64 ARBOR DAY ITS HISTORY AND OBSERVANCE. 



lated year by year at their base. Where there are not reasons forbid- 

 ding it we can do nothing better to promote the healthful growth of the 

 trees we plant than to allow the annual fall of leaves to remain upon 

 the ground above the roots and thus form a perpetual mulch of protec- 

 tion for the trees. 



METHOD OF PLANTING. 



Little is necessary to be added to what has been Scild in different 

 parts of this pamphlet as to the proper method of planting. The whole 

 matter may be summed up by saying that a tree or plant should be 

 taken from the ground with as little disturbance or impairment of its 

 root system as possible and set in its new place of growth with such 

 care as not to harm its roots, but to bring them all into close contact 

 with the soil, by pressing it firmly around and upon them, thus giving 

 them opportunity at every point to absorb from the particles of soil the 

 moisture necessary for the steady and healthful growth of the tree, 

 and leaving no vacant spaces to promote decay or lessen the supply 

 of moisture. This is the most important thing to be secured. Care 

 should be taken also in conveying the tree from the place from which 

 it is taken to the place of planting not to allow the roots to become dry 

 by exposure either to the sun or the wind. Especially should it be so 

 in the case of evergreen trees, which have a resinous sap. If this sap 

 becomes hardened by exposure to sun or wind, it is nearly impossible 

 to restore its fluid condition so that it will perform its part in the cir- 

 culatory system, and the tree may be considered dead already. 



OPINIONS OF REPRESENTATIVE MEN. 



The State of Nebraska having, a few years 

 ago, made its Arbor Day to coincide with Mr. 

 Morton's birthday, the editor of one of its news- 

 papers issued, in 1888, a special Arbor Day num- 

 ber of his paper. Prominent among the features 

 of that issue was a collection of letters received, in 

 response to the editor's invitation, from a large num- 

 ber of persons distinguished in public life or otherwise, 

 expressing their appreciation of Arbor Day and their 

 | 8 regard for its author. It seemed that the sentiments therein 

 expressed, which so justly set forth the merits and importance 

 of Arbor Day, ought on that account to have a place in the 

 present publication. Portions of a few of the many letters received are 

 therefore inserted here: 



I willingly confess so great a partiality for trees as tempts me to respect a man in 

 exact proportion to his respect for them. He can not be wholly bad who has a 

 sympathy with what is so innocent and so beautiful. But quite apart from any 

 sentimental consideration, the influence of trees upon climate and rainfall gives to 



