ARBOR DA V MANUAL. 
31 
THE ORCHARD. 
I TS seeds were in the clearing sown, 
It felt the vigorous soil; 
Long since to massive grandeur grown, 
It paid the settler’s toil. 
There blossoms by the breeze released, 
Fall in a sweet May shower, 
There autumn brings its dainty feast, 
To grace Pomona’s bower. 
The earliest whispers of the spring, 
Its branches linger through; 
There ever did the bluebird bring 
The sweetest notes it knew. 
The robin' seeks its lusty arms 
Outstretched in kindest way; 
The bobolink amidst its charms 
Sings through the long June day. 
But not to song bird all alone, 
An Eden it appears ; 
What place has childhood ever known 
That memory more endears. 
Perhaps affection’s early gleam 
Imparts more vivid glow 
But there the blossoms whitest seem. 
The apples fairest grow. 
There boyhood climbed the topmost bough, 
To pluck the finest fruit; 
While girlhood, flushed on cheek and brow, 
Came eager in pursuit; 
But he, allured by witching eyes, 
To her the prize has thrown — 
Blame not, for never yet more wise 
Has manhood ever grown. 
In later years, when bending low 
With fruit of green and gold, 
Did not the listening branches know 
The tale of love they told ? { 
Did not the trees in murmuring speech 
Recall some moonlight stroll, 
Where joyful eyes flashed back to each 
The lovelight of the soul ? 
