XIII. 



THE WILLOWS AND POPLAES. 



The establishment of a board of trustees for the 

 purpose of holding, by gift and purchase, spots of 

 natural beauty and historic interest in Massachusetts, 

 and for receiving funds for preserving them for the 

 benefit of future generations, is one ot the most 

 important enactments of our legislature for the public 

 good. Cities and towns, and societies, and public- 

 spirited citizens, have done much already in this direc- 

 tion ; but, by the concerted action of influential persons 

 throughout the State, attention will be more generally 

 called to these matters, and we may hope to have more 

 spots of scenic interest and more of the rare trees and 

 fine sections of forest preserved for public uses, than it 

 was possible to do before any organized attempt 

 was made for this purpose. 



We have been accustomed for years to wander at 

 will in the woods, and over fields and seashore, without 

 for a moment considering that the ground under our 

 feet was private property, and that in the eyes of 

 the law we were trespassers. But as wealth has in- 

 creased, the natural desire for country and seashore 

 residences has come with it, and we are beginning 

 to realize that the day is not far distant when every 

 fine hill, shady nook and ocean headland will be in 

 private hands, unless secured before it is too late 

 for public use. 



