102 Old Bays on the Farm 



days or that game preserve would not have existed 

 long. 



THE OLD BAIL-FENCE 



In almost every fence-corner on the old-time 

 farm there were weeds and wild flowers and in- 

 numerable places that were suitable for the nest- 

 ing of birds. The passing of the old rail-fence 

 and substitution of barbed or other wire has 

 changed all that. 



Many born-on-the-farm rhymsters have paid 

 tribute to the old rail-fence of pioneer days. 



In the happy days of childhood when we never knew a 



care 

 Greater than sore throat or measles or how mother cut 



our hair, 

 When a swollen eye from bee-sting and a stone-bruise 



on the heel 

 Filled our chums with envious feelings which they could 



not conceal, 

 On the farm were many treasures — things that we boys 



held most dear, 

 Meadows, orchards, creek, and woodland and the spring 



that flowed so clear; 

 And about them all, a wooden wall, where flowers and 



weeds grew dense. 

 Stood the pioneer's rough palisade, the homely old rail- 

 fence. 



Upon its rails the robin built its nest in early spring. 

 Perched upon its stakes and corners the meadow birds 

 would sing, 



