268 NEBRASKA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Neglect to mulch or frequent stirring surface soil kills many trees, 

 especially if they are daily deluged by water. In a season of pro- 

 tracted drought watering may be necessary. Dig a hole near the tree,, 

 water bountifully, then return the earth after water settles. 



Wrap bodies of newly set trees with burlaps or any cheap material, 

 to shade from hot sun. In a hot summer, if this is not done, bark 

 is often killed in spots on south or southwest side. Insects having a 

 fondness for the diseased sap are found and borers are generally ac- 

 cused of causing the damage when it should be charged to neglect of 

 the planter to properly shade the body of tree. Spraying trees in the 

 evening in a dry time would often save them. 



I have hinted at causes of death to millions of trees annually in 

 the United States. Brethren, you will agree with me that "these 

 things ought not so to be," and it is hoped, in discussions which may 

 follow, you will in wisdom answer the query : What are we going to 

 do about it ? 



Arbor day is now annually observed by our schools. Would it be 

 proper for your society, through a committee, to confer with the state 

 superintendent and suggest that in the circular sent by him to schools 

 plain instructions be given for the successful planting and after man- 

 agement of trees? The present superintendent, Dr. Richard Ed- 

 wards, is heartily in accord with the mission of your society, as 

 evinced by the many cordial welcomes received by it at meetings held 

 in the university at Normal during his presidency of that institution. 

 One of the best papers (see transactions 1887) on the ornamentation 

 of the yards of public school houses is from his pen. Without doubt 

 Mr. Raab will co-operate as cordially in the good work. 



The lapse of thirty years has not changed my opinion then ex- 

 pressed as your presiding officer: "For a general and radical im- 

 provement we must look to the rising generation ; our common school 

 teachers must first be enlisted in the good cause, and at every district 

 school house the elements of horticulture must be disseminated." 

 Let each member of this society make it a point the coming season to 

 have some attention given to the subject by at least one school in his 

 immediate vicinity. 



