Some Things the Trees Give 99 



fires, and the fires are lighted with wooden 

 matches. In many homes wood fires cook what 

 we eat every day. Even the coal comes from 

 old, decayed forests which existed ages and ages 

 ago. The woods help to give us the water we 

 drink, storing it up, and giving it back to us pure 

 and fresh. In countless ways the forests are of 

 benefit and use. 



Woodman, spare that tree! 



Touch not a single bough ! 

 In youth it sheltered me, 



And I'll protect it now. 

 'Twas my forefather's hand 



That placed it near his cot; 

 There, woodman, let it stand, 



Thy ax shall harm it not. 



My heart-strings round thee cling, 



Close as thy bark, old friend ! 

 Here shall the wild bird sing. 



And still thy branches bend. 

 Old tree ! the storm still brave ! 



And, woodman, leave the spot; 

 While I've a hand to save, 



Thy ax shall harm it not. 



George P. Morris. 



