Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1906-04-02
FOR ARBOR DAY EXERCISE.
STATE SUPERINTENDENT AN
NOUNcES PROGRAM.
Event Looked Forward to With In
terest BY School Children
of The State.
SET ASIDE FOR STUDY OF THE
FLOWERS AND PLANTS.

Arbor day and bird day-a day
| which is TO be set aside BY every
school in the State for the study of
flowers, plants aud birds, will be CD.
served April IL This event is looked
forward to each year by the school
| children with much interest When
/ the day is officially designated the
scholars begin immediate preparations
for celebration.
Plants of all descriptions are OBJ
tained from florists and, in many in
stances, the family flower pots are
robbed, so that the children may have
something TO take TO school with them
| on this day. In many of the public
schools the teachers map out an timer
ary leading far into the country.
They then gather together their schol-
ars aud leave the schoolhouse early in
the morning, and, after a long car
ride, land the children in the midst
of picturesque environments.
The teachers usually take upon them
selves the task of explaining the differ
ent characteristics of the various
plants. Flowers are gathered and
dissected, the teacher explaining in de
tail the different parts. If possible the
boys endeavor to catch a bird, aud
then comes an enthralling description
of tho lives and customs Of the little
featured animals. That the study is
one of great interest is well manifest
ed by the enthusiasm shown by the
students in their endeavors to collect
articles which may be discussed by the
teachers.
Arbor day is observed in nearly
every civilized country The Horti-
cultural Society of Iowa instituted
Arbor day in that state years ago In
a short time thereafter nearly every
state in the Union instituted simi-
lar holiday. Other nations soon after.
ward began to observe the occasion.
France, North and South African
countries, Spain, the Hawaiian Islands
and Japan have lately begun similar
obseryances.
In America Arbor day has as much
significance to the school children as
Washington birthday. the Fourth of
July and other national holidays. In
publication made by the State Su-
perintendent of Education Mr.. NJ.
Bates Stephens, tentative date is
given as Friday, April 6. Mr. Ste
phens has also mapped out a sugges-
tive program which will probably be
followed out by teachers of the public
schools. The program is as follows:
Scripture reading, the teacher
Reading of Governors pruolama-
tion by trustee.
Maryland, My Maryland, " by the
school
Arbor and bird questious. by the
pupils;
Arbor day drill, by six pupils.
Group citations-historic Trees.
Song, The Graud Old Trees. +"
Recitation, s'The Robin and the
Flower"
Recitation, The Song Sparrow. "
Reading, The Nightingale N and the
Glow Worm -
Discussion, How to Improve Our
School Grounds -
Song, Arbor Day.
Planting-exercises
AIbor dav owes its beginning 10 Mr..
j. Streling Morton, Of Nebraska. Mr..
Morton was for many years secretary
Of agriculture, in Washington. He
was also pioneer in the treeless
plains Of Nebraska, aud he knew and
felt the Importance and value of trees.
MI. Morton established three planting
days IN his state in 1878. The idea be.
came popular at once Millions of
trees were planted on the barren
plains. Nebraska is now known as
the tree planters state.