of claims advanced for the trees. For this reason assertions 

 based on local tradition or inherent probability had to be 

 discounted. Any evidence of a nature such as to satisfy 

 careful scrutiny was held to be essential. 



"Providing thai the photograph or other illustration was 

 reasonably dear not much emphasis was put on the mere 

 character of the picture. Bui when two or more contestants 

 submitted pictures of the same tree the award was made on 

 the basis of the artistic merits of the illustrations. '1 his 

 compelled the judges to make one or two difficult decisions 

 from the aesthetic point of view. 



"It was also decided that awards should be given to dupli- 

 cate pictures only in ease really meritorious reproductions 

 of other trees were lacking. 



"Trees outside of this Commonwealth were ruled out. 

 The judges were greatly impressed by the results of the 

 contest in calling attention to and arousing interest in the 

 historic trees of the Empire State. It seemed to them that 

 further investigation could easily establish still further 

 interesting evidence of the value of trees as historic 

 monuments." 



FORESTS are indispensable to National prosperity. On 

 account of the time element involved in growing forests, 

 prompt and vigorous action today is needed if the Empire 

 State fifty years hence is to have the forest area necessary 

 for the development and maintenance of its industries and 

 the health and happiness of the people. The interest and 

 support of every forward looking citizen is needed in order to 

 get a proper forest program established. Some love trees 

 for their beauty, others for their associations. To many 

 the love of certain single trees or communities of trees which 

 we call forests is instinctive. Whatever the attachment. 

 this booklet should increase the esteem and reverence in 

 which these kings of the field are held. 



" Poems are made by fools like me, 

 But onlv God can make a Tree." 



