54 NATURE STUDY MADE EASY 



There are many kinds of oak trees. It is a pleasant occupa- 

 tion to go into a wood and gather leaves from the different oaks, 

 and notice the differences in the bark of the trees. 



Notice, too, how plants cling to the old oak trunks. The ivy 

 leans against it, soft mosses creep over it. It is so strong, it sup- 

 ports them all. 



The Brave Old Oak 



A song to the oak, the brave old oak, 



Who hath ruled in the greenwood long; 

 Here's health and renown to his broad green crown 



And his fifty arms so strong. 

 There is fear in his frown when the sun goes down 



And the fire in the west fades out ; 

 And he showeth his might on a wild midnight 



When the storm through his branches shout. 



Chorus 



Then sing to the oak, the brave old oak, 



Who hath stood in his pride so long, 

 And still flourish he, a hale green tree, 



When a hundred years are gone. 



He saw the rare times when the Christmas chimes 



Were a merry sound to hear; 

 And the squire's wide hall and the cottage small 



Were full of Christmas cheer; 

 And all the day to the rebeck gay, 



They caroPd with gladsome swains. 

 They are gone, they are dead, in the churchyard laid, 



But the brave tree still remains. 



H. F. CHORLEY. 



