THE FOREST PLEADERS 



235 



might not succeed. Most people are entirely ignorant 

 about the forestry problems of the day. Conse- 

 quently, there is no popular interest in such objects. 

 The public needs information about the frequency, the 

 extent, of forest fires, and the losses that result from 

 them ; about the dangers of the careless use of fire in the 

 woods ; about the best methods to control and suppress 

 fires, and many similar subjects. Our association is dis- 

 tributing such information by means of articles in the 

 newspapers, by advertisements, and by circulating printed 

 matter of various kinds relating to forest protection. 



With the same object in view, prize essay contests have 

 been established in the schools of the county to interest 

 the young people in the forests and to carry into the 

 homes of the people the discussion of the subjects of 

 these essays. 



Little by little the foundations of a firm and perma- 

 nent structure are being laid. Indifference and preju- 

 dices are breaking down before enlightenment, and the 

 future prosperity of the association appears to be 

 assured. 



The Forest Pleaders 



(Arbor Day Recitation For Six Pupils) 



i'.v E. T. Allen 



First Pupil (Carrying Evergreen Branch) : 

 I AM THE FOREST. 



I clothe this glorious land 



With beauty and on every hand 

 You turn to me in daily need. 



Your best friend I have always stood ; 



'Sou could not live not using wood. 

 For our protection now I plead. 



Xor do I bid you take my word; 



Let these my witnesses be heard. 



Second Pupil (Carrying Pail of Water) : 

 I AM THE STREAM. 



From my woodland springs 



To river mouth where the white gull wings 

 Over the ships from the ends of the earth 



I flow to your homes and mills and fields 



And carry the freight that the harvest yields, 

 I Jut shady forests gave me birth. 



Third Pupil (Carrying Pet Animal) : 



I AM THE WILD THINGS. 



I speak for graceful deer 



And flashing trout in brook, pools clear, 

 For singing birds and squirrels pert, 



And all the wearers of feather and fur. 



What should we do if no forests were 

 To shelter us from fear and hurt? 



Fourth Pupil (Carrying Ax) : 



I AM INDUSTRY. 



To me the forest brings 

 Reward for labor and all things 



That money buys, for in this state 

 So much of our wage-earners' pay 

 Comes from lumbering in some way. 



The fate of forests is my fate. 



Fifth Pupil (Carrying Fishing Rod): 



I AM PLEASURE. 



Happy vacation days, 



Camping, hunting, and all the ways 

 Of nature in her gladdest moods. 



The forest holds for girls and boys 



Who love out-doors and wholesome joys 

 There is no play-ground like the woods. 



Sixth Pupil (Strikes Match and Holds it Burning): 

 I AM THE FUTURE. 



Shall all these pass away? 



Must we look forward to a day 

 Of fire-charred, lifeless, streamless slopes 



Where thoughtless match or unwatched brand 



From man's ungrateful, careless hand 

 Has destroyed his own children's hopes? 



411 (Future blows match out, watches as he drops it, 

 then tramps it out) : 



FIRE IS OUR ENEMY. 



Won't you help us, then? 



Learn yourselves, and teach all men, 

 This, the lesson all must learn : 



Put out the campfirc and the match; 



Careful with slash and clearing-patch; 

 Leave no fires in the woods to burn. 



