A PROGRAM FOR SAVING TREES 3 



their mortal enemies, the bark and timber borers 

 and the rot-producing fungi. 



It is obvious, then, that we are facing peculiar 

 conditions, and conditions which call for a con- 

 sistent line of attack. We must adopt a practical 

 program. Such a program calls for three lines 

 of procedure: 



First, to see to it that our young trees are so 

 planted and protected and attended to, that they 

 may grow up to be healthy and perfect specimens. 



Second, in the case of old trees which are still 

 sound, to see to it that they are properly nourished 

 and cared for, and painstakingly protected from 

 accident and decay. 



Third, in the case of old trees which are dis- 

 eased and weakened, to make every effort, justi- 

 fied by the probabilities of success and the value 

 of the trees, to repair them and restore them to 

 health and strength. 



The first and second provisions of this pro- 

 gram are much more important than the third. 

 Yet the third seems to be occupying a more prom- 

 inent position, at least in the public eye, than the 

 other two together. The reason, of course, is that 

 " tree surgery," with its spectacular operations, 

 has caught the popular attention, while those 

 processes which aim at warding off decay and pre- 

 serving health, with their less immediate results, 

 have not made so great a popular appeal. 



