ARBOR DA Y MANUAL. 
75 
TREE PLANTING. 
A BOY strolled through a dusty road, 
“ What can I do? ” said he, 
“ What little errand for the world ? ” 
“ I know — I’ll plant a tree.” 
The nursling was taken by mother earth, 
Who fed it with all things good : 
Sparkling water from mountain springs, 
And man}'’ a subtle food, 
Drawn from her own wide-reaching veins; 
From the treasuries of the sky, 
Far spread its branches in affluent grace; 
So the steady years went by. 
The boy who planted the little tree, 
By a kindly purpose led, 
One*desolate, dreadful winter day 
In the brother-war fell dead. 
But the gentle thought at the great elm’s root 
Burst forth with the spring’s warm breath, 
And softly the fluttering foliage sang, 
“Love cannot suffer death.’’ 
The elm’s vast shadow far and cool 
Fell o’er the dusty way, 
Blessing the toilers at their, rest, 
The children at their play. 
And panting horses felt the air 
Grow sudden full of balm ; 
Great oxen with their weary loads 
Caught there a sudden calm. 
So little acts of kindliness 
Spread every branch and root, 
And never guesses he who plants 
The wonders of the fruit. 
I often think if blessed eyes 
The old home scenes can see, 
That heaven’s joy is heightened by 
The planting of the tree. 
M. F. Butts. 
