VOICES OF THE TREES 339 



VOICES OF THE TREES 



BY PROFESSOR W. H. BENEDICT 



First Pupil. 



I am familiar to all as the American Elm. I have 

 been called the Queen of the Forest, and stand with- 

 out a rival at the head of the list of ornamental 

 deciduous-leaved trees. I claim this rank on account 

 of rapid growth, and the graceful and majestic 

 beauty of my drooping branches. 



Second Pupil. 



I am the celebrated Birch. I am a useful factor 

 in the cause of education, though not now so com- 

 monly found in the schoolroom as in former years. 



Third Pupil. 



I am called the Chestnut. All botanists of the 

 present day agree that I am first cousin to the Oak. 

 I am well known for valuable timber and a good crop 

 of edible nuts. I am a great friend of the boys and 

 girls. Sometimes naughty boys seek me rather than 

 the schoolroom. Of course no such boys live in 

 Elmira. 



Fourth Pupil. 



I am known as the Willow. I live near the water, 

 and my wood is made into the strongest things 



