The Trees of Wyoming. 61 



Who among us, of maturer years, does not recall 

 with interest or almost worshipful affection some stately 

 tree, shaded lane or secluded forest nook of our child- 

 hood's home ? But there are towns in our state today 

 without a tree or shrub or even a bit of lawn. Our chil- 

 dren are missing that element of refinement which comes 

 from beautiful surroundings outside the home. Girls and 

 boys are nearing maturity in some localities in the state 

 to whom any tree would be of interest and to whom a 

 glimpse of a fruit tree in blossom would be as a glimpse 

 into Paradise. There are homes in abundance where the 

 sentiment expressed in the following lines would find no 

 answering chord: 



"Woodman spare that tree, 

 Touch not a single bow ; 

 In youth it sheltered me 

 And I'll protect it now." Morris. 



INCREASING INTEREST ELSEWHERE. In many parts 

 of America, Nature has been so prodigal in the distribu- 

 tion of her trees that what we owe to them has been 

 poorly appreciated. Just now, however, a great wave of 

 interest and enthusiasm is sweeping over the country 

 which it is hoped will make trees and forests as cherished 

 here as they have been for centuries in the old world. 

 Shall not Wyoming have a part in this growing interest ? 

 Shall we not learn something of the treasures of our hills 

 and mountains? Shall we not bring into our lives and 

 into the lives of our children some part of the enjoyment 

 and help that comes to those who are in touch with Na- 

 ture ? Sir John Lubbock says : "The love of nature is 

 a great gift, and if it is frozen out or crushed out, the 

 character can hardly fail to suffer from the loss." If this 

 be true it would be well for us to remember that this ele- 



