No. 4.] SHADE-TREE INSECT PROBLEM. 77 



THE SHADE-TREE INSECT PROBLEM. 



I'.V A. II. KIKKLAND, M.S., BOSTON, MASS. 



The love of nature common to man never finds worthier 

 expression than in the planting of shade trees. We plant 

 orchards that our financial resources may be increased ; we 

 plant shade trees primarily that our environment may be 

 adorned and our inner lives enriched. The limitations of 

 circumstances may restrict our planting to a few specimens 

 of some favorite variety ; or it may be our good fortune to 

 have a part in beautifying streets and public places with 

 trees that will contribute to the enjoyment of thousands to 

 us unknown. In either case we pay homage to nature as 

 manifested under one of her most pleasing forms. What a 

 tribute to the good taste and good sense of past generations 

 are the magnificent elms that adorn the valley of the Con- 

 necticut. These monarchs of the meadow are all around us. 

 Had they voices, what tales could they relate of genera- 

 tions and events whose records have long since passed into 

 history. Beside their ripened age the span of human life 

 seems as but a watch in the night. We approach them with 

 admiration that is akin to reverence. Here they have con- 

 templated the passing centuries ; here they have witnessed 

 the development of a great nation ; and here they still stand, 

 eloquent though silent witnesses of the forefathers' love for 

 the beautiful and thoughtfulness toward posterity. 



And perhaps it is well for our peace of mind that audible 

 speech has been denied our grand old trees. Had they 

 voices, no doubt they would cry out at the injuries and 

 wanton neglect too often falling to their lot. Their roots, 

 anchored deep in the earth, are severed to make way for 

 curbings or water mains ; their Heaven-seeking tops are 

 butchered to give clear passage to electric wires ; and, what 



