NATURE STUDY MADE EASY 109 



The Mushroom and the Oak 



Said the mushroom to the oak, " You're very slow ! 



I dare say it's 'most a year 



That you've been growing here 

 And I began not quite two days ago !" 



Said the oak tree, rustling gently, " That is true, 

 Through many a winter's snow, 



And many a summer's glow, 



I've watched the growth of tiny things like you." 



Said the mushroom, "May I ask why you're so big? 



You really seem to me 



As awkward as can be. 

 I'd rather far be dainty, wee, and trig." 



Said the oak, " My little one, I took the pains 



To send my branches high 



Up to the glorious sky 

 To welcome both the sunshine and the rains. 



" I struck my mighty roots down deep, 



Beneath the frost and snow, 



And while storms come and go 

 They feed me through my long, long winter's sleep." 



The mushroom laughed at such painstaking care; 



Then there strolled a little maid 



Beneath the great oak's shade, 

 And somehow soon the mushroom wasn't there ! 



G. K. 



