ST^TE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 359 



is forming a blank place in their memories. Far better would 

 it be for him to interest them, and not only plant trees himself, 

 but show them how, and change the complexion of their sur- 

 roundings. It -v^all furnish him in timber, shade, fruit, health, 

 comfort, and beauty. Plant trees wherever and whenever there 

 is a chance, in city, village, country, and much more on the 

 broad prairie, by the roadside, in our school yards and in our 

 cemeteries — the resting place of the dead — plant them on the an- 

 niversary of the departure of some dear one, and they will prove 

 to be living monuments to their memories, reminding us more 

 pleasantly than marble slabs. "Well do I remember the trees I 

 loved in childhood; the old chestnut tree by the school house, 

 where we played in those happy hours, brings many pleasant 

 reminiscences of the x^ast. 



In the city of Blunt, Dakota, the first thing of beauty that at- 

 tracted the attention of the pioneers and railroad men was the 

 lone tree. A large cottonwood standing in the valley far away 

 from its fellows, beautiful and majestic; inviting the birds into 

 its branches and seeming almost to say, "I have been protected 

 and cared for by an unseen hand to show to the settler that tim- 

 ber will grow here, and also to serve as a landmark and guide to 

 the traveler in his journeyings." What, I ask, you will perpetuate 

 your memory better with those you love than to have them say 

 to those around them after you have passed away and by many 

 been forgotten, '"My father planted that grove or those shade 

 or fruit trees?" If you try to interest the boys and girls on the 

 farm, you give them a colt, a calf, lamb, or pig to care for and 

 have for their own. Now, I say in addition give to each a tree, 

 both shade and fruit; leave them to care for and protect them 

 with their own hands; it will create a desire to learn the best 

 modes of cultivation. Much more of an accomplishment than 

 many of the amusements of the present day. I have thought 

 much of this x>lan for Dakota. Let the school districts purchase 

 large school house sites. Hire teachers that one qualification 

 shall be to know how to plant and care for shade trees. Then 

 give each scholar a tree and a place to plant it. The attention 

 bestowed on it will employ many an otherwise idle moment and 

 create a strife as to who shall do their work best. For the small 

 ones whose strength is not sufficient for the task, go and plant it 

 for them and care for it until they are able to do it. If dis- 

 trict boards should take this matter into hand, and they should 

 be men interested and qualified for this work, what, I ask you. 



