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FORESTRY INVESTIGATIONS U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 

 Original and final entrirs ituilrr timber-culture actn until 1SSS. 



Private interest of homesteaders and settlers without these aids has probably been as effective. 

 In this direction the establishment of arbor days throughout the States has been a stimulating 

 influence. From its inception by Governor J. Sterling Morton and first inauguration by the State 

 board of agriculture of Nebraska in 1872, it has become a day of observance in nearly every State, 

 until its adoption as a national holiday may be shortly expected. 



While with the exception of the so-called treeless States, perhaps not much planting of eco- 

 nomic value is done, the observance of the day in schools as one set apart for the discussion of 

 the importance of trees, forests, and forestry, has been productive of an increased interest in the 

 subject. 



To be sure, arbor days have had also a retarding influence upon the practical forestry move- 

 ment in leading people into the misconception that forestry consists in tree planting, in diverting 

 attention from the economic question of the proper use of existing forest areas, in bringing into 

 the discussion poetry and emotions, which have clouded the hardheaded practical issues and 

 delayed the earnest attention of practical business men. 



The following table exhibits the condition of the Arbor-day movement at the present time: 



Arbor-day observance in the United States. 



