ARBOR DA Y MANUAL. 
331 
MASSACHUSETTS.— The last Saturday in April,is fixed by law as “Arbor 
Day,” and was established in 1886. The Governor issues a proclamation, and 
programs are prescribed by local superintendents. The day is observed espec¬ 
ially by the school children, but is also observed by the people generally, in 
:accordance with the proclamation. There are no data as to the number of trees 
planted. 
MICHIGAN.— The following concurrent resolution was approved March 
■26; 1885 : 
Resolved , That the Governor is hereby requested to call the attention of the 
people of this State to the importance of planting trees for ornament and shade, 
by naming a day on which this work shall be given special attention, to be 
known as “ Arbor Day.” 
Superintendent Joseph Estabrook writes November 25, 1889: “There is no 
•uniformity in the manner of observing the day. Last spring a large number 
•of the graded schools observed it with appropriate exercises. No record is made 
•of the number of trees planted.” 
MINNESOTA.—The day has been observed since 1885, but is not established 
by law. The Governor issues a proclamation fixing the day (usually in April — 
in 1889, April 26), and the Superintendent of Public Instruction supplements 
the proclamation with a circular. There were 6,394 trees planted in 1888, and 
39,395 in 1889. 
From Governor Merriam’s proclamation of 1889, the following extract is 
made : 
“The day possesses the rare feature of being one of pleasure to those who 
participate in the work to which it is dedicated, and of being in far greater 
degree, fruitful in blessings to the children, the children’s children, and the 
.generations to follow.” 
MISSISSIPPI.— (Not observed.) 
MISSOURI.— Arbor Day established by law in 1886 — the first Friday after 
first Tuesday in April. The Superintendent of Public Schools issues a circular 
annually, calling attention to the law and suggesting the character of exercises. 
About 27,000 trees have been planted. 
NEBRASKA.— To this State belongs the distinction of inaugurating the 
• observance of Arbor Day, and she has also been the most industrious in this 
direction, adding to sentiment, something practical. Ex-Governor J. Sterling 
Morton was an earnest advocate of the plan, and millions of growing trees are 
the silent outgrowth of his enthusiasm. The statutes of Nebraska designate 
April 2 ( 2, as Arbor Day ; the Governor usually issuing a proclamation, followed 
by a circular from the State Superintendent, who occasionally submits a pro¬ 
gram. Prizes are given for planting the largest number of trees. ; The school 
authorities try to have trees in every school-yard. The day is made a school 
holiday to all schools observing the day. Nearly 400,000,000 trees have been 
planted in this State under this law and practice. 
NEVADA.— Arbor Day was established by law, February 10, 1887, and pro¬ 
vides that the Governor shall fix,a da}' by proclamation. A day in April was 
