106 ARBOR DAY. 



FROM JOHN BOYLE O'REILLY. 



BOSTON, April 9, 1888. 



EDITOR NEBRASKA "PRESS" Your purpose of hon- 

 oring the man who has originated the beautiful and benefi- 

 cent practice of systematic tree planting is of interest to 

 every one who loves nature and knows enough to thank 

 God for giving us all an opportunity of increasing his 

 blessings. The best and highest thing a man can do in a 

 day is to sow a seed, whether it be in the shape of a word, 

 an act, or an acorn. Last year, on less than half an acre 

 of ground, at my summer home by the seaside at Hull, I 

 planted 227 individual lives, of creeper, shrub, and tree. 

 All through the winter, from the city, my mind reached 

 out, as it were, to observe and care for the young things 

 in their strange soil. Last week I went to see them, and 

 Mr. Morton will know the thrill of pleasure, unlike all 

 other pleasures, which came from the signs of health and 

 growth in the plants. 



I thank you for allowing me to express my admiration 

 for a man who has started one of the loveliest practices of 

 the country and century. 



I am, respectfully yours, 



JOHN BOYLE O'REILLY. 



