OTHER TREES GO FROM THE FOREST.
Christmas time drew near and men came to the forest again. This time many young trees were cut down. These trees, which were very pretty, kept their branches. They were laid in wagons and drawn by horses out of the forest.
“Where are they going?” asked the fir tree. “They are not taller than I am. Indeed, one is not so tall. And their branches are not cut off. Where can they be going?”
“We know, we know,” chirped the sparrows. “We have looked in at the windows of the houses in town, and we know what is done with those pretty young trees. They are dressed up in the most splendid manner. We have seen them standing up in the middle of a warm room. They had many beautiful things hanging upon them, and hundreds of gay-colored candles were fastened to the branches.”
“And what happened then?” asked the fir tree. “We did not see any more,” said the sparrows. “I wonder if anything so fine will ever happen to me?” thought the fir tree. “Oh, how happy I should be! I wish I were on the wagon, or standing in the warm room with all the brightness around me.”
“Be glad with us,” said the sunbeams. “Be glad,” said the sweet, fresh air. But still the fir tree was discontented and longed to leave its home in the forest.
Suggestions.
Talk about sparrows; their appearance, food, habits, etc.
Reasons for being glad.
IV.
Preparation.
The story tells how the fir tree at last got what it had wished for so long. The children recall the fir tree’s wish to be tall and old, and to leave the forest.
Narration.