Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1906-04-25
L. B. Prince Tells of
Denver's s Effort to
Promote Arbor
Day.
MAKES CITY BEAUTIFUL
Municipality Presents Shrubs
to Property Owners Or
der Secure Handsome
Thoroughfares.

Hon. l.. b. Prince, who returned
from Denver last Saturday afternoon,
was present in that city at the time
of the free distribution of trees for
street planting purposes, on Arbor
Day, and gave an interesting account
of the novel proceedings to repre-
sentative of the New Mexican.
| He said:
"Yes, ! happened to be in Denver
just on the right day to see the free
distribution of shade trees. I had
read about the immense number that
the city had bought and proposed to
donate to those who would plant them
properly, but | was very glad to be
present and see the plan in actual op.
Grafton, for the scene was not only
novel but very interesting. The distri.
button took place at a number of
points, but the place where l saw it
was ON Champa Street in a vacant lot
not far from oath Street. Long be-
| fore ! reached the place itself, could
see the great crowd, which gave the
idea that circus was in operation.
There were hundreds Of people, some
in wagons, some in buggies, and the
greater number on foot. Women pre-.
ponderated over men, and there were
a great many boys and girls who had
brought credentials from their par
ents. Just as I arrived, one great wag'
on load had been distributed and
those who had secured their supply
were leaving the place In all dlrec-
tons, while the disappointed crowd
remaining were loudly discussing the
probability of the arrival of new
supply. In few moments, an Inn
mense wagon, piled high with trees
was seen approaching and was hailed
with shouts of welcome. 1t contained
about six hundred we'll grown, orna-
mental trees, varying from ten to
fifteen feet in height and composed
principally of elms, locusts and sugar
naples. Each person applying and
giving satisfactory explanation of
the use for which the trees were de-
sired, received three trees, that mum.
ber being the limit allowed to any
one person. The rule of distribution
required that they should be used
either on the sidewalk or Immediately
within the property line so as to af-
ford shade for the public.
The point which especially attract
ed my attention was the great interest
and enthusiasm shown by those who
had come to receive this gift from the
city Every one was eager to obtain
the best trees possible and in conver-
sation with number, they showed
strong appreciation of the benefit
which it would be to the city to have
all the streets we'll shaded with fol-
4 iage, which would be ornamental as
we'll as useful. understand that the
total number donated for this purpose
on Arbor Day was nearly $4,000 and
1t is difficult to realize the remarkable
Improvement which the planting of
such a number of excellent shade
trees will produce within a very few
years. The. example Is certainly one
worthy of imitation. If even thou
sand trees each spring had been plant
ed in Santa Fe for the last fifteen
years, we should have charming ave-
nues, extending in every direction,
with grateful shade and beautiful
foliage that would be most attractive
to tourists and homeseekers. 1t may
be little late for this year, but 1t is
to be hoped that the custom so sue
cessfully inaugurated in Denver will
be initiated all over New Mexico on
the first occasion possible"