ARBOR DAY. 105 



the future, will form beautiful groves of trees, as well as 

 imperishable monuments to the honor of J. Sterling 

 Morton. 



No instructed agriculturist is unacquainted with the 

 ameliorating influence on climate, rainfall, freshet, wind- 

 storms, etc., produced by the liberal planting of trees on 

 waste lands ; the cheering thing has been that the same 

 wise ideas have crept into the minds of our people and 

 made them set resolutely to work in carrying out the sim- 

 ple, practical, and benignant suggestion of Mr. Morton. 



An essay might be written on this topic by any thought- 

 ful man acquainted with the phenomena of meteorology, 

 and if Mr. Morton's plan shall be persevered in by the 

 whole country, nature herself will write that essay in 

 beautiful style before a quarter of a century is passed. 



I regard Mr. Morton as one of the greatest benefactors 

 of his race ; for I understand that his noble idea is spread- 

 ing beyond his own country; and that not only in the 

 planting but in the sparing of growing trees there has 

 been a universal change of opinion. Blessed be the man 

 who brought all this about ! I beg to join with you all 

 in the congratulations that may be offered to this friend 

 of humanity on his birthday, which was a happy day for 

 the world into which he was born. 



Yours sincerely, 



GEORGE H. BOKER. 

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