9 Jlo4jie> a 
By Samuel N. Baxter 
Arboriculturist—Fairmount Park 
When I pass on to my reward, 
Whatever that may be, 
I'd like my friends to think of me 
As one who loved a tree. 
I may not have a statesman's poise. 
Nor thrill a crowd with speech. 
But I can benefit mankind 
If I set out a beech. 
If I transplant a sapling oak 
To rear its mighty head, 
'Twill shade and shelter those wh© come 
Long after I am dead. 
If in the park I plant an elm. 
Where children come to play. 
To them 'twill be a childhood shrine 
That will not soon decay. 
Or if I plant a tree with fruit. 
On which the birds may feed. 
I've helped to foster feathered friends, 
And that's a worthy deed. 
For winter, when the days grow short 
And spirits may run low, 
I'd plant a pine upon the 'scape, 
'Twould lend a cheering glow. 
I'd like a tree to mark the spot 
Where I am laid to rest. 
To me 'twould be the epitaph 
That I would love the best. 
And though not carved upon a stone 
For those who come to see, 
My friends would know that resting here 
Is one who loved a tree. 
