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Show IHomeTbujn ITHelpsT COURT SETS VALUE ON TREES Decision That Will Be of Interest ts Many Communities Throughout the Country. In Salem, Mass., a resident sued the town gas light company for damages caused by the killing of Qvo shado trees through the escnpe of gas from a leaky maa. A verdict for $1,000 against the company was rendered $200 a tree. The decision Is said to have been awaited wltli a good deal of Interest by surrounding towns, for tree killing from this cause Is a common com-mon thing. It has happened many times In Indianapolis, according to report, re-port, though complaints have not been heard lately with the frequency thai characterized them lack in the days when natural gas wus piped through the streets, hastily and no doubt often carelessly. The killing of a thrifty, well-grown filnulo trco is usually a distinct loss to nny property, commonly lowering 'Its value. In view of the tlmo required for tho growth of such trees $200 Is a moderate sum In the way of damages, and no amount of money, when it comes to thnt, can really recompense tho owner of the trees. They have to him, especially If ho planted nnd cared for them, a sentimental vuhje that dollars dol-lars cannot measure. They havo added beauty to his home and he has counted them among his treasures. To a real tree lover, a beautiful tree, whether his own or not, seems almost to possess pos-sess a personality of Its own nnd to sco it struggle for life and gradually, die, brings real sorrow. It Is to view a calamity. Indianapolis Star. |