FOREST LEAVES 105 



that safely enfolds the spruce seed in the cone 

 until it is time for it to fly, and then wings it 

 for flight, will guide us to our best use. The 

 seed does not question nor worry nor fear, but 

 obeys the wind that blows it and the spring 

 that calls it to awake." 



Taking a notebook from his pocket, he 

 wrote: 



If in this form, a forest tree, 

 God's purpose be fulfilled in me, 

 Then is my part of His great plan 

 To be the finest tree I can. 



He laughed and tossed aside the leaf, yet 

 Picea had heard the words and was happy. 

 For all the while as he lay on the soft moss and 

 leaves this was the unceasing murmur of her 

 boughs, and now he had found the peace born 

 in her in the forest home. The Indian who is 

 in doubt goes solitary into the forest. Soli- 

 tary? He returns, satisfied, and &ays he has 

 talked with the Great Spirit. 



The young man sprang lightly to his feet. 

 Laying his hand lovingly upon the rough, flak- 

 ing scales of her brown bark, ^' Picea," he said 



