110 FOREST FANCIES 



IV.— The Book 



As a tree feels the approach of a cold win- 

 ter and thickens the walls of its buds, so Picea 

 knew that her days in the forest were num- 

 bered. And one day the axman came, and her 

 tall spire, pointing so long to the stars, fell 

 crashing to earth. 



Touching the old spruce in her fall, Picea 

 called, ** Mother, good-bye!" 



And the old tree answered, *'My daughter, 

 may all go well with you out in the world!" 



Picea came heavily down upon the pretty 

 little spruce tree. ^^I did not mean to harm 

 you," she said tenderly. **I had hoped that 

 you would take my place in the forest." 



Shorn of boughs, her trunk was measured 

 into smaller lengths, and skidded, with many 

 others, down to the river. 



**I heard you call, and I have come," she 

 said faintly to the river. **0h, your touch is 

 cold and chills my heart! Let me rest here 

 awhile; I am not ready for the dance." 



* * Rest ! ' ' whispered the river. ^ ' Lie here by 



