Linden Tree swayed to and fro, saying, "I am used for the cradles in which the children are rocked."
Pine Tree said gently, "My sweet singing lulls the children to sleep." And she murmured a soft lullaby.
Birch Tree was standing near the path.
"Of what use are you, O Birch Tree?" said the Indian.
Birch Tree replied, "My bark covers the canoes that sail upon the lakes and rivers. I am used also for the picture-writing of the people."
East Wind again blew gently, stirring the leaves of the trees.
Then Cedar Tree said, "My pliant branches make the canoes strong and steady."
Larch Tree whispered, "I give my fibrous roots to bind the parts together."
Fir Tree said, "My rosin closes the seams of the canoes, to make them safe."
Then the Indian looked at a cluster of alder trees growing near a stream of water.