SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 



Edited by ALICE HALL WALTER 

 Address all communications relative to the work of this depart- 

 ment to the Editor, at 53 Arlington Avenue, Providence, R. I. 



We may shut our eyes but we cannot help knowing 



That skies are clear and grass is growing, 



The breeze comes whispering in our ear 



That dandelions are blossoming near, 



That maize has sprouted, that streams are flowing, 



That the river is bluer than the sky, 



That the robin is plastering his house hard by. 



— James Russell Lowell. 



ARBOR AND BIRD DAY IN THE HOME 



How many of our Audubon Societies regularly take a hand in preparations 

 for the proper observance of Arbor and Bird Day, either in the home or in the 

 school? May not this day be celebrated at home as well as at school, and by 

 fathers and mothers as well as by children and teachers? Why, indeed, should 

 it not be made the most attractive holiday throughout the seasons for both 

 old and young? 



My first recollection of Arbor Day dates back twenty-live years or more, to 

 a time when planting trees and protecting birds were matters which were just 

 beginning to receive some attention. Arbor Day met with instant approval 

 in at least one country preparatory school, and the story of its first celebration 

 there doubtless duplicates that of many similar celebrations elsewhere. 



Both principal and pupils brought from the neighboring woods small trees, 

 and worked together, setting them out on the hilly campus. The day was 

 cloudy but exhilarating and the simple exercises, which were held out-of-doors 

 at the time of the tree-planting, took on a new meaning, with the smell of 

 spicy spring breeze and freshly dug earth in the nostrils. It was not the 

 exercises, nor even the tree-planting which counted so much as the fact that 

 all who shared in the events of that happy day took in the spirit of spring, 

 the joy and gladness of living and growing. Here was the true ring to Arbor Day. 



Elaborate Arbor and Bird Day programmes are now arranged for our 

 schools and much is being written of general interest concerning the conser- 

 vation of the trees; but how little has yet been done to make Arbor and Bird 

 Day a home-festival of spring! 



Many a city home would be gladdened if its members brought in from the 

 outskirts only a few basketfuls of new earth, a fern or growing shoot to freshen 

 the monotony of the back yard. 



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