STATE OF MICHIGAN
Arbor and Bird Day
A Proclamation
By the Governor
By Legislative enactment, the Governor is authorized to set apart
one day in the year to be known as Arbor and Bird Day.
The importance of the proper observance of an Arbor Day is
becoming more apparent every year. The problem of conservation of
our natural resources is one of national proportions, and faithful
remembrance of the day is furnishing the people of our common-
wealth with a clearer understanding of the economic value of forest
and bird preservation.
While the purpose of the day is to stimulate the pride and
interest of the people, the State should also be concerned in the
adoption of a far-sighted policy of conservation and reforestration,
thereby creating value, as well as adding comfort and beauty for the
benefit of present and future generations.
For the first time in the history of Michigan, the Governor is
requested by Senate resolution (No. 55, introduced by Senator
L. Whitney Watkins) to call attention to the importance of protect-
ing and encouraging song and insectivorous birds, not only for their
economic, but for their aesthetic, value. This is a commendable
action. It is desirable to teach an intelligent appreciation of the
pleasures and benefits to be derived from birds. Almost all birds do
more good than harm. The balance of value is clearly in favor of
even all the hawks, except two. It is much better to let a harmful
bird escape than to run the risk of killing a bird of value. Great
care should be exercised that birds are not killed or molested in their
nesting places. A person who will put up bird boxes and otherwise
take an interest in our feathered friends, will be well repaid. Every
farmer should be a bird guardian. To be interested in and kind to
birds is a sign of gentleness and makes one better.
Tree planting on private and public grounds is recommended,
and it is requested that all public schools and places of learning
throughout the state, will hold appropriate exercises to call attention
to the importance of saving our birds and trees. Especial attention
is called to the forest-fire laws. Campers should exercise care in
selecting a place for a fire, and should extinguish it before leaving.
Nor should trees and shrubs be needlessly marred by hacking with
an axe or otherwise.
Therefore, I, Chase S. Osborn, Governor of the Commonwealth
of Michigan, do hereby issue this my Proclamation, designating
May 2, 1911,
Arbor and Bird Day Throughout the Commonwealth
and earnestly urge its observance.
By the Governor:
Ginen under my hand and the Great Seal of
the State, this thirty-first day of March,
in the year of our Lord, one thousand
nine hundred and eleven, and of the
Commonwealth the seventy-fifth.
Chases.
Deborus
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Fredench & Martindale
Secretary of State.

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
3 9015 08039 0126