STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 67 



details, the work will not all be done for there will then be many 

 chances for improving the grounds. 



Now, why not make a day of this tree planting? Arrange for a 

 good time without a horse trot and its bad associations. Beoin 

 early to make up a programme, giving the forenoon to the exercises 

 connected with tree planting, which may be interspersed with ad- 

 dresses and papers prepared for the occasion, music, etc At noon 

 throw open the exhibition halls, and have a grand basket picnic. 

 In the afternoon, and evening too, if 3'ou wish, call to your aid the 

 Board of Agriculture for some speaking, but by all means use all 

 the local talent possible. As much more may be added as the means 

 of the societ}' will permit. 



THE SCHOOLS AND ARBOR DAY. 



It has long been said to our disgrace that our school houses are 

 located in barren, unattractive places, and that we are doing little 

 to improve them. In the West, the schools were among the first to 

 observe the day. Everywhere outside of the State, Maine teachers 

 are among the foremost in the land. I believe the teachers remaining 

 in the State are among the best as well. What a grand opportunity 

 there is to do lasting work for the improvement of our desolate school 

 grounds. The beautiful campus of one of our Maine colleges is 

 covered with trees planted by the successive classes who have 

 graduated from the institution. Years after the classes have sepa- 

 rated, there is no place which offers more cordial greeting than the 

 wide spreading branches of these trees. Many a college man 

 returning to his alma mater in after years first seeks the grateful 

 umbrage of the tree his hands assisted in planting in the days of 

 yore. Do 3^ou suppose children would have less enthusiasm for tree 

 planting? Our experience tells us that they would clap their hands 

 with jo}' if only the teacher and parents would assist them in the 

 appropriate observance of Arbor Day. Of what, some teacher may 

 ask, shall such observance consist? Well, in the first place select 

 one or more places where you wish to set the trees. Then ask the 

 boys to select the best trees they can find for the purpose. When 

 Arbor Day comes the forenoon may be spent by the boys or the 

 entire school in getting the trees dug up and ready to set out. While 

 the boys are doing this the girls could gather vines for a beautiful 

 wreath with which to adorn the tree. There will perhaps be time to 

 gather round the tree during the forenoon, set it out, sing a song or 



