Like one who had nothing on earth to do;

But, journeying thus o’er the prairies wide,

He paused now and then, and his bag untied.

With pointed cane deep holes he would bore,

And in every hole he placed a core;

Then covered them well, and left them there

In keeping of sunshine, rain and air.

Sometimes for days he waded through grass,

And saw not a living creature pass,

But often, when sinking to sleep in the dark,