280 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



see to it that the roads are put in the best condition pos- 

 sible. The people of other States are building systems of 

 modern roads which form a very attractive feature, and one 

 that will do much to attract outsiders. New Hampshire 

 nmst do the same, and the need of a grand State road up 

 the ]Merrimack valley to tlie mountains is a good illustration 

 of this phase of the question.'' 



Every year more and more of our people are shaking off 

 city modes of life and are moving outside Avithin easy reach 

 of their business, and where they can enjoy a home sur- 

 rounded by the beauties of nature. With our electric roads 

 reaching into almost every toAvn in our State, this class is 

 bound to increase, and many of its representatives are 

 people of wealth ; consequently, we should look for a great 

 improvement in our roadsides Avithin a fcAV years. 



I believe, as we study this question and read the laws 

 governing our roadsides and the duty and powers of the tree 

 warden and the forester, we shall find many drawbacks to 

 what is known as up-to-date roadside improvement. Under 

 the law the only thing of value that is recognized is a tree, 

 and that is held sacred ; and the owner, or rather the abut- 

 ter, cannot cut one on his own roadside Avithout a public 

 hearing. I believe there should be laAvs governing this 

 matter ; but have Ave not gone too far for the best interests 

 of roadside improvement? There are many who advocate 

 that there should be changes in the tree Avarden law, even 

 to the giving of the tree Avarden more poAver than he no^v^ 

 has. Let us go slow in this matter, that avc may not hinder 

 the best thought and attention in roadside improvements. 



Surely it is not true progress to lay out every suburban 

 higliAvay on the same metropolitan model, — that is, we 

 should not be compelled to conform ourselves to a roAV of 

 trees on each side of the road ; in doing this we should lose 

 the individuality, the thought and the enthusiasm that many 

 might work out in roadside improvement. There is nothing 

 that attracts us* more than the individuality of a man's char- 

 acter, his business or his home ; and Avill Ave not enjoy the 

 same in his roadside improvements? Any law that dei)rives 

 him of the right to work out his own ideas in the beautify- 



