THE TREE PLANTERS OF AMERICA 



First, I wish to emphasize the fact that the patriotic men who 

 are planning conservation today are mostly not the men who will 

 execute. The men who are to conserve our lands, waters and min- 

 erals, and perpetuate our forests, are now running around in knick- 

 erbockers, or being rocked in the cradles of the nation. They and 

 their children and their children's children, down along the line of 

 the centuries, will carry out the vital precepts and principles of this 

 great conservation movement this timely warning cry against care- 

 less national extravagance this imperative codicil to the Declara- 

 tion of Independence. 



There are some resources we cannot restore, but may conserve 

 or substitute. As one door closes another opens. Coal, iron, cop- 

 per and other products of the mine, when once consumed cannot be 

 reproduced, but for all time the tree may be perpetuated. The 

 friendly, faithful, useful tree that conserves the raindrop with its 

 treasures of light, heat, power and life-giving properties for vegeta- 

 tion and fills the world with inspiring beauty. 



The restoration and preservation of our forests, then, and an 

 adequate policy of accomplishment, becomes of the weightiest impor- 

 tance. In this connection I beg to suggest the American Farmer 

 Boy. It is proposed to organize the farmer boys and young men 

 of this country into a great national body to be known as the "Tree 

 Planters of America." The plan involves instruction and actual 

 practice in tree-planting and tree-culture, with suitable prizes for 

 excellence and results. It aims to permanently check the wasteful- 

 ness of go-as-you-please forestry now evident from every car win- 

 dow in this country. 



In brief, without entering into details, the suggestion seeks to 

 organize all farmer boys from twelve to twenty years of age as 

 Tree Planters, in every commonwealth, county and township of the 

 United States ; with the co-operation of the forestry department at 

 Washington, governors of states, and the proper official heads of 

 town and county governments. 



