286 ARBOR DAY 



has performed its part in promoting the progress and 

 development of the Republic, so do we in this genera- 

 tion recognize it as a high duty to perform our part; 

 and this duty in large degree lies in the adoption of 

 measures for the conservation of the natural wealth 

 of the country. 



We declare our firm conviction that this conserva- 

 tion of our natural resources is a subject of trans- 

 cendent importance which should engage unremit- 

 tingly the attention of the nation, the states, and the 

 people in earnest cooperation. These natural 

 resources include the land on which we live and which 

 yields our food; the living waters which fertilize 

 the soil, supply power, and form great avenues of 

 commerce; the forests which yield the materials 

 for our homes, prevent erosion of the soil, and 

 conserve the navigation and other uses of the 

 streams; and the minerals which form the basis 

 of our industrial life, and supply us with heat, light, 

 and power. 



We agree that the land should be so used that 

 erosion and soil wash shall cease; and that there 

 should be reclamation of arid and semi-arid regions 

 by means of irrigation, and of swamp and overflowed 

 regions by means of drainage; that the waters should 

 be so conserved and used as to promote navigation, 

 to enable the arid regions to be reclaimed by irriga- 

 tion, and to develop power in the interests of the 

 people; that the forests which regulate our rivers, 



