198 NEBRASKA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



begins at the bottom, that is, with the individual, and expanding from 

 year to year, will follow the course of development which is usually 

 successful, that is, the enterprise begins with the individual; it spreads 

 like a contagion among the individuals and then when those interested 

 develop a standard of production or achievement, the state is asked to 

 make uniform the enterprise and require those who do not volunteer 

 their share to perform or contribute toward their respective parts. 



So in Nebraska, men like Morton have planted areas and stretches of 

 trees. They built up a sentiment until, following the adoption by the 

 various state organizations of the name "Tree Planters" ascribed to 

 Nebraska, the legislature and governor officially called this the "Tree 

 Planters' State." 



Quite recently, Professor Bessey, America's leading botanist, speaking 

 before the Conservation Congress, recommended the planting of trees, by 

 private, co-operative and state action, one-fourth of the area of Ne- 

 braska. Professor Bessey is probably an enthusiast; the mark set by 

 him involves, perhaps, too much, yet I have no doubt that an approxima- 

 tion of his ideal would make this state a wealthier, more beautiful, and 

 better commonwealth. 



Tree planting in cities and villages in Nebraska has been usually 

 observed. A quarter of a century ago, Fillmore county villages we^e of 

 oblong architecture, shingle roofed, lightning rodded dwellings. No 

 tree, for a child to sit in its shade; no branch from which a man could 

 commit suicide. Now, like our own county seat town, they are largely 

 wooden bowered, a luxuriant shade provided in nearly every home and 

 yard. 



Tree planting in the country should be encouraged. We submit the 

 following reasons: It holds the soil in place, therefore to a large extent . 

 the trees should be planted where the soil is liable to be eroded. The 

 leaves enrich the immediate locality. The groves conserve the moisture 

 and within limits, aid its increase. 



They protect the crops, both cereal and fruit, in summer against the 

 sun and in winter against storm. 



They protect the flocks and herds against the rigorous winterblast. 



Placed at proper intervals, they beautify the public highway, and are 

 to the wayfaring man and the denizen, as well, friends along the way. 

 The landscape is not only enriched but is beautified. 



Trees and forestry in and about the home, fruit-producing, nut-bear- 

 ing, shade offering, rich coloring — all those qualities, all beautify and 

 render attractive the country home. 



They will aid in keeping the boys and girls In and about a country 

 home and away from the cities and those lives and influences which 

 work 111 to the individual and weaken the republic. 



In Nebraska, which is on dress parade in summer and bleak and more 

 or less uninviting in winter, many evergreens should be planted. When 

 the winter's sun is beaming upon a cold coat of snow, to the eye the 

 green Is restful and pleasant. There should be placed in proper places 



