254 Report of the Forest Commission, 



ARBOR DAY. 



Arbor Day is now observed in forty of the States and Terri- 

 tories. It originated in Nebraska, in 187*2, where its introduction 

 was due to the efforts and able advocacy of Hon. J. Sterling 

 Morton. It is also observed in the provinces of the Dominion of 

 Canada. In some of the States, including New York, the date 

 is designated by law ; in others, by a proclamation of the Gov- 

 ernor or Superintendent of Public Schools. The adoption of this 

 holiday by the schools was accomplished by the American 

 Forestry Association, which, in 1852, passed a resolution at 

 the Cincinnati meeting favoring the recognition of Arbor Day 

 by the schools, and appointed a committee to look after this 

 particular work. 



Dr. B. G-. Northrop, a prominent advocate of Arbor Day and 

 village improvement societies, state* that, in a recent visit to 

 Japan, and the Hawaiian Islands, he was gratified to find the 

 day set apart as a holiday in those countries also. In Japan, 

 the Emperor's birthday has been designated as Arbor Day, 

 memorial trees being then planted in his honor. 



