A FORESTRY PROGRAM 



" Ship ! " said the forest, tossing its plumes, 



" The weltering tide we master and ride ; 

 Oceans and smoke with hurricane dooms, 



All ports of the world beside. 

 Iron and steel may set their seal 



On hull and keel, with clanging boasts. 

 We have won a world to unveil and reveal 



All continents and coasts ! " 



" Beauty ! " the forest in silver light, 



Breathed dim and strange through the sunset change. 

 Star-crowned, striding along the height, 



Lord of the lofty range. 

 " No stone takes lines of such vast designs — 



No steel such immortal mysteries ! 

 From the birch by the lake to the mountain pines, 



We dwell with God ! " said the trees. 



— W. R. Benet. 



Pine trees planted by human hands on a spot where Mother 

 Nature's reforestation program failed 



- 3. FORESTS IN POETRY 



A pillar'd shade, 



High over-arched, and echoing walks between. 



— Milton. 



A little of thy steadfastness, 

 Bounded by leafy gracefulness, 



Old Oak, give to me 

 That the Avorld's blast may round me blow 

 And I yield gently to and fro 

 While my stout-hearted trunk below 

 And firm-set roots, unshaken be. 



— Lowell. 



