314 ARBOR DAY 



out, " There it is !" Near the tree stood a man with 

 ~o?,{ off, ".h?rpening an axe. "You're not going 

 't that tr e down, surely ?" "Yes, but I am, 

 ^oagh," said the woodman. "What for?" 

 inquired the old gentleman, with choked emotion. 

 "What for? I like that! Well, I will tell you, I 

 want the tree for firewood." "What is the tree 

 worth to you for firewood?" "Why, when down, 

 about ten dollars." "Suppose I should give you 

 that sum," said the old gentleman, "would you let 

 it stand?" "Yes." "You are sure of that?" 

 "Positive!" "Then give me a bond to that effect." 

 We went into the little cottage in which my com- 

 panion was born, but which is now occupied by the 

 woodman. I drew up the bond. It was signed, 

 and the money paid over. As we left, the young 

 girl, the daughter of the woodman, assured us that 

 while she lived the tree should not be cut. These 

 circumstances made a strong impression on my mind, 

 and furnished me with the materials for the song I 

 send you. 



WOODMAN, SPARE THAT TREE 



BY GEORGE P. MORRIS 



WOODMAN, spare that tree! 



Touch not a single bough! 

 In youth it sheltered me, 



And I'll protect it now. 



