Suggestive programs for special day exercises/Arbor Day/A Few Suggestions

by Jason Elmer Hammond

A FEW SUGGESTIONS.

On Arbor Day some thought should be given to a study of the best plans for beautifying school grounds and adorning school buildings, as well as to the planting of trees and the proper care of those already added. If the tree planting is attended by some ceremony, and the tree perhaps named to commemorate some noted hero or statesman, the children will be more apt to take personal note of its growth. And beyond question our boys and girls should be more familiar with the habits of the abundant tree growth all about them.

It would be well if the teacher should often propound such queries as the following:

Is bark thicker on one side of a tree than another?
How many distinct layers can you find in bark?
What is the purpose of the different layers?
What commercial products are made from certain barks?
Are there any barks having medicinal value?
How many purposes has birch bark served?
Why are hemlock and oak bark used in tanning leather?

The custom in some schools is to have the tree planting in the morning and the exercises in the evening. In the latter case it makes a beautiful closing scene to have the “ Prayer for Our State ” given by little girls dressed in white. An impressive conclusion to the tree planting is the singing of the following words written by the author of America and sung to the same tune:—

THE PLANTING SONG.

S. F. SMITH.

 
Joy for the sturdy trees
Fanned by each fragrant breeze,
Lovely they stand!
The song birds o’er them thrill,
They shade each tinkling rill,
They crown each swelling hill.
Lowly or grand.

Plant them by stream and way,
Plant where the children play
And toilers rest;
In every verdant vale,
On every sunny swale—
Whether to grow or fail,
God knoweth best.

 
Select the strong, the fair.
Plant them with earnest care,
No toil is vain.
Plant in a fitter place,
Where, like a lovely face,
Set in some sweeter grace.
Change may prove gain.

God will His blessings send,
All things on Him depend.
His loving care
Clings to each leaf and flower,
Like ivy to its tower.
His presence and His power
Are everywhere.