49 - 

 WHY WE KEEP ARBOR DAY 



(Group the six children upon the stage; seventh child stands at one .side; each child 

 wears a crown of leaves.) 



Child at the side- 

 Trees of the fragrant forest, 

 With leaves of green unfurled, 

 Through summer's heat, through winter's cold, 

 What do you do for our world? 



First Fourth 



Our green leaves catch the raindrops Our falling leaves in autumn, 



That fall with soothing sound, By breezes turned and tossed, 



Then drop slowly, slowly down, Will make a deep sponge carpet warm 



'Tis better for the ground. Which saves the ground from frost. 



Second Fifth 



When rushing down the hillside, We give you pulp for paper, 



A mighty freshet forms, Our fuel gives you heat, 



Our giant trunks and spreading roots We furnish lumber for your homes, 



Defend our happy homes. And nuts and fruits to eat. 



Third Sixth 



From burning heat in summer, With strong and graceful outline, 



We offer cool retreat, With branches green and bare, 



Protect the land in winter's storm We fill the land all through the year 



From cold, and wind, and sleet. With beauty everywhere. 



All, in concert- 

 So, listen, from the forest, 

 Each one a message sends 

 To children on this Arbor Day, 

 " We trees are your best friends." 



Primary Ed ucation 



OUR THREE FAVORITES 



The oak is a strong and stalwart tree, 



And it lifts its branches up 

 And catches the dew right gallantly 



In many a dainty cup. 

 But the world is brighter and better made, 



Because of the woodman's stroke, 

 Descending in the sun or falling in shade, 



On the sturdy form of the oak. 

 The elm is a kindly, good tree, 



With its branches bending low; 

 The heart is glad when its form we see. 



As we list to the river's flow. 

 Ay ! the heart is glad and the pulses bound, 



And joy illumines the face 

 Whenever the goodly elm is found, 



Because of its beauty and grace. 

 The maple is supple, and lithe, and strong, 



And claimeth our love anew, 

 When the days are listless, and quiet and long, 



And the world is fair to view. 

 And later as the beauties and graces unfold 



A monarch right royally drest, 

 With streamers aflame and pennons of gold, 



It seems of all the best. 



