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5 <br /> But I must emphasize that beyond oaks there is a wide variety <br /> of trees which provide interesting textures and surprising seasonal <br /> colors which will give both more dignity and appealing beauty to <br /> this important Downtown. In short, Douglas firs and Oregon oaks <br /> would be out of place in this setting. We shouldn't bring the rude <br /> country trappings into a Downtown which is crying for some <br /> sophisticated embellishment. And from the abutting merchants' <br /> point -of -view you should consider the economic values involved <br /> here. <br /> The fundamental question behind all of this discussion is: <br /> What is the motive behind this arbitrary sanctification of native <br /> plants? Over the last 200 years people of all nations in the <br /> temperate zones have tested the best of the so- called "exotic" <br /> plants and through trial and error have developed a consensus on <br /> those plant materials which are pleasing and useful. The best of <br /> the trees are reflected in the inventories of the nursery industry. <br /> At the present time the largest of all of Oregon's industries is <br /> the nursery industry, and its market clearly reflects the solid <br /> preferences of our population. Almost none of the native trees of <br /> this state are included in the fields of Oregon nurseries because <br /> there is no call for them except in the reforestation programs of <br /> the timber companies. <br /> The Tree Foundation's project in Willamette street would be <br /> setting a precedent which the City of Eugene must examine in depth. <br /> Shall native plants take precedence over "exotic" plants? Must <br />