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to the Gulf, and from ocean to oeean, in such length, number and 

 immensity, that the famous roads of Caesar are but modest lanes in 

 comparison. 



While this roadbuilding in its entirety, (the greatest constructive 

 effort in the world's history) is in progress, we should not lose the 

 oj)portunity now ours to plant along these great highways useful trees 

 and shrubs in all their beauty and attractiveness, not only for the 

 pleasure, comfort and happiness of our own generation, but when 

 fully matured, giving an added and very substantial production of 

 many choice foods for the generations yet to come. At the same 

 time the plan will afford much needed protection to that valuable bird 

 life, so very necessary to our own existence. 



It would be the height of folly, a sin, and almost a crime to occupy 

 this varied, vast aind valuable public domain of roadways or any part 

 of it with other than plantings of the most useful character. Every 

 inferior or useless tree and shrub should be avoided, and, in time, 

 absolutely eliminated. Why waste the time of labor in caring for 

 them, or any area of soil for their maintenance, when every square rod 

 of arable land should be producing something' to sustain or promote 

 the welfare and life of living beings. 



Reforestation is one of the greatest projects of the day and 

 worthy in every way of the earnest thought and efforts being given to 

 it by leading men of our time. From the fact, however, that millions 

 of acres have been laid waste by the axmen seeking timber supply 

 alone, and then later (owing largel}^ to infertility) great areas have 

 been abandoned to drouth and devastating fires, a deplorable situation 

 consequently has arisen. This naturally confines reforestation efforts 

 largely to the areas cited, and also to certain species of timber, some- 

 what limited in number, that will grow thereon. 



How different with the road area equal in extent, but much more 

 important in producing acreage, than out over albandoned lands. We 

 are given right now a real and rare opportunity throughout our country, 

 with its varied climates, soils and altitudes, with the many species of 

 mighty trees, and attractive shrubs, all indigenous to these conditions, 

 to establish at once for our own time, and posterity as well, the most 

 useful and magnificent planting for the benefit of our race, that the 

 world has ever seen. 



