ARBOR DA Y MAR UAL. 
359 
NEW YORK STATE PROGRAM, 1889. 
CIRCULAR OF SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC- 
INSTRUCTION. 
ARBOR DAY, MAY 3, 1889. 
STATE OF NEW YORK, 
Department of Public Instruction, *, 
Superintendent’s Office, Albany , April 15, 1'9. f 
Acting under the law of 1888, the Superintendent of Public Instruction submits herewith some sugges¬ 
tions which it is hoped may be of service to the schools in observing the first Arbor Day in this State, which 
will occur May 3 next, accompanying the same with original songs and poems which have been contributed 
for this use, together with appropriate selections from various authors who have written on subjects in . 
harmony with the spirit of the day. 
The primary purpose of the Legislature in establishing “Arbor Day,” was to develop and stimulate ini 
the children of the Commonwealth a love and reverence for Nature as revealed in trees and shrubs and. 
flowers. In the language of the statute “to encourage the planting, protection and preservation of trees, 
and shrubs ” was believed to be the most effectual way in which to lead our children to love Nature and 
reverence Nature’s God, and to see the uses to which these natural objects may be put in making our 
school-grounds more healthful and attractive. 
The object sought may well command the most thoughtful consideration and the painstaking efforts o£ 
school officers, teachers and pupils in every school district, and in every educational institution, and of alh 
others who are interested in beautifying the schools and the homes of the State. 
It will be well not only to plant trees and shrubs and vines and flowers where they may contribute to* 
pleasure and comfort, but also to provide for their perpetual care, and to supplement such work by exer¬ 
cises which will lead all to a contemplation of the subject in its varied relations and resultant influences,. 
It is fitting that trees should be dedicated to eminent scholars, educators, statesmen, soldiers, historians or 
poets, or to favorite teachers or pupils in the different localities. On this occasion, however, it would be 
especially appropriate to dedicate one tree in each district to Washington. , 
The opportunity should not be lost, which is afforded by the occasion, for illustrating and enforcing the 
thought that the universe, its creation, its arrangement, and all of its developing processes, are not due to> 
human planning or oversight, but to the infinite wisdom and power of God. 
Our school exercises, and particularly those of an unusual character, should be interspersed with selections; 
songs and acts which will inspire patriotism. Upon the same week in which Arbor Day first occurs, the; 
Nat ion will celebrate the Inauguration of Washington, the completion of “ the more perfect Union ” and 
the full organization of the National Government. It will be a great and magnificent outburst of praise 
and song and exultation, appropriate to the successful rounding out of the first hundred years of the 
Nation’s life. Let this fact have some place and exert some influence in our Arbor Day exercises. 
It is hoped that the following pages contain information and suggestions, which will aid teachers in pre¬ 
paring profitable and interesting exercises for the appropriate observance of the day. Wherever possible, 
it is advisable to take actual steps toward the planting and care of trees and shrubs. In circumstances, 
where this is not practicable, hold appropriate literary exercises. So far as it can be done, combine the 
two. Do whatever will arouse an interest in the subject. Particular attention is called to the suggestion 
concerning the selection, by vote of the children and others participating in th6 exercises, of a tree which 
shall be the choice as the State Tree. Take the vote, report the result to the superintendent in your 
city, or the commissioner in your district, and the entire vote will be collated and announced from the- 
Department. 
It is not possible to do more than make general suggestions from this Department. Each teacher must, 
take these hints and any others which may present themselves, and utilize them according to local circum¬ 
stances and environments. 
The Superintendent desires to express his thanks to all who have aided him in this matter, and particu¬ 
larly to the press of the State for the promptness and prominence with which the subject has been treated. 
A. S. DRAPER, State Superintendent. 
