The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1903-05-08
BEAuTIFY SCHOOL GROUNDS
Suggestions by State Superintendent
Of Public Instruction Regard
ing the Day.

somewhat late in the season for the
successful planting of trees, the senti-
ment attached to it is, nevertheless
a beautiful one and more and more
each year is it observed. The custom
OF setting aside n day in the year
on which to plant trees was originated
by j. Sterling Morton of Nebraska,
when he was secretary of agriculture,
in Cleveland's second cabinet. In the
schools the day is marked by appro-
pirate exercises and the planting of
trees in the playground by classes.
AS usual, the office of the state
Superintendent of public instruction
has sent a letter to the different coun.
ty superintendent calling attention
to the day and suggesting pro-
grammes. This year the communi-
cation is in the form OF a pamphlet
containing, in addition to the custo-
mary letter, a copy of the governors
proclamation, an article on the varie-
ties of trees best suited for planting,
contributed by Professor r. w. Fisher,
assistant horticulturist at the expert
ment station of the state agricultural
college, and many other matters per-
tinent to the occasion.
To Beauty Grounds.
In his letter the state su%perinten-
dent says:
I'm the preparation of a programme
for Arbor day for 1903, I have had in
mind mainly the thought of beautify-
ing the school grounds by the use OF
those means which nature so bounti-
fully provides, and the creation of a
healthy public sentiment in favor OF
making the places where the children
must spend so much of their time
given the matter any thought realize
the very great Importance and value
of environment in the education of
the young. This factor includes not
only the intellectual atmosphere in
which they live, but everything which
can be made to minister to them.
"a great deal of attention is now
paid to the hygienic conditions OF
school buildings, not simply because
OF the effect upon the physical well
fare of the pupils, but because of the
influence upon their moral nature. In
the same way the general appearance
and condition of the school house
and school grounds act directly in
awakening in the pupils p%leasurable
and uplifting emotions. or the reverse,
as the case may be.
Sensitive to Surroundings.
Il fear that we do not all fully real
ize how sensitive children are to their
surroundings. We cannot be too par
ticular in the matter of seeing that
everything of an Objectionable nature
is removed from the school grounds.
Then, if possible, add something of a
desirable nature, if nothing more than
having the fences repaired.
II realize that many cannot plant
tEees, shrubs or flowers with any as
uranc that they will receive atten-
ton after school has closed, but all
can assist in the creation of an active
public sentiment in favor of putting
the school grounds in proper condi-
ton for future planting. l recon-
mend that, unless you can plant with
some degree of confidence that care
will be given to what you plant, you
refrain from planting. l believe that
to plant and then permit your trees
to die and let the dead trunks and
branches remain to attract attention
is more harmful than to never have
planted at all.
Must Consider Future.
ut is expected that all will carry
out a programme on Arbor day, and
thai all will enter into the observance
OF the day in a manner calculated
to touch the hearts OF the pupils. Re-
member that your pupils will soon
be the school officers of the state
and will, if they have received proper
notions, be more in favor of bestow-
ing care upon the school grounds than
the present generation. You have
the future condition of the school
grounds of the state in your hands.
10 o think that unless you can plant
you do no good.
Every city, village and rural school
house and site should be attractive
by reason of it's beauty.
The school house should be always
associated in the child's mind with