Ohio Arbor Day 1913: Arbor and Bird Day Manual.

by Various.

INTRODUCTION.

This Arbor and Bird Day Annual has been compiled and published for the benefit of the teachers of Ohio. It is our purpose to have this book used from the time it is received until the close of the school term.

We find that but few books written about birds and their habits come into the hands of the boys and girls; therefore, we have attempted to include as much additional information as possible concerning the most common birds of Ohio. You will find that the articles about birds are but a continuation of bird study found in the 1912 Arbor and Bird Day Annual. We are under obligations to "Nature and Life", a publication of the Audubon Society, for their articles, for which credit is given after each selection. Johnny Appleseed is a character with whom all the boys and girls should become acquainted. C. L. Martzolf's article about this peculiar man should be read carefully. F. B. Pearson contributed a fine description and history of the "Logan Elm". Charles DeGarmo of Cornell University generously contributed two poems that have not appeared in print before this publication.

G. R. C.

[Ill.u.s.tration: "THE OLD BEECH TREE," OHIO UNIVERSITY CAMPUS, ATHENS, OHIO.]

THE CLa.s.s TREE.

(TUNE: AMERICA.)

Grow thou and flourish well Ever the story tell, Of this glad day; Long may thy branches raise To heaven our grateful praise Waft them on sunlight rays To G.o.d away.

Deep in the earth to-day, Safely thy roots we lay, Tree of our love; Grow thou and flourish long; Ever our grateful song Shall its glad notes prolong To G.o.d above.

"Let music swell the breeze, And ring from all the trees,"

On this glad day: Bless Thou each student band O'er all our happy land; Teach them Thy love's command.

Great G.o.d, we pray.

--_Emma S. Thomas, Schoharie, N.Y., in Teacher's Magazine._

THIS IS ARBOR DAY.

(TUNE: LIGHTLY ROW.)

Arbor Day, Arbor Day, See, the fields are fresh and green, All is bright, cheerful sight, After winter's night.

Birds are flying in the air, All we see is fresh and fair; Bowers green now are seen, Flowers peep between.

Swaying trees, swaying trees, Rocking gently in the breeze, Dressed so gay, fine array, For this is Arbor Day.

While we plant our trees so dear, All the others list to hear How we sing, in the spring, And our voices ring.

Here we stand, here we stand, Round the tree, a royal band; Music floats, cheering notes, Sweetly, gaily floats.

March along with heads so high While our tree is standing nigh; Step away, light and gay, On this Arbor Day.

--_Selected._

[Ill.u.s.tration: This school building is located at Pickerington, Fairfield County. Violet township helped to build this building, and the town and township have among the best of the centralized schools of the state.]

WHY WE PLANT THE TREE.

FIRST PUPIL.

We plant the tree for the shade it gives; For the shade of a leafy tree On a hot summer's day when the hot sun shines, Is pleasant for all to see.

SECOND PUPIL.

We plant the tree for the dear birds' sakes, For they can take their rest, While the mate sings of love and cheer To the mother on her nest.

THIRD PUPIL.

We plant the tree to please the eye, For who does not like to see, Whether on hill or plain or dale, The beauty of a tree?

FOURTH PUPIL.

We plant the tree for the wood to use In winter to keep us warm, And for hall and church and store and house, To have shelter from the storm.

--_Primary Education._

WHAT THE TREE TEACHES US.

FIRST PUPIL.

I am taught by the oak To be rugged and strong In defence of the right; In defiance of wrong.

SECOND PUPIL.

I have learned from the maple, That beauty, to win The love all hearts, Must have sweetness within.

THIRD PUPIL.

The beech with its branches Widespreading and low, Awakes in my heart Hospitality's glow.

FOURTH PUPIL.