anniversary day for tree planting, standing in their columns until April 10, next, and to call especial attention of the people to the importance of the matter from time to time."
The newspapers of the state were generous, and kept Arbor Day well before the people. The result was that over a million trees were planted in Nebraska on the first Arbor Day, April 10, 1872. The day was again observed in 1873 with increased interest and results.
March 31, 1874, the first Arbor Day proclamation was issued by the governor.—From "Arbor Day," published by Hon. Robert W. Furnas, 1888.
BLESSING FOR THE TREE PLANTER.
O painter of the fruits and flowers
We thank Thee for they wise design,
Whereby these human hands of ours
In nature's garden work with Thine.
Give fools their gold and knaves their power;
Let fortune's bubbles rise and fall;
Who sows a field or trains a flower
Or plants a tree is more than all.
For he who blesses most is blest;
And God and man shall own his worth
Who toils to leave as his bequest
And added beauty to the earth.
And, soon or late, to all who sow,
The time of harvest shall be given;
The flower shall bloom, the fruit shall grow,
If not on earth, at least in heaven.
