The Press., 1891-05-07
A Plea For The Trees.

[Composed especially for arbor day exercises at the Rockville high school, by F. DAISY WHIToN.l
 During the last few years considerable interest has been manifested in the plant ing of trees, both the ornamental and those more prominently useful. No doubt this has been increased by the opinion that our forests were being diminished by the widespread devastations of the num- erous lumber trusts.
 How barren life would seem if all were one vast desert of waste! It seems as If life must almost be 8 drudgery where no trees are Did you ever think how many times our country has been preserved by forest? Shall we suppose that Bur- goyne's pursuit of the American army in his celebrated expedition in the Revolu- tionary war was arrested by no interposi- tion of Providence through the agency of the silvas of northern New York? What a peculiar sensation comes over & person at the sight of one of those grand old elms! There is one seeming to stand apart from all of the other trees in it's vi- cinity. It reminds one of an aged man, who, having outlived all his friends, seemed to be alone in the world. Should we not have a superior regard for such an one? Yet how often, how very often, we find person in such circumstances mall treated by those who should be friends. Are not trees in forest like human be- ings in throng? There stands that most graceful of trees, the weeping willow, so humble. A shade of sadness seems to pervade it's every limb. Yet every one admires it. Over there in the corner is the joyous birch, bending to the will of every one, and seeming to say, "Yes," /" "yes." Here by your side, for you are unconsciously leaning against it,. is the oak, which is universally called the king of the forest. Little is it moved by its neighbors. When scarcely more than 8 twig it has learned to stand on it's own foundation, consequently when it reaches years of maturity it not only relies on it's own strength, but it also supports others less strong. There is the poplar, that tall tree, "as proud as peacock Can you find no charm in all these? "But," :" you say, i've do not set out birches on arbor day." Pray, why not? Simply be- cause it is not the fashion.
 Don't cut down that ancient oak on yonder hill. It has stood through these many years, let it remain until it dies of old age. To be sure it contains a large amount of lumber, which, if sold, would bring a good price. But are we to dis pense with all of our ideals of beauty for money merely? Shall we do away with all our shade trees which beautify our homes and make our life more worth the living of it? Shall that old maple which stands in front of the old fashioned farm house be cut down as & "modern improve ment?" Shall that old elm by the side of the factory be destroyed? Nay, it will bring comfort to some weary one after the labor of the day to rest the eyes upon that bit of green. Let trees be planted in our parks and in our public streets, and let them be protected by city law. Spare the tree that has stood for ages, almost centuries, and has seen as many generations rise and fall. Look out for that old tree; it needs pruning. Enrich the earth around this young shrub, it is struggling for existence. Plant shrubs on the lawn, they will make 1t more at | tractive and break the monotony. Plant trees and shrubsSin all suitable places nourish them; otS least once year add tu
 the original collection by replacing those that have died, esc., and you will be amply
 rewarded for yohr effort.