Let us remember that trees have some useful purpose, and are not to be destroyed without due thought. They add to the beauty of the landscape; they harbor the birds; they protect the orchards and crops; they hold back the water; they moisten the air; they furnish lumber, fuel, food, and medicine; and their leaves are rich in vegetable mold. Therefore, let us take care of the trees. drought — a long period of dry weather. wan'ton - reckless, heedless. pulp wood fiber ground up with water and chemicals. the process of converting skins into leather. a sticky sap obtained from various trees. to afford shelter and protection. the trees? In How do they Notes and Questions. What questions should we ask before we start to cut down a tree? In what way does the falling of a great tree remind one of a stricken giant"? In what way are the birds the farmer's friends? How do birds use what way do forest trees protect the orchards? protect crops? How do forests prevent river floods? things we get from trees. What is "leaf mold"? of all the things that trees do for us. How can we get all the fuel and lumber that we need, and still leave enough trees for future generations? Name some Make a list To the Teacher. Go with the children to a near-by forest and study with them the condition of the trees. THREE TREES The pine tree grew in the wood, Black-green against the sky. The oak tree stood in the field, Sturdy and broad it guarded the farms The apple tree grew by the wall, And the children rode on its back. "Now, hey," said the pine, "for the wood! Come live with the forest band. Our comrades will do you good, And tall and straight you will stand." And he swung his boughs to a witching sound, And flung his cones like coins around. "O-ho!" laughed the sturdy oak; "The life of the field for me. I weather the lightning stroke ; My branches are broad and free. Grow straight and slim in the wood if you will, And the apple tree murmured low, With bearing my burdens long." And it dropped its fruit as it dropped a tear, And the Lord of the harvest heard, So a ship of the oak was sent Far over the ocean blue, And the pine was the mast that bent And the ruddy fruit of the apple tree Now the farmer grows like the oak, - C. H. CRANDALL. Word Study. ta'per ing HELPS TO STUDY gradually diminishing towards a point. state'ly grand, dignified. brawn'y strong, stalwart. witch'ing enchanting. mast a long round piece of timber raised vertically on the keel of a ship to support the sails. Notes and Questions. Describe each of the trees mentioned in the poem. Why did the pine like the wood? Why did the oak prefer "the sun and the wind-swept hill"? What did the apple tree murmur? What uses had the Lord of the harvest for the trees? What was made out of the oak? For what was the pine used? Where was the fruit of the apple tree sent? In what respect is the townsman like the pine and the countryman like the oak? FOREST TREES The tree, with its mighty pillar rising straight toward heaven, bears up its leafy arms above the impurities of earth, and supports them aloft in the free air and glorious sunshine. Thus, the tree is an emblem of what a true man should be. A tree is a shelter from the peltings of the storm and the scorchings of the fierce heat. A true man is likewise a refuge for the weak, a shelter for the oppressed — a defense for the defenseless, warding off from them the inroads of selfishness. He who is such a shield is, like the tree, an ornament and a blessing to his native land. A fruit tree is a symbol of home and comfort and good cheer. It is the emblem of good works. By the woodshed or the pump, or against the barn or over the garden fence, the apple tree or pear tree connects the residence with the world of life and space that stretches out to woods and farms. We rest our affections on it, as a midway place between ourselves and our surroundings. It is the warder of the fields and the monitor of the home. It is an outpost of the birds. It feels the first ray of morning sunshine. It proclaims every wind. It drips copiously in the rain. |