Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-04-28

serves not only for the benefit of the
people of the States directly concerned
but to make these perpetually preserved
scenic treasures the property of the
Nation as we'll, since the automobile
now takes its passengers through
many States every season
People who have studied this question
OF scenic preservation note that the
development of the automobile has rev.
olutionized American life in many ways
and especially has it increased tremen-
douSly the demand for outdoor recrea-
tional areas where tourists can enjoy
their travels. The result of these very
travels has been to advertise the best
plans now in operation for conserving
the beauties of nature. Motorists visit
ing other parts of the country observe
methods being employed, and on re-
turning to their home districts, where
they sometimes fad less effective plans
in operation, propose reforms which
lead to definite raising Of standards.
In New York State it is said that one
can travel an entire month with no
difficulty in finding daily some park,
forest preserve area or historical me-
mortal in which to enjoy healthful
recreation and at which one can find
beautiful scenery or associations of
patriotic significance.
Opportunity Afforded for Play.
What Is true of New York State also
is true to a large extent in many other
Commonwealths. For instance, in
Pennsylvania the State forests total
more than 100000 acres, affording
wide regions for every form Of outdoor
recreation. When one gets out into
the more open spaces Of the Far West
one finds enormous stretches Of beauti-
full national park land where one can
travel for days in the midst of most
striking scenic beauty and yet with
plenty of comfort.
One of the happy experiences in
which motorists can find much happi-
ness during the Spring months consists
in planning some tour to be enjoyed
during the vacation days when Summer
is at hand. To study the maps and
find out where these delightful spots on
nature are located and to plan Sum-
mer trip which will take in some of
them brings all the thrills of anticipa-
ton and contributes to q more enjoy
able trip when the vacation days actu-
ally arrive.
One of the most disgusting circum-
stances which has come to my atten-
ton not infrequently during the Spring
time is the activity Of certain motor
lists in stripping blossoms from the
trees which are providing the beauty
of the wayside Not only does this sort
of practice do violence to the scenic
delights which should be available to
all motorists, but in many cases this
practice represents actual destruction
Of fruit which rightfully belongs to the
owners Of the trees. Only selfish and
thoughtless people will do this sort Of
thing, but there appears to be too many
having these qualities. Decent motor
lists should protest such action when
ever 1t is In evidence.
Creates Spirit Of Antag onism.
One of the evils growing out Of such
procedure is the antagonism which
owners of property in rural districts de-
velop toward touring motorists. There
ought to exist between such people an
attitude of friendliness and respect for
each others rights. Certainly no one
can blame the farmer or the suburban
tie whose property Is mutilated by
ravenous seekers after Spring flowers
and blossoms.
Another point pertaining to the pres
ervation Of scenic beauty has to do
with the way motorists leave spots on
which they picnic. Some OF these places
are conspicuously more unsightly after
week end of motorists invasion than
before their arrival There are places
along mountain walking trails where
lean-tos have been provided for the
convenience of those who wish to use
them as stopping and resting places.
There are fireplaces with wood cut for
use and free of charge. There is
tradition which is widely observed that
when any party leaves one OF these
camps the woodpile should be little
bit higher than 1t was when they came.
This idea can well be applied TO Spring.
time motorists. Let them go forth and
enjoy the wonders of nature. but LEI
nature on their return still be founo
to remain at least as wonderful as IL
was before they arrived.
(copyrisht, 1929. New York Tribune Incl