Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 82, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 April 1913 — NEW LAW REQUIRES ARBOR DAY OBSERVANCE [ARTICLE]

NEW LAW REQUIRES ARBOR DAY OBSERVANCE

All Schools Must Observe the Third Friday of April—Teachers, Are Expected to Instruct. Arbor Day was inaugurated in 1872, in Nebraska, through the efforts of Hon.. J. Sterling Morton. In Indiana it was first observed in 1884. Since that time once or twice each year more Or less attention has been given to Arbor Day. The last legislature passed a law requiring that Arbor Day be annually observed .in the schools of the state, and has fixed the third Friday of April of each year as the day. This shows the advance of the work of forestry in this state and the law is welcomed by teachers, pupils and parents. No definite program has been prescribed by the new law, but it is expected that a majority of the teachers will give lessons in the selection of the kinds of trees, shrubs and vines to plant, how to plant, prune and care for them, grafting and budding. Where space 7 will permit, suitable trees, shrubs and vines will be planted on the school grounds. Their location will be studied so that their arrangement will result in artistic effects; fences and outbuildings will be screened from view. It is hoped that the schools of every neighborhood will compete with each other in the improvement of their grounds. . However, the planting of trees will accomplish little unless they are properly protected and cared for. Plant trees and watch them grow by caring for them. Much valuable information 6n the selection, planting and pruning of shade trees is contained in the 1910 report of the State Board of Forestry, which may be obtained free by Writing to the State Forester at Indianapolis.