542 



AMERICAN FORESTRY 



A SHASTA LEGEND 



BY LUCY HUGHES DOAK 



There s a legend full of magic 

 Which the Indians love to tell. 

 How from leaves the Mighty Spirit, 

 Formed the hirds we love so well. 



When the -world -was in creation 

 Mountain tops did first appear. 

 And His steps here first descending. 

 Blessed the heights since held so dear. 



From the dome of Shasta Mountain, 

 On that new creative morn. 

 Viewed He every vale and fountain. 

 In the silence of the dawn. 



And, wherever fell His footprints. 



Sprang a tree in virgin soil ; 



Clothed were they in shimm ring green tints. 



Casting shadows over all. 



As weeks spread they grew in beauty. 

 Changed as if by magic spell ; 

 But as still they glowed more brightly. 

 Softly to the earth they fell. 



"Stay, O, stay you must not leave me 

 You're too beautiful to die ; 

 Into feathered sprites I 11 change you. 

 Giving wings that you may fly. 



Paused the leaves as if to listen. 

 Floating buoyantly along 

 In the sunshine, rose and fluttered 

 Bursting into joyous song. 



When you see bright plumage darting 

 In and out among the trees. 

 Think of Shasta Indians dreaming 

 That the birds were formed from leaves. 



This is why in trees they re building. 

 For here's guarded safe the nest ; 

 Strong arms fold them as if shielding 

 Close up to the mother brea6t. 



Guard ye well the trees of forest. 



Give protection to the bird. 



Twixt these there has been close kinship 



Since the forming of the world. 



