358 
ARBOR DA V MANUAL. 
NEW YORK STATE PROGRAM, 1889. 
may include the singing of appropriate songs, the reading or recital of prose or poetical selections relating 
to this subject, a short address by some suitable person, essays, letters, etc., etc. 
In cities it may be necessary to omit tree planting. In such cases it is recommended that principals of 
schools provide exercises of the character above outlined. 
It will be seen that the observance of the law is not compulsory. There is no penalty for non-compli¬ 
ance. But it is hoped that the first Arbor Day in the Empire State may be observed in some degree in 
every school district of the State. The exercises may be as simple or extended as the opportunities or ad¬ 
vantages may provide. If a tree cannot be planted, let it be a vine or shrub, or an ivy. Let some growing 
thing testify to the observance of the day and the interest of the school children in it. 
Arbor Day is now observed in nearly every State in the Union. Let New York, her people and her 
children, identify themselves with a movement which will erect living monuments of use and beauty, to 
the intelligence of the present generation, and which will add pleasure and comfort to the generations yet 
to come. 
Programs will be issued in sufficient quantities to School Commissioners and City Superintendents to 
■supply each school with from three to five copies. 
The following suggestions by a correspondent deeply interested in the subject are presented as worthy of 
consideration. 
That three brief poetical compositions be set to appropriate music, and that they be committed to memory' 
and sung by the school children, on that day, throughout the State. One of these compositions might be a 
hymn in praise of the natural world, as exemplified in forest, plant and flower, and of thankfulness to God 
for their creation and for our power to appreciate them. 
Another, a song of dedication and aspiration, to be sung about a tree when planted on this day; and a 
third, embodying thoughts which might be suitably expressed in a march of the children through the 
locality which they desire to improve by the planting of trees, etc. The material to be gathered by a 
thoughtful perusal of the subject might surely be expected to inspire our most gifted poets. 
I would suggest that a call be made through the press for such compositions, and then that a similar call 
be made upon our musical composers to set them to music. 
Acting upon the suggestions above outlined, I invite brief poetical compositions of the character indicated. 
As the time for preparation is short, these contributions should be furnished not later than April 5. They 
may be addressed to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction at Albany, and selections will be made; 
for use on Arbor Day , proper credit being given for authorship in all cases where the work is used. 
A. S. DRAPER, State Superintendent. 
