a “ove a Sree 
By Samuel N. Baxter 
Arboriculturist—Fairmount Park 
Philadelphia 
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, 
*T'will shade and shelter those who come 
Long after I am dead. 
If in the park JT plant an ELM, 
Where children come to play, 
To them ’twill be a childhcod 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 lcw, . 
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. 
ace 
