ARBOR DAY'S OBSERVANCE 17 



ARBOR DAY'S OBSERVANCE 



BY A. S. DRAPER 



THE primary purpose of the legislature in estab- 

 lishing " Arbor Day," was to develop and stimulate 

 in the children of the Commonwealth a love and 

 reverence for Nature as revealed in trees and shrubs 

 and flowers. In the language of the statute, "to 

 encourage the planting, protection and preservation 

 of trees and shrubs" was believed to be the most 

 effectual way in which to lead our children to love 

 Nature and reverence Nature's God, and to see the 

 uses to which these natural objects may be put 

 in making our school grounds more healthful and 

 attractive. 



The object sought may well command the most 

 thoughtful consideration and the painstaking efforts 

 of school officers, teachers, and pupils in every 

 school district, and in every educational institution 

 and of all others who are interested hi beautifying 

 the schools and the homes of the state. 



It will be well not only to plant trees and shrubs 

 and vines and flowers where they may contribute 

 to pleasure and comfort, but also to provide for their 

 perpetual care, and to supplement such work by 

 exercises which will lead all to a contemplation of the 

 subject in its varied relations and resultant influences. 

 It is fitting that trees should be dedicated to eminent 



