ARBOR DA Y MAX UAL. -,-, l 



MASSACHUSETTS. The last Saturday in April is fixed by law as "Arbor 

 Day," and was established in 1886. The Governor issues a proclamation, and 

 programs are prescribed by local superintendents. The day is observed espec- 

 ially by the school children, but is also observed by the people generally, in 

 accordance with the proclamation. There are no data as to the number of trees 

 planted. 



MICHIGAN. The following concurrent resolution was approved March 

 26, 1885 : 



Resolved, That the Governor is hereby requested to call the attention of the 

 people of this State to the importance of planting trees for ornament and shade, 

 by naming a day on which this work shall be given special attention, to be 

 known as " Arbor Day." 



Superintendent Joseph Estabrook writes November 25, 1889: "There is no 

 uniformity in the manner of observing the day. Last spring a large number 

 of the graded schools observed it with appropriate exercises. No record is made 

 of the number of trees planted." 



MINNESOTA. The day has been observed since 1885, but is not established 

 by law. The Governor issues a proclamation fixing the day (usually in April 

 in 1889, April 26), and the Superintendent of Public Instruction supplements 

 the proclamation with a circular. There were 6,394 trees planted in 1888, and 

 39,395 in 1889. 



From Governor Merriam's proclamation of 1889, the following extract is 

 made : 



"The day possesses the rare feature of being one of pleasure to those who 

 participate in the work to which it is dedicated, and of being in far greater 

 degree, fruitful in blessings to the children, the children's children, and the 

 generations to follow." 



MISSISSIPPI. (Not observed.) 



MISSOURI Arbor Day established by law in 1886 the first Friday after 

 first Tuesday in April. The Superintendent of Public Schools issues a circular 

 annually, calling attention to the law and suggesting the character of exercises. 

 About 27,000 trees have been planted. 



NEBRASKA. To this State belongs the distinction of inaugurating the 

 observance of Arbor Day, and she has also been the most industrious in this 

 direction, adding to sentiment, something practical. Ex-Governor J. Sterling 

 Morton was an earnest advocate of the plan, and millions of growing trees are 

 the silent outgrowth of his enthusiasm. The statutes of Nebraska designate 

 April 22. as Arbor Day ; the Governor usually issuing a proclamation, followed 

 by a circular from the State Superintendent, who occasionally submits a pro- 

 gram. Prizes are given for planting the largest number of trees. The school 

 authorities try to have trees in even- school-yard. The day is made a school 

 holiday to all schools observing the day. Nearly 400,000,000 trees have been 

 planted in this State under this law and practice. 



NEVADA. Arbor Day was established by law, February 10, 1887, and pro- 

 vides that the Governor shall fix a day by proclamation. A day in April was 



