Arbor Day

Woodman, Spare That Tree

Woodman, spare that tree,
Touch not a single bough!
In youth it sheltered me,
And I'll protect it now;
'Twas my forefather's hand
That placed it near his cot;
There, woodman, let it stand,
Thy axe shall harm it not.

That old familiar tree,

Whose glory and renown Are spread o'er land and sea

And would'st thou hack it down? Woodman, forbear thy stroke,

Cut not its earth-bound ties.

Oh, spare that aged oak,
Now towering to the skies!

When but an idle boy,

I sought its grateful shade ; In all their gushing joy,

Here, too, my sisters played. My mother kissed me here;

My father pressed my handForgive the foolish tear;

But let the old oak stand.

My heart-strings round thee cling,
Close as thy bark, old friend;
Here shall the wild birds sing,

And still thy branches bend.

Old tree! the storm still brave,
And, woodman, leave the spot!

While I've a hand to save,

Thy axe shall harm it not.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

STATE OF INDIANA.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT.

A PROCLAMATION.

The mysteries of the changing seasons are about us. Budding foliage, bursting flowers and fragrant blossoms are everywhere. The air is vibrant with the babble of many waters and with the cries and songs of nestling birds. April-changing, fickle, winsome April-sits again "At the loom of Spring," weaving of air and sunlight and of dew and shower a thousand "wonder fabrics." Unseen but vital and mysterious forces are revivifying the earth and calling unto us to join in Nature's annual triumph over death.

To this call we can make no more appropriate answer than to set apart a day for the celebration of the return of this glad new season, and for the planting of trees and shrubs. Every tree planted makes the earth more habitable and a happier place in which to dwell. It adds, also, to the material welfare of the State.

Therefore, in accordance with precedent and custom, and in keeping with the moving and impelling forces about us, I, J. Frank Hanly, Governor of the State of Indiana, do hereby designate, set apart and proclaim Friday, April 26, and Friday, October 25, 1907, as

ARBOR DAYS

and recommend that each of said days be observed by the people of the Commonwealth as a day of rest and celebration; that the ceremonies incident to the celebration of these days be characterized by the planting of trees and shrubs upon the grounds about public buildings and public institutions, upon the public highways and about private homes; that those in charge of the benevolent institutions of the State give recognition to these days by fitting observance, and that the schools, public and private, observe them, as far as practicable, by public exercises of such a character as will give the children of the State a better understanding and a higher appreciation of tree and bird life.

Let this be done in the interest of forestry cultivation, and with a view to adding to the beauty and the wealth and resources of the State, and to our own culture and happiness and the culture and happiness of our children. To him who understands the life of tree and bird and the lessons taught by them "the whispering grove a holy temple is," and every bird that has the gift of song, God's messenger.

Done at the capitol of Indiana, in the city of Indianapolis, this sixteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord, nineteen hundred and seven, in the year of the independence of the United States the 131st and of the State of Indiana the 91st. J. FRANK HANLY, Governor of Indiana.

By the Governor :

FRED A. SIMS,

Secretary of State.

[SEAL]