(This discussion which appeared in the April number of "The. 

 Nautilus" is particularly applicable to the situation in Minne- 

 sota at the present time. It was written as a contribution to 

 a symposium on "Spring Tonic for the New Born." With the 

 campaign for the passage of the constitutional amendment 

 which will make possible the setting aside of non-agricultural 

 state lands for forestry purposes just beginning, it is inter- 

 esting to note the views being held in New England on the 

 necessity of forests as recreation grounds. State forests will 

 afford the kind of recreation grounds Mr. Reynolds discusses. 

 The law passed by the last legislature making municipal for- 

 ests possible is in line with the suggestions being made in 

 Massachusetts. Town forests are possible in Minnesota. The 

 creation of state forests will be an impetus to the movement 

 to establish town forests.) 



RECREATION is the savior of tired nerves. But like re- 

 ligion there are many forms of recreation. We shall 

 discuss but one of these forms and that only in con- 

 junction with the means of obtaining it. This type of recre- 

 ation is exercise in the open air, among the trees. What most 

 tired people need is more oxygen in their blood, which means 

 that they need more pure air in their lungs. Now when we 

 want to get anything realy fresh we go to the source, and 

 why not do the same with oxygen? Every tree in the process 

 of growth sifts the carbon dioxide from the air and replaces 

 it with oxygen. To man the former is waste, the latter a 

 food. Therefore when you want a real fresh supply of oxygen 

 why not go into the woods? 



Many people are learning to use the woods for recreation, 

 and you see them returning from their vacations in the open, 

 refreshed in every way. In this country there are innumer- 

 able places where one may go and spend a few hours, days or 

 weeks in the woods, the length of stay depending on his 

 finances, or his inclination. Unfortunately, a very small per 

 cent of our people really care to spend their time in the for- 

 ests, a still smaller proportion can take the time or have the 

 means to make such excursions. Besides a half day now and 

 then will not do much good; either you must spend a short 

 time each day or prolong the visit sevral days at a time. If 



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