Evening journal., 1905-03-25
INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED
By SUPT. TWITMYER
Submits List of Selections
From Poems Bearing on
Arbor Day

Pursuant to the proclamation OF Cow
ernor Preston Lea, superintendent
George W. Twitmyer issued his annual
instructions to the schools yesterday
concerning the observance on Friday next
of Arbor and Bird Day. the day that has
been officially set apart TO promote pro-
lection to trees and birds and TO awaken
IAN interest In arbor culture. His letter
Is as follows and Is explanatory In itself
Of the manner In which the exercises will
be carried out IN the public schools:
Come forth into the light OF things.
Let Nature be your teacher.-Words-
worth.
To Principals and Teachers:
His Excellcncy Preston Lea, Governor
OF she State OF Delaware, has issued a
proclamation. dated March 1s 1906. desig-
mating. according TO law and custom, the
thirty-nrst day OF March TO be observed
by al public schools. private schools coll
leges and other institution" as Arbor and
Bird Day.
The purpose OF tho law Is TO foster and
promote the spirit OF protection to trees
and BIRDS ana TO cultivate appreciation
OF their value to mankind; Il is fittlng
something toward giving our boys and
girls definite knowledge concerning the
material value OF trees and birds, and
OF their beauty In forest, field and park.
Children should be kept close TO nature
and her various moods. Natures secret
ways and pleasant paths are only found
by leading the child TO look from ma
ture up 20 natures God" Nature is
never more amiable than in spring time.
The air Is sweet with the fragrance Of
bud and blossom. and the woods in the
fragile beauty OF tender leaves are as
lovely as tinted transparency. "The
bobolink at this season. a trim Of joy
Gus song In flight. Is everywhere the
lrobin's note Is never stlil. the catbrd
lvoioe Is heard at intervals, and the black.
birds whistle sounds sweet In this
isymposium OF song" The exercises OF this
day can readily be made the means for IN.
Educating a desire to know more Of tree
shrub and flower culture and thus impari
lpractionl information and al the same
time cultivate that fine aesthetic nature
so much TO be desired in all.
For obvious reasons. not much can be
done by way OF actual tree planting but
much can be done 20 develop and promote
the spirit Of the governors proclama-
tion, in talks, songs, recitatlons and COM
positions on various subjects appropriate
&c the day. The following are suggested
How trees help the birds; How trees In.
nuence climate; How trees furnish ma.
terials for clothing. ropes, medicine. oils
homes for birds, houses. furniture etc
The most beautiful trees; The most val
liable trees; Famous trees In history
lNut-bearing trees; The birds know; The
birds ] love best; Usefulness of birds
Why birds should receive our protection
What shall we do with the English spar
row? Why? etc, etc.
other suitable topics will suggest them.
selves. BE careful not 10 make your pro
gram too long. Put into II all the life and
enthusiasm OF which you are capable
Some OF the best lessons pupils receive
are given incidentally. Let the childrer
tell what they know. II is better to havi
a child enjoy what he knows and low,
what he enjoys than to serve up raw
facts by the thousand.
II possible secure a copy Of the re
port Of the Board Of Park Commission
ers for the year 1904 and show TO tn
children what is being done in our cit,
for the protection OF trees. shrubs. now
ers ana birds. and for the beautfying o
our parks mad city thereby ministerin
TO the higher and better nature OF ou
people.
I've are building for. the future;
Every loyal youth and lad,
In his April seed or sapllng
Pounds a dwelling green and glad,
Where the song-blrds of the morning
Round their cradle-homes will play
I And the rain win store its treasure
For the streams that wear away"
Very respectfully yours,
George w. Twitmyer,
Superintendent of Schools
Wilmington, Del, March q. 1905.