
neatly. If possible, have some good turf ready
and put it around the foot of the trees.
6. Christening the Tree.
Either depute one person to christen all the
trees, and do this by forming a process and
marching to each in succession or let each tree
be christened by a different person simultane-
ously. If the latter, let it be done by the young
ladies or girls; the young men and boys have
done the work. This may be carried out as fol
lows: Let the person who is to perform the Ger
emony have a vessel of water, and when ready
repeat short form of words somewhat like this
20, treel / name you - there pour the
water upon the ground.) Grow and flourish, to
rejoice the hearts of this and coming generations
Spread your limbs to shelter their bodies, put
forth your leaves to gladden. their hearts, even
as he whose name you bear strengthens their
lives with his noble influence and beauties
their souls with his golden thoughts"
z. Reading-Bryant's Planting of the Apple Tree.
8. Patriotic Song-America.
If there is time and it is decided to make the
literary exercises longer, the following selec
tions and songs would be appropriate: WOOD
man, Spare That Tree" Sarah Roberts Voice
of the Grass ('Here | come creeping) "Brave
Old Oak words by Chorley; music by Loder.