108 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Under the present conditions is it little wonder that they are shunned 

 in summer ? Huntington avenue, Tremont street, Columbus avenue, 

 and many other streets offer s])len(li(l opjjortunities for the planting 

 of trees. 



Practical effort is being matle by many cities throughout the 

 country to solve the problem, What is the best method to adopt for 

 the planting and care of street trees ? New York City, which prob- 

 ably plants more street trees than all the other cities of the United 

 States put together, vests the authority to plant in the Local Im- 

 provement District Boards, which act on petitions from residents 

 of streets or districts, the cost being assessed pro rata on the front- 

 age planted. 



Over forty years ago Worcester took up the question of })lanting 

 its streets with trees. Of late the work has been under the direction 

 of the Park Commissioners. The effect of this effort to beautify 

 the city by planting trees is clearly demonstrated by the many 

 finely-grown trees with which Worcester's streets are now adorned. 



Over thirty years ago the United States Government appointed a 

 commission to plant trees in the City of Washington. To this 

 action, coupled with the intelligence and energy of the commission, 

 is due the fact that Washington is one of the most systematically 

 planted cities in the United States. Its asphalted roadways and 

 paved sidewalks, generally, are well shaded, ameliorating the ter- 

 rible heat conditions of summer; W^ashington without trees would 

 be almost uninhabitable during the heated term. 



The statutes of INIassachusctts make it obligatory upon towns 

 to elect a tree warden, and vest in him the entire charge of public 

 shade trees. Under the act the warden is clothed with authority 

 sufficient for the purpose of properly protecting and planting trees 

 in the public streets and highways. The clause relating to the 

 raising of funds to meet the expense is left to the option of the select- 

 men ; it may or it may not be done ; thus the execution of the intent 

 of those who introduced the measure is hampered. 



W^hether the responsibility for the planting and care of street 

 trees is vested in a forester, a department of the city government, 

 or in a separate commission matters little provided the authorita- 

 tive head has the necessary knowledge and ability, is clothed with 

 sufficient authority, and is provided with adequate funds to carry 



