OUR DUTY TOWARDS TREES 131 



rotten, when examination after they were felled 

 showed that they were sound and would have 

 lasted many years. It ought to be considered a 

 crime to cut down a handsome tree certainly in 

 public grounds unless compelled by absolute 

 necessity. When it is thought necessary for the 

 public safety to destroy animals supposed to be 

 suffering from contagious diseases, there is, at 

 least, a consultation, and the opinion of experts 

 is asked. I hope that the time will come when 

 it will not be allowed to cut down trees which 

 are public property, except on the advice of 

 those whose training entitles them to be called 

 experts. 



"If one is amazed sometimes at the abuses of 

 trees on the part of those who are their author- 

 ized guardians, it must be admitted that the poor 

 condition of our trees is principally due to the 

 recklessness of the public. * * * In most of our 

 streets the trees are very near the edge of the side- 

 walk, if they do not project into the street itself. 

 Those on the corners of the streets are almost sure 

 to be grazed by passing vehicles, and as wagon 

 after wagon passes along, the grinding process is 

 kept up until the wood is exposed. It is per- 

 haps fortunate that such trees are short-lived, 

 for they become very unsightly, and when they 

 die, the curbstone can be replaced as often as 

 is necessary. 



"Walk along any of our streets where the 



