Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-05-07
Another Arbor Day.

| Arbor day, which falls today in
Maine by proclamation Of Governor
Fernald, is not likely to get the obser-
vance it deserves-more the pity! IT
is the only one of our various holidays
which is devoted to'the beautifying of
our communities and the surroundings
OF our homes and to the material prog
ress of our State. Because its main
| observance is in the public schools too
many people have. come to regard Ar
Dor day as somewhat childish affair,
possessing only a sentimental impor-
| tance. 1t is certain that if the day is
now observed in it's true spirit the next
generation will rot regard Arbor day
in that light. Since the first Arbor day
vas observed on the treeless plains of
Nebraska in 1872 the need of such a
day, observed in all seriousness, has
became vastly more pressing in all Sec
tions, and especially here in New Eng
land when the waste of our splendid
timber resources has been something
appalling The objects of the holiday
and the needs of a proper and general
observance have never been better set
forth in this State than in the procla-
nation of Governor Fernald for which
we again gladly find place in our col
umns:
To replace the losses of trees from
decay and destruction; to beautify
waste places; to foster love and re-
spect for beautiful trees; to augment
public appreciation of the matchless
endowment of Maine in her natural re-
sources. and to bring us generally face
to face with nature at least once
year. I. Bert M. Fernald. governor OF
Maine, in furtherance of these rur-
poses. and by authority of law, do
hereby issue this, my proclamation,
designating Friday, May Z. 1909, Ar
ocr day. which day is set apart by
law for the planting of trees and
shrubs and the adornment of public
and private grounds" the law stipulat-
ing that this shall be holiday in the
public schools, only when observed by
the teachers and the pupils thereof, for
the purposes set aside by the Cover
nor and Council.
This day offers also an opportunity
for teachers to explain the fundamental
issues of National and State ccnserva-
ton of natural resources; for civic i'm
prOvement societies to develop their
principles into practice By the system
attic planting Of shade trees: for lovers
of the forest domain of our State to en-
force their appeal for the protection of
forests from fire and from their enc
mics: and for the advocates Of refores-
tation to emphasize it's value for indus
trial. commercial and all other pnrpos-
es. Let the day be devoted to teach
Ing the younger generation in partcu-
lar the best methods of tree planting
the proper cultivation and protection
of trees, the true relation of trees to
public health and comfort; the exact
dependence of society upon the forests
iii respect to rain fall and the flow of
rivers and finally. the Incubation of
fitting sentiment nf respect and love
for the tire" as a thing of beauty and
as manifestation of the perfect hand
work of the Creator
Given at the Executive Chamber at
Augusta this twenty seventh day of
April. in the year of our Lord one
thousand nine hundred and nine, and
of the Independence of the United
States of America the one hundred and
thirty third.
BERT NJ. FERNALD,
Governor
BY the Governor, with the advice
and consent of the Council
A. |. BROWN.
Secretary of State