140 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



unknown universe; but we know why trees abound in certain sections. 

 It is because conditions there are favorable to their growth. We know 

 too that the same conditions will always produce the same results. And 

 it matters not whether these conditions are secured by natural or artificial 

 means. The grower of evergreen trees from seed finds little trouble in 

 modifying the atmosphere to suit his necessities. 



If we plant an apple tree away out on the wind swept and sun scorched 

 prairie it will be so very lonesome that it is likely to die of a broken heart. 

 But if we will first plant other more robust trees, to partially shade the 

 ground and check the withering south-west winds, we may have rendered 

 such assistance as will enable the apple tree to grow, and in the growing 

 assist other trees weaker than itself. Thus each added tree helps to create 

 conditions favorable to the growth of other trees, and gradually a diver, 

 sifled forest may be made to exist where at first only trees of the most 

 robust habits could be made to grow. 



Many people believe that when our. prairies are well dotted over with 

 tree plantations our rainfall will be materially increased. Certain knowl- 

 edge that tree plantations had increased our average annual rainfall but 

 one inch would be the key to unlock to future generations cumulative 

 blessings of great magnitude. Then we could steadily encroach upon now 

 desert places with the certainty of making them fit places for the abode 

 of civilized man. 



Those who fully realize the situation are very solicitous about the de- 

 struction of our native forests and are anxiously watching the feeble efforts 

 now being made for the preservation of what still remains. The strong 

 probability now is that nearly all must go, and that new growth and plan- 

 tations must be entirely depended upon in the near future. This gives to 

 tree planting an unappreciated importance, and we should use every 

 means in our power to push forward the good work. Whilst we would be 

 eminently practical, we must not ignore sentiment. Many a grand old 

 tree now owes its existence to the sentiment expressed in the lines 



Woodman, spare that tree, 

 Touch not a single bough. 

 In youth it sheltered me 

 And I'll protect it now. 



If the principle of life in one tree helps to prolong life in another tree, 

 and if there is an intimate relationship existing between the vegetable and 

 animal kingdoms, then the health, happiness and longevity of man may 

 be due far more than he realizes to his companionship with trees. 



Certainly if we would build most wisely for the future we must teach 

 the young, by precept and example to plant, love and protect trees. 



"Dame Nature's laws may we unfold 

 As if the world depended 

 On our weak powers, to grasp and hold 

 The blessings God intended. 



