48 



WHAT THE TREES TEACH US 



(An exercise for using fourteen pupils of the lower grade; less than 

 this number may be used by omitting certain verses. If each pupil 

 carries a branch of the tree represented the effect is greatly enhanced.) 



First Pupil 



I am taught by the Oak to be rugged and strong 



In defense of the right; in defiance of wrong. 

 Second Pupil 



I have learned from the Maple, that beauty to win 



The love of all hearts, must have sweetness within. 

 Third Pupil 



The Beech, with its branches wide-spreading and low. 



Awakes in my heart hospitality's glow. 

 Fourth Pupil 



The Pine tells of constancy. In its sweet voice 



It whispers of hope till sad mortals rejoice. 

 Fifth Pupil 



The nut bearing trees teach that 'neath manners gruff, 



May be found as " sweet kernels" as in their caskets rough. 

 Sixth Pupil 



The Birch, in its wrappings of silver gray, 



Shows that beauty needs not to make gorgeous display. 

 Seventh Pupil 



The Ash, having fibres tenacious and strong, 



Teaches me firm resistance, to battle with wrong. 

 Eighth Pupil 



The Aspen tells me with its quivering leaves, 



To be gentle to every sad creature that grieves. 

 Ninth Pupil 



The Lombardy Poplars point upward, in praise, 



My voice to kind heaven they teach rne to raise. 

 Tenth Pupil 



The Elm teaches me to be pliant yet true; 



Though bowed by rude winds, it still rises anew. 

 Eleventh Pupil 



ram taught generosity, boundless and free, 



By the showers of fruit from the dear Apple tree. 

 Twelfth Pupil 



The Cherry tree blushing with fruit crimson red, 



Tells of God's free abundance that all may be fed. 

 Thirteenth Pupil 



In the beautiful Linden, so fair to the sight, 



This truth I discern: It is inwardly white. 

 Fourteenth Pupil 



The firm rooted Cedars like sentries of old, 



Show that virtues deep-rooted may also be bold. 



Helen 0. Hoi/t, in the Teachers' World. 



" When the Green Gits Back in the Trees" is an excellent selection in 

 verse by James Whitcomb Riley. It is in dialect and could be recited 

 by a pupil of the grammar grade. 



