286 AGRICULTURE 



In the prairie state of Nebraska, Arbor Day was originated in 

 1872 by Mr. Morton, who afterward became Secretary of Agricul- 

 ture. Arbor Day, set apart for the planting of trees, is now ob- 

 served in nearly every state of the Union and in many countries of 

 Europe. 



It is important to plant trees properly and to give them proper 

 care. Their culture is simple, consisting of keeping the soil mellow 

 and free from weeds for three or four years till they so shade the 

 ground as to make this unnecessary. Animals should not be per- 

 mitted to bruise the young trees nor to browse on the tender shoots. 



The kinds of trees to be planted depend on locality and condi- 

 tions; like other plants, trees have certain requirements as to 

 moisture and climate. The European larch thrives on rough rocky 

 soils and on wet undrained ones. It is hardy and of rapid growth, 

 and its timber is durable. The catalpa is a beautiful tree that bears 

 large clusters of fragrant white blossoms. It grows rapidly and its 

 durable wood is valuable especially for fence posts and railroad 

 ties. 



EXERCISE 



1. Make a list of the orchard and the nut-bearing trees of your 

 section. Name ten useful tree products. 



2. Get a specimen of wood mold and one of soil from a barren hill- 

 side. Compare the two. 



3. Do you not know some spot that would be improved by having a 

 tree grow there? Select a sapling of the kind that you think likely to 

 thrive in that location and set it out. Remember that it is better to have 

 one tree well set and cared for than a dozen carelessly set and neglected. 

 Follow carefully the rules for transplanting on pages 63 and 172. 



4. Does your school observe Arbor Day ? If it has not done so in the 

 past, it will be well to begin this year. 



