222 ~ Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. 



At the present time outer suburbs, such as places in the Heidelberg 

 shire, do not feel the need of parks, owing to the large amount of vacant 

 land. It is, nevertheless, true that this district contains the smallest 

 area of land actually reserved for park purposes of any of the suburbs. 

 What of the future when such districts are densely populated ? 



Profiting by our experience in regard to the lack of these essentials 

 to health nearer the city, prompt action should be taken, the necessary 

 land secured, and planted with suitable trees, which, as a rule, take a 

 long time to become thoroughly established. 



Generations yet unborn would then have reason to sing our praises 

 for our foresight in providing for their needs. It is, in fact, a sacred 

 duty incumbent upon us to perform. 



Our Victorian country cities, towns, and districts generally show 

 evidences of the same spirit which dominated Melbourne's pioneers in 

 their commendable efforts to create a healthy and viplifting environment 

 by tree planting. Many of these country centres have their well-estab- 

 lished tree-planted public parks and gardens, while the streets are, in 

 many cases, lined with rows of beautiful trees, as shown in the accom- 

 panying plates. 



In every newly-established country town or district, or in those places 

 that have not seriously considered the question, a definite system of tree 

 planting, both in street and park, is recommended. 



It is a worthy work, not only from a local, but also from a national, 

 point of view, always remembering that, in creating these splendid local 

 assets, we are adding to the assets of the State as a whole, and making 

 for the general betterment of life for all. 



" Come forth into the light of things; 

 Let nature be your teacher. 

 She hath a world of ready wealth, 

 Our minds and hearts to bless ; 

 Spontaneous wisdom breathed by health, 

 Truth breathed by cheerfulness." 



Utility of Trees. 



Not only is there an uplifting influence in the environment of trees, 

 but from a health point of view they are quite a necessity. Therefore, 

 the more tree-planting is adopted the better for the locality concerned. 



Without green leaves we would be unable to exist on account of the 

 accumulation of carbonic acid gas from the exhalations of animals and 

 the decay of organic matter. 



The office of the green leaf, worthily fulfilled, is to absorb the gas 

 mentioned, and after assimilating those essentials to growth and develop- 

 ment, to liberate for our use the life-sustaining oxygen. 



" Broader and broader yet their leaves display, 

 Salute the welcome sun, and entertain the day ; 

 Then, from their breathing souls, the sweets repair 

 To scent the skies, and purge the unwholesome air." 



It is, therefore, easy to understand why it is so necessary, even foom 

 a health point of view alone, to have plenty of trees growing in densely- 

 populated cities and towns. 



