SYLVAN STREETS. 263 
broadest and longest of town thoroughfares, or to 
make the very cautious ‘experiment’ of filling 
up a few odd corners and angles by planting Trees. 
Money, though spent with little regard to eco- 
nomy in other and far less worthy objects, is 
grudgingly doled out for the purpose of Tree 
plantizg in a few town streets; and even the 
small sums that have thus been spent have in too 
many instances been secured for their excellent ob- 
ject only by the earnest and persistent exertions 
of large-hearted individuals amongst our local 
governing bodies, and in spite of selfish, obstinate, 
and narrow-minded resistance. 
But why, it may be asked, cannot there be a 
healthy and spontaneous expression of public 
opinion on this subject? Why cannot it be re- 
cognized that townspeople would immensely gain 
both in health and in pocket by an extensive 
adoption of town Tree planting? Why will not 
people see that much of what they spend in poor- 
rates might be saved by the introduction of more 
Trees into towns. Trees are sanitary agents, more 
efficient and more persistent than public officers 
of health. They absorb the noxious compound 
Q 2 
