The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1902-02-06

than twenty now offer instruction in
forestry, and it will be but a short
time when forestry will be taught in
every agricultural school in the
United States.
One of the most important agencies
Of education is the observance of car
Dor Day." "Arbor Day" has made
its way from state to state until pro-
vision for its observance has been
made in almost every state in the
Union. Indiana, however, seems to
have forgotten it. rs find no provis-
ion in our state laws for its observance,
which possibly is on account of the
heretofore seemingly inexhaustable
supply of timber
Tie central idea of s'ArbOr Day" is
the planting of trees by school chill
dren ON dates fixed by proclamation of
the Governors of the various states.
The planting is usually accompanied
by appropriate exercises calculated to
impress upon the children lessons
from the trees, and to encourage care
and preservation for shade and for
ests. While the planting may have
in itself little economic value, the in
stitution of the day may exercise re-
spect for trees in the coming genera
ton, and build sentiment which will
finally bring about a general practice
of conservative forestry.
/ would urge that our educational
authorities encourage such an obser-
vance as will impress upon the youth
of Indiana the benefits of tree plant
ing from an economic, as well as an
aesthetic point of view.
No special program need be suggest
ed. Each County Superintendent
should prepare one and publish it in
the local newspapers. The local press
is great educational force, always
ready, and more than willing to aid.
1t should be used more systemati-
cally and continuously than it is.
In addition to "Arbor Day " every
farmer in the state should beautify
his possessions with trees of our native
kind. In and around the out-lot,
along the lane and roadside should
be cherished the oak, walnut, ash,
maple and other native timber most
hardy and beautiful. And as the few
"Red-men" of today are but relics re-
served of the once numerous thousands
that roamed the land at will, so are
the native trees remaining but scanty
relics of the ancient forests.''
The old, familiar poem of George
P. Morris is exceedingly appropriate:
WOodman, spare that tree.
Touch not single Dough!
In youth it sheltered me,
And I'll protect 1T now.
Twas my forefather's hand
That placed it near his cot;
There, wO0dman, let it stand,
Thy axe shall harm it not.
That old familiar tree,
Whose glory and renown
Are spread DER land and sea,
And wouldst thou hew it down?
Woodman, forbear thy stroke.
Cut not its earth-bDund ties:
Oh spare that aged oak,
Now towering to the skies.
When but an idle boy
l sought its graceful shade:
In all their gushing joy
Here too my sisters played:
Ny mother kissed me here:
My father pressed my hand
Forgive this foolish tear,
But let that old oak stand.
My heart-strings round thee cling
Close as thy bark, old friend;
Here shall the wild-bird sing,
And still thy branches bend.
Old tree. the storm still brave!
And, woodman, leave the spot:
While I've hand to save.
Thy axe shall harm it not.
THE PROGRAM.
The program in full for the insti-
tute was as follows.
MONDAY-1O A. NJ.
Music.
Invocation. Rev. r. G. Epson
Presidents Address.
How We Handle Corn Fodder FOR
Best Results .. -.
G. e. Benjamin, Lake County
Response Martin Lowry, Hubbard
AFTERNOON-1:l5
Music
Business Methods on the Farm