192 



CONSERVATION 



Robert B. Gordon 



The Conservation of Wild Flowers 



Reprinted with the permission of the author 

 and publishers from Bulletin 119, Agricultural 

 Extension Service, Ohio State University, May 

 1934. ^ ^ 



Thousands of people are finding 

 their most healthful forms of recreation 

 in the out-of-doors. The automobile has 

 led directly to the development of a 

 splendid system of highways and the 

 estabhshment of new state and mu- 

 nicipal parks. City dwellers, especially, 

 derive real pleasure from contacts with 

 nature away from the large centers of 

 population. For the first time many of 

 them are brought face to face with old 

 gray beech trees, brilliant scarlet tana- 

 gers, orange-colored mushrooms, and 

 large blue lobelias. A thousand objects 

 of interest are certain to arouse an in- 

 born curiosity about nature. Several 

 well-illustrated books have been written 

 to help those who really want informa- 

 tion about the abundant wild life 

 which surrounds them. 



Perhaps no one needs to be edu- 

 cated to enjoy a gorgeous sunset, an en- 

 chanting landscape, or a field of showy 

 flowers. But such scenes may soon be- 



come tiresome, if there is not a deeper 

 interest. Some people derive much- 

 needed recreation in the study of min- 

 erals and fossils, bird life, insects, or 

 trees. With a httle training and en- 

 couragement they may become ama- 

 teur naturalists. They experience thrills 

 of delight when the first warbler ar- 

 rives in the spring, or when a rare 

 flower is discovered. 



So far the enjoyment of nature has 

 been free to all. Nobody needs a hunt- 

 ing license to chase butterfles or to col- 

 lect insects as a hobby. Onlv a few 

 states have passed "game laws" pro- 

 tecting wild flowers, and none of us 

 have to pay an amusement tax for 

 watching birds of brilliant plumage 

 in a public park or in a prixate wood- 

 land. It really takes only a little effort 

 to become acquainted with the com- 

 moner forms of life, and it pays big 

 dividends in mental srimulation and 

 emotional satisfacrion. 



