Where the tortoise gravely stalks along

Like sage of old in sombre thought,

And the great horned owl in utterance strong

Bemoans the changes time has wrought.

Along the hillsides facing south,

Where the earliest wild-flowers may be found;

Where the big bull-frog with cavernous mouth,

Welcomes Spring from the marshy ground.

Where the red-wing, swinging among the reeds,

Saucily sings, "Yer can't cum 'ere."