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ROADSIDE PLANTING 



By Wm. S. Linton, Saginaw, Mich. 



Do yon realize that in the United States there are 2, 800, 000 miles 

 of highways, — that these highways are equal to 22,10(),()0() acres of 

 land, an area as great as six states of the Union combined, or making 

 all of New England, if you please, a desert, so far as unproductive- 

 ness is concerned, producing no more for life on this Glo'be than the 

 Desert of Sahara or the Arctic regions ? But such is the case, and it 

 is this condition that we desire to remedy and correct. 



The majority of those present at this important gathering know 

 that for years, and especially since I have been honored with mem- 

 bership in this association, that it has been my "hobby," incessantly 

 talked, to advocate that alo}i<r tcitli road building should go road 

 planting Always To Be Useful and P'ood Producing, as well as 

 ornamental in character. Nothing:, therefore, has afforded me greater 

 satisfaction than to witness today activity in many places absolutely 

 along these lines, with Road Commission's and Forestry Department's 

 dis})Iaying i:)lacards stating that. 

 Roadside Trees — Will be a great source of rich and delicious food. 



Will increase the value of the adjoining land. 

 Will serve as windbreaks, modify extreme weather. 

 Will prevent erosion of soil or bank destruction. 

 Will beautify the highways and the landscape. 

 Will harbor birds, thus assisting agriculture. 

 Will protect roadbeds from the hot sun of summer. 

 Will make road traveling a much greater pleasure. 



Consequently, I congratulate such communities, that are usually those 

 in the advance rank of all j^rogress, on having acted in this im- 

 portant matter, and suggest that every sovereign state in America 

 should emulate the example, while counties, cities, villages, and town- 

 ships, in detail should follow its lead. 



The Northern Nut Growers Association has had much to do in 

 the pioneer work of promoting' and establishing movements to bring 



