The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-09-06

To those who believe that the dead trees
which arc permitted TO stand or our side
walks are highly ornamental to the streets. 1t
will be gratifying to hear that another such
tree has been added to the great number
already in existence in this city. 4 large tree
at the corner Of Seventh and Franklin has
been suddenly stricken with the spirit Of de-
cav. and that neighborhood, therefore, will
for many years to come. if any inference rel
alive TO il can be drawn from the instance OF
other localities enjoy the advantage OF having
tall dead tree overlooking its sidewalks.
The majority Of persons will perhaps be so
perverted in their ideas as not 10 consider the
presence Of such tree as an advantage.
They will say that it is impossible for de-
nuded trunk 10 add anything 20 the beauty OF
the local surroundings OF to cast grateful
shade. They will. perhaps, also remark that
10 allow dead tree to stand on tho sidewalk
is TO expose the passers-bv 70 danger TO life
and limb. as the wind is not unlikely to blow
down at any moment the decayed limbs and
even the body of the tree. They may even
assert that 10 permit such tree 10 stand Is an
injury to the general reputation OF the city.
because apparently indicative Of municipal
Indifference and carelessness.
We beg TO assure all persons who entertain
these. opinions that they are laboring under
a serious mistake. 1t is not 10 be imagined
that our municipal authorities would for
years permit dead trees 10 stand on our side
walks Il they were just cause for apprehen-
sion OF unornamental in their appearance
The very length Of time during which so
many of these trees have stood IS an evidence
that the confidence Of the municipal au-
thorities in their seasoned Vgor Is well
founded. AID that there is no reason why they
will not remain as they are indefinitely. Has
any one ever heard OF any injury being IN
ficted by the fall Of one Of these dead trees
either in parts or as a whole? So far as we
know there is not tradition even TO that
effect. and the fact that 10 one has been IN
injured in the past by them Is an excellent
indication that no one will be injured by
them in the future Who can dispute this
course of reasoning
So far as the ornamental character Of these
dead trees is concerned it is only an unedu-
Gated eye which does not recognize that they
are distinguished for charm of their own.
To have unbroken lines Of living trees on our
sidewalksis to,introduce a spirits Of monotony
which must necessarily be distasteful. A dead
tree here and there undoubtedly gives q
marked variety of coloring which cannot fail
TO please every one who views it. Nobody
can deny that variety is thing TO be de-
sired, and when it can be obtained at as
little expense ne in this instance it must be
disconnected spirit that would object to it.
To those who question the attractiveness of
this kind Of vari ETY. we would venture TO sug-
gest that our municipal authorities probablyre-
tam these dead trees on the sidewalks in order
tomake the citizens Of Richmond more appre-
ciatiye of the living trees. Involuntary
when one of these dead trees is noticed the
mind pictures what the street would be if all
the standing trees on the street were in the
same decayed condition, and the fact that
they are not at this time, though they must
be in tho future. as no dead trees are replaced
by living trees. affords an agreeable sense Of
relief
Whatever other good may be accomplished
by the presence of these dead trees in the city,
there can be no doubt that they cultivate in
our citizens an emotion of profound ven
Grafton. Many of these dead trees have been
standing so long that they have come to be
regarded as ancient monuments and land
marks The dead tree at the corner Of Sew
enth and Franklin has only just begun its
career. but in the long lease Of existence
which it has before it. it may Justly expect to
become a familiar and reyered obec not
only TO the generations now living. but even
10 generations yet unborn.