20 MAY 1938, Page 17

Tree Sense Our " tree sense " is to be

further stimulated by a conference en trees held by " the Men of the Trees " at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, from July 16th to 2 St. German trees as well as Empire trees are to come under review, and the Germans have a good deal to teach us though they are apt to drill their trees into regiments. You almost expect some of the planta- tions to start the goose-step. By a very wise regulation the Government in several parts of mid-Europe owns all ground above a certain altitude, and this has very much encouraged scientific afforestation. The beauty of English trees lies chiefly in their individuality ; and " the Parks " at Oxford, which are alongside Lady Margaret's, are a good illustration of ornamental tree-planting. The Men of the Trees (whose official address is Jay Mews, Kensington Gore, S.W. 7) have done very good work in encouraging the planting of both the economic and scenic sorts. Incidentally, they have stimulated both tree poets and tree artists. For example, I was sent not long since an ingenious poem that was in essence a paean to the fastigiate habit in the sport from the black poplar ; and a little earlier a booklet wholly consisting of portraits of trees that mimicked human poses and gestures.

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