ARBOR DAY. 131 



I count it my good fortune to have long known J. 

 Sterling Morton; and appreciate his many delightful 

 qualities of head and heart. It was the wisdom of a good 

 heart and far-seeing sagacity that induced him, sixteen 

 years ago, to lead the State Board of Agriculture to " set 

 apart and consecrate " a day for tree planting. I do not 

 say that Mr. Morton "builded wiser than he knew," but 

 he built wisely, and the expansion of his thought has 

 wonderfully blessed his country, and deserves the hearty 

 thanks and recognition of his countrymen in all sections. 



The wisdom and pertinency of Jonathan Swift's saying 

 may now well be recalled : " And he gave for his opinion, 

 that whoever could make two ears of corn or two blades 

 of grass to grow on a spot of ground where only one grew 

 before, would deserve better of mankind, and do more 

 essential service to his country, than the whole race of 

 politicians put together." 



If this were true of two ears of corn or blades of 

 grass, how much more of a tree. 



" The trees went forth on a time to annoint a king over 

 them, and they said unto the olive tree: 'Reign thou 

 over us.' " 



May such be the ruler in these United States. 



I am, very truly yours, 



T. F. BAYARD. 



