FORESTRY 265 



A great deal of interest is now being awakened in tree plant- 

 ing through the observance of Arbor Day, which is recognized and 

 observed in nearly every State. It was originated, in 1872, by 

 Hon. J. Sterling Morton, who subsequently became Secretary of 

 Agriculture. The mere planting of trees is not sufficient. They 

 must receive constant care. The weeds must be kept down and 

 the ground around them cultivated. The trees while young must 

 be protected against animals that browse on their foliage or gnaw 

 the bark on the trunks. Every farmer should be far-sighted 

 enough to plant and cultivate a certain number of trees every year, 

 and road overseers should be required to have trees set out along 

 all the public highways. Railroads can also assist in this work 

 by setting out trees along their right of way, 



QUESTIONS 



1. Discuss the destruction of forests. 



2. When was the first national forest established? 



3. How are the forest reserves managed? 



4. Discuss forest enemies. 



5. What are the uses of national forests ? 



6. What provisions have been made for game preserves ? 



7. Discuss the necessity of reforestation where forests have been de- 

 stroyed. 



8. Should trees be planted along the highways ? 



9. How many trees on the public highways near the school have been 

 injured by animals ? How many trees are protected against such injury? 



10. Visit the nearest wood lot and see whether there has been any damage 

 by fire; what the danger is from fire; whether cattle have destroyed the 

 undergrowth; where trees should be planted; whether the wood lot gets 

 any intelligent care. Write an essay on your wood lot. 



REFERENCES 



Report of the Forester, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, 



D.C. 



A Primer of Forestry, Farmers' Bulletin No. 173. 

 Clearing New Land, Farmers' Bulletin.No. 150. 

 Tree Planting in Rural School Grounds, Farmers' Bulletin No. 134. 



