nursery could be extended by planting tree-seeds gathered in the following autumn.” The proper observance of Arbor Day is limited neither to literary programme nor to tree planting. Since man's visible works are but an expression of his life, the aim of the school must be the development of virile character, of which good works are the issue. For this end in the training of children and youth, Arbor Day offers the opportunity of fostering the love of natural beauty, awakening an interest in civic improvement, imparting a knowledge of the value of trees, giving instruction in practical forestry, and providing a practical training in treeplanting and related arts. If the children of to-day form the habit of making things look better at school and home, they will later be found active in all efforts for public improvement. An interesting programme of song and recitation and the making of some spot more beautiful by tree, shrub, or flower are alike means for making impressions of truth and beauty that will endure in the lives of children. For this purpose it is essential that every school convene in its school home on Arbor Day morning and that every child shall have a personal part, however small, in the exercises of the day. Let Arbor Day be associated with the study of nature throughout the year. Let every school, when possible, have its garden. Keeping the school yard free from rubbish is a way of improvement. For adornment of school grounds the planting of shrubs and vines, as well as trees, may be effective. For the sake of the children every school-house should image God's beauty of field and forest. The future beauty of homestead, school grounds, roadside and public park is now growing in the hearts of to-day's children. Let the school become an ally of the community in all public betterment. The proper observance of Arbor Day contributes not a little to right civic training. It strengthens the link between the child and nature. In awakening an interest in the life of tree and plant, it inspires kindness, gentle manners, and a fine regard for the rights and well-being of others. It gives a larger love of home and familiar scenes and a deep interest in men and things, which is at the heart of good citizenship. WHAT DO YOU SEE? From Wisconsin Arbor and Bird Day Annual, 1903 WHETHER We see much or little in nature is determined by the intelligence and training of the mind which interprets what our eyes look upon. Nature is a closed book to many and tells no story of interest and beauty. The first purpose of the celebration of Arbor Day should be to arouse in children a strong desire to know more about trees and flowers and animals about them, and to care more for them. The teacher who can, on this and succeeding days, accomplish this purpose, may rest assured that she has done much to enlarge the life and increase the happiness of those in her care. Children are always interested in life. It is to them a source of continual curiosity and wonder. The intelligent teacher will find it easy but necessary to direct this interest so that it shall result in close observation and serious study. The materials are always at hand. Every season presents life in a new aspect, and in almost infinite variety. Do not permit the minds of the children to be diverted from the simple thought of this day. While it is unquestionably desirable to have the school-house and grounds cleaned at this season of the year, this should be done as a preparation for Arbor Day, not as a part of its celebration. Let no drudgery turn the children's minds from the full enjoyment of the day. The schoolroom should be decorated as tastefully as possible. For this purpose encourage the children to bring flowers and birds from their homes. The joyousness and beauty of nature should fill the schoolroom. Plant some flowers as well as trees. Even if the school ground is small so that most of it must be used by the children for a playground, surely some little corner may be found for The a flower bed. The care and growth of these flowers will furnish materials for many an interesting lesson. In Japan, where the great population makes it necessary for the yards about the homes to be very small, the family always finds some little plot for flowers to give a touch of color and beauty to their homes. Those who have visited this far-off land testify how much this adds to the attractiveness of the simple dwellings of the Japanese. The ordinary country school-house needs all the charm that can be added by this inexpensive decoration to make it an attractive home for children. usual barrenness of it all, the lack of taste in its architecture and beauty in its surroundings, are not likely to cultivate high æsthetic ideals in the youthful minds; and the ideals of childhood must certainly have much influence upon the homes which these same children, grown to men and women, will control later in life. How much a few vines planted on Arbor and Bird Day, or at any other suitable season, will accomplish in rendering the exterior of the school or the home attractive! Flowers, vines and trees, beautifying the schoolhouse and grounds, react and beautify the homes. The interests of children do much to determine the interest of parents. When fathers and mothers find their children enthusiastic in their efforts to render their school-house attractive and pleasant, the homes will sooner or later show the results. School decoration is almost certain to result in home decoration. The Arbor Day programme should teach a lesson in kindness to animals. If children become interested in the study of the habits and characteristics of animals, there is little likelihood that cruelty will be practised. As we learn to know animals, we find in them so many qualities that appeal to our sympathies and our interests, that the desire to destroy or harm fades away. The boy who has learned from experience that many wild animals will soon cease to fear him if he does not frighten them, is not likely to continue to injure them, for he will want them to be his friends. AN ARBOR DAY TREE UNKNOWN DEAR little tree that we plant to-day, |