TORREYA 



Vol. 21 No. 2 



March-April, 1921 



THl' WILD FLOWER PRESERVATION IDEA IS ONE 



OF PRACTICAL VALUE* 



LfttVAvrv 



Bv HoMEK D. House. ^'^^^' ^ '^^-K 



r - - , •OTA^fi Ai 



State Botanist of Xew ^ ork ^ 



Our attention has been directed most pointedly within recent 

 vears to the n-ecessity for the conservation of all those natural 

 rt-sources which have to do with the economic life of the state 

 and nation. It is an urgent and ])ressing need and calls for broad 

 and effective legislation. 



Not less important, perhaps, but from a dift'erent point of 

 view, is the need of conserving or preserving all forms of wild 

 Hfe which contribute so richly to the mental stimulus of our 

 people, and which add to the recreational value of our woods, 

 forests and fields; of these, the wild flowers form a not inconsid- 

 erable ]jart. To some people the value of our great out-of-doors 

 depends upon fishing and hunting game birds and animals ; but it 

 is important that we also recognize that even a greater and con- 

 .stantly increasing number of peoj^le derive the greatest value 

 during their hours of leisure and in their vacations from the 

 study of plant and bird life and the habits of animals. Such 

 recreational studies are powerful contributions to peace of mind, 

 happiness, equanimity, and a broader, more sympathetic outlook 

 upon life. 



Our vacation playgrounds, whether they are National Parks, 

 State reserves or just plain unprotected wild country have a value 

 that should not be measured in money units, but by their indirect 

 influence upon the lives and activities of those who enjoy the ad- 



* .Abstract of an illustrated lecture given at a joint meeting of the Torrey 

 Botanical Club and the Wild Flower Preservation Society, at the Xew York 

 Botanical (iarden, May 26, 1920. 



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