THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ARBOR DAY 



ARBOR DAY in its broad si,u;nificance has far out- 

 grown the thought of its founders. In its begin- 

 ning it signified httle more than the phinting of 

 a tree. Today it is closely related to the whole " out- 

 of-door " movement. 



The great improvement in the appearance of school 

 grounds during the last few years has been a direct result 

 of the observance of Arbor Day. Only a few years ago 

 in our larger villages and cities little thought was given 

 to the grounds surrounding the school. Today, how- 

 ever, there are few schools in the State, even in the rural 

 communities, where there is not a real pride in the school 

 surroundings. 



Such pride is proper. There is as real educational 

 value in well-kept grounds as there is in appropriate 

 decorations in the schoolroom. School boys and girls will 

 become stronger and better men and women through the 

 almost unconscious influence of the beautiful in nature. 



Arbor Day should be a day of beginnings, which 

 should last through the entire year. If a tree or shrub 

 is planted it must be given care. The setting of the 

 roots in the soil is only the first step. The necessary 

 watering, the placing of guards and the watching against 

 injurious insects and other enemies give opportunity for 

 the exercise of constant, intelligent thought. Without 

 continuing throughout the year the work begun on 

 Arbor Day, the w hole effort is lost and the lessons of real 

 worth forgotten. 



The question is often asked, " What trees shall we 

 plant? " Select the trees of your own locality. It is a 

 most interesting study to search out the important 

 species in any given section of the State and to note 

 their habits. The list in many cases will be long and 

 will include many ornamental trees. Such excursions 

 might well be made the nature study work during the 

 spring months and also furnish excellent material for 

 classroom exercises. With the vast inroads which are 

 being made upon our forests it may be only a few years 



