Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-04-04
Who Invented ssArbOr Day7''
HIS NAME Is MORTON.

UNITED STLTES DEPARTMENT OF AGRI.
CULTURE, FORESTRY BUREAU, )
WASHINGToN, d. c., March 31st, 1855.
To the Editor of THE EVENING STAR:
In your issue of yesterday you ask "Who
invented .Arbor Day?' Or, in other words, who
first suggested the idea OF setting apart q day
every year for the purpose OF systematically
planting trees in the denuded and waste places
of the country?"
For the suggestion Of an annual tree planting
day we are indebted to Ex-Governor ]. Sterling
Morton, one Of the most intelligent and enter
prising citizens of Nebraska. Feeling, as the
early settlers in the prairie states could not but
feel, the lack of trees for fuel lumber and shade
as we'll as to protect them from the billiards. OF
winds Of summer, they were almost compelled
one of their first necessities to plant trees to
some extent. But this was done In an imme-
thodical manner, and was limited for the most
part to the planting of class of trees like the
cottonwood, Of comparatively little value.
Gov. Morton saw that this unsystematic man.
ner of planting would never meet the needs of
the rapidly increasing population and the great
objects to be secured by proper supply of trees
gested that q particular day should be fixed
upon in each year to be observed as tree-plant-
ing day, the object being to fix attention upon
the work and to stimulate them by the knowi.
edge that they were engaged in a common and
widespread undertaking, and to give them an
ward the work as extensively as they might be
inclined to do 1t was not designed to limit the
tner to % Sae ssa
premiums by the state, by towns or by agricul-
tural or other societies for the largest number of
trees planted.
The suggestion of Gov Morton was well re-
ceived. The state AGRICULTURAL society desfe-
mated the I'd day Of April, 1872, to be observed
that IS Claimed that ss trees were
has been regarded with increasing interest.
year by year, made public proclamation of q
day for tree planting and called upon the peo-
pie for its hearty observance, and it is esti-
mated that there are now in Nebraska more
than 100000 acres Of cultivated wood land.
The example OF Nebraska has been followed
eral other states, embracing some that were
once well wooded, but whose forests have been
to great extent recklessly cut down and con-
At the meeting Of the American forestry con-
gress in 1883 resolution was adopted recon-
mending the appointment of arbor day in all
of Canada, and committee was appointed for
the purpose Of bringing the subject to their at
tention. This action has secured the further
adoption of arbor day, and there is reason to
be established throughout the country. Happy
Wilt be for the country when it shall be thus
observed. The consequent advantages In the
identifying of our cities and villages and in eli
matte and economic results will be immeasur-
able.
We have striking example in our own city
OF what systematic tree planting will do I'm few
years. The trees, which border our streets are
now one of the chief charms of Washington.
Who would consent to have them removed
These trees, If massed together at the average
distance Of trees in our woodlands, would now
constitute forest Of from i've to six hundred
acres In extent. In q sanitary point Of view
alone such q forest II invaluable.
N. 81. E0GLESToN.
Answers to the same purport as the above
have been received from &c. G. H" and "a. G..
R." The latter adds:
ssMr. Morton resides near Nebraska city, has
been life long democrat, and his beautiful
place IL named sArbor Lodge