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ARBOR DAY MANUAL. 
UNDER THE APPLE-TREE. 
I N a home-nest of peace and joy, 
Bright and pleasant as a home can be, 
Lives a merry and sweet-faced boy 
Under a broad old apple-tree. 
Searching wide, you will seldom meet 
Child so blithesome and fair as he,— 
How can he help being pretty and sweet. 
Dwelling under an apple-tree? 
In the spring when the child goes out, 
Glad as a bird that winter’s past. 
Making his flower-beds all about, 
Liking best what he finished last; 
Then the tree from each blossomy limb 
Heaps its petals about its feet, 
And like a benison above him 
Scatters its fragrances,'sweet to sweet- 
In the summer the dear old tree 
Spreads above him its cooling shade, 
Keeping the heat from his cheek, while he, 
Playing at toil with rake and spade, 
Chasing the humming-bird’s gleam and dart. 
Watching the honey-bees drink and doze,. 
Gathers in body and soul and heart, 
Beauty and health like an opening rose.- 
In the autumn, before the leaves 
Lose .their greenness, the apples fall, 
Roll on the roof, and bounce from the eaves. 
Pile on the porch, and rest on the wall; 
Then he heaps on the grassy ground 
Rosy pyramids brave to see ; 
How can he help being ruddy and sound, 
Dwelling under an apple-tree? 
In the winter, when winds are wild, 
Then, still faithful, the Sturdy tree 
Keeps its watch o’er the darling child, 
Telling him tales of the May to be; 
Teaching him faith under stormy skies, 
Bidding him trust when he cannot see; 
How can he help being: happy and wise, 
Dwelling under an apple-tree ? 
Elizabeth Akers Allen- 
