284 PUBLIC PARKS OF IOWA 



come to explore these fascinating relics of the past. Scientists travel 

 long distances to study it. Greenhouses capture some of these plants 

 from the wild, transplant such as will endure, into captivity. The 

 metropolitan, who lived in the old homestead, wanders back again to the 

 haunts of the meadow lark to renew the images gathered in Iris youth, 

 only to find the source transformed into hogs and corn. 



Shall this bit of Eden be preserved only in literature? Most men after 

 they have succeeded in the elimination of natural beauty seek to re- 

 instate it in some form of planting from the nursery. But what florist 

 with all his skill can create or maintain such a panoramic bit of loveliness? 

 Beauty is constantly sought, though the inaccessible seems to greatly en- 

 hance the pursuit. 



The prairie flora is an inspiration to men and most prized when gone 

 forever. Savage tribes hand down legendary narrations of their environ- 

 ment and customs. Should not we do more than incorporate these natural 

 gardens into literature and legend? Preservation of a few acres in each 

 county could be accomplished without encroaching upon economic prod- 

 ucts and secure to the present and to the coming generations a heritage 

 from which no individuals are justified in depriving them. Such reserva- 

 tion of prairie if made near the larger schools would be useful for study. 

 Wherever located they would be availabe to the auto traveler. Other 

 areas which do not conflict with private estates are the railroad rights 

 of way. Railroads spend thousands of dollars in making beautiful parks 

 at their stations, but what park planting can equal a mile or two of flam- 

 ing Turk's cap lily which frequents the damp native prairie in July, or 

 the white beds of nodding anemones, the red and white sweet william, 

 the purple patches of gauzy spiderwort, the gorgeous butterfly weed, the 

 glowing goldenrod, and the banks of stately, radiant sunflower. All these 

 plants are carefully cultivated by florists in parts of the country where 

 they are not native. Why not preserve now at a small cost what can not 

 be replaced at any cost? 



ACTION ON STATE PARKS BY THIRTY-SEVENTH G. A. 

 By B. J. Horchem, State Senator. 



Although the Iowa Forestry and Conservation Association did not 

 realize its full recommendations as outlined at a special meeting held at 

 the opening of the last session of the general assembly, the passage of 

 the act, providing for the establishment of state parks, is one whose value 

 the entire population of Iowa will appreciate and will be more and more 

 proud of as the years go by. Much credit is due to the untiring efforts of 

 such far-seeing and public spirited men like Senator Chase and Senator 

 Holdoegel. 



It will be noticed that through this act Iowa cam secure public re- 

 servation in three ways: 



(1) The fish and game warden, by and with the consent of the executive 

 council, can establish public parks iii any county. By appropriating $50,- 



