Common Trees 



living thing. It grows as we grow. It pushes upward as 

 we should push upward in life. It spreads its branches out- 

 ward, as we should spread the branches of our minds, broad- 

 ened by experience in life. The tree is a constant lesson to 

 humanity, — a lesson in erectness, in courage, in dignity and 

 in steadfastness. It serves us in thousands of material ways, 

 so should we know it that it may serve us in human ways 

 as a guide and a friend. 



Throughout our great country our future citizens are 

 everywhere widening their acquaintance with trees. Through 

 various organizations, as well as the schools, they are dis- 

 covering the happiness that this knowledge brings. 



This little book will serve as a letter of introduction to the 

 common trees in your yard, on your street, in the woodlot 

 on the edge of the city and in the young forest beyond. You 

 can use it freely and many times. It will give you the knowl- 

 edge that leads to appreciation, and this will lead to enjoy- 

 ment even beyond expectation. 



A NOTICE 



(A notice found nailed to a tree in one of the parks of Seville, Spain. 

 Copied from the book "Spanish Sunshine," by Elinor Eisner.) 



"To the Wayfarer — 



Ye who pass by and would raise your hand against me 



Harken ere you harm me! 



I am the heat of your earth on the cold winter nights, 



The friendly shade screening you from the summer sun. 



My fruits arc refreshing draughts, 



Quenching your thirst as you journey on, 



I am the beam that holds your house, 



The board of your table. 



The bed on which you He, 



And the timber that builds your boat, 



I am the handle of your hoe. 



The door of your homestead, 



The wood of your cradle. 



And the shell of your coffin. 



I am the bread of kindness, and the flower of beauty. 



Ye who pass by, listen to my prayer; harm me not." 



