MEN OF THE TREES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20054, 11 March 1935, Page 3

MEN OF THE TREES

PRESERVING A HERITAGE In an age when man’s hand is tireless in despoiling Nature, it is no small comfort to find that there is still a minority who think, as R. L. Stevenson always thought, that “trees are the most civil society.” Progress, mingling brutality with idealism, has denuded many countries of their forests, and of all countries England would seem to have suffered most, writes “J.R.W.T.” in the “Sydney Morning Herald.” Vast tracts of her beautiful landscape have been ravished and lie under grass, with only an occasional tree to remind us of forgotten woods and glades. Millions of trees have been destroyed needlessly—millions could be planted again as an asset both to beauty and national wealth. And that is where “The Men of the Trees” hope to assert their influence. “The Men of the Trees” is the picturesque name given to a voluntary society in England founded 10 years ago by Mr Richard St. Barbe Baker. Its aim, tersely expressed, is to develop a tree sense in every citizen, and to encourage all to plant, protect, and love trees eveywhere. “What concerns us Men of the Trees.” says the society, “is that our country is being deprived of a permanent economic asset and the heritage of beauty which is characteristically British. Moreover, the continued destruction of trees cannot be disregarded, in view of the drought in many districts, and this drought is liable to become more serious unless remedial measures in the form of extensive reafforestation are put forward.” Cultivate a “Tree Sense” Though the exact relation of trees to rainfall is not easy to define, and may be treated as a subject of controversy, the principle may safely be laid down that forest areas lead to greater condensation both in the case of sea winds and the case of mountain mists. There is no doubt whatever that the climate of many rural localities in Britain has been gravely affected by the cutting down of them. That much is to be admitted. But. apart altogether from that aspect of the question, the Men of the Trees are striving above everything to instil into the hearts of English people a “tree sense,” which, once cultivated, will inevitably express itself in the transformation of the countryside. The society feels that everyone who plants trees is contributing a service to the nation, and for this reason should be assisted by taxation. Woodlands which, for example, have been properly cared for by the owner or tenant, for life, should be exempt from death duties (these duties having levied a dreadful toll upon British forestry. Hundreds of great estates, thickly wooded for centuries, have been stripped of their timber in recent years to meet the demands of an inexorable and unimaginative Exchequer. The society is constantly urging the planting of hedgerow trees and encouraging the planting of trees on a community basis. It is also offering prizes to schools for the best school plantation and organising arbor days and ceremonial tree plantings in memory of persons worthy of special honour. In addition, it arranges periodical meetings, excursions, tree photographic exhibitions and competitions, lantern lectures, and parties for junior members. Expert advice on silviculture is given to all who ask for it, and several publications, including a highly artistic illustrated “Tree Calendar,” are regularly issued. Indeed, nothing that will assist in the attainment of its objectives is willingly left undone. First and last, the Men of the Trees are bent upon fulfilling the truth of Francis Thompson’s noble words: “Thou canst not stir a flower without troubling of a star.”