42 WHAT TO DO IN THE COUNTRY 



does its best to shoot straight up and grow stronger 

 than its neighbour. Each tree seems to know- 

 that if it lets the others get above it, and so ex- 

 clude the light and fresh air, it will sicken and die, 

 so there is a continual struggle to grow up, up into 

 the light. When these trees are full grown they 

 have long straight trunks and are used for the 

 masts of ships, for telegraph poles, and flag-staffs. 



Take a lesson from these trees and get out into 

 the fresh air all you can. Never stay indoors 

 when it is possible for you to be out in the open, 

 for fresh'air is even more necessary for you and me 

 than it is for the trees. 



Remember that we, too, must grow up, up into 

 the light of knowledge and the sunshine of kind 

 deeds, because the more we know of the living 

 things about us, the kinder and better we shall be 

 to one another. 



Now goodbye, dear children. — I am, your friend, 

 Henrietta O. Barnett. 



(Signed on behalf of the Countryside Committee of 

 the Children's Country Holidays Fund.) 



