THE FIRST TREE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 373, 6 June 1928, Page 8

THE FIRST TREE

GOOD- MORNING, Quills,” said the Chipmunk to his friend the Porcupine. “You seem to be bristling with importance to-day. What is the reason?” “A tree opossum has just been telling me an interesting story.” answered the Porcupine, good-naturedly. “The time will soon be ripe for me to hibernate,” said the Chipmunk,” and I should like to hear it before the winter drowsiness overtakes me.” “Very well,” said the Porcupine. “It is the story of the first tree".” “But weren’t there always trees?” queried the Chipmunk in the frankest amazement. “Everything had to have a beginning,” explained the Porcupine, patiently, “even Chipmunks. There were trees in the world long before you and I were thought of.” “Please continue with the story,” urged the Chipmunk, deeply interested. “Well,” went on his friend, “in the days that this occurred the earth knew only the lower forms of life. Strange species of weed had learned to thrive in the water and fungus had found a footing on land. Everything was in the initial stage, experimenting, so to speak, for the founding of the Animal Kingdom to which we belong. Important creatures, such as you and I, could not have lived in those times, my friend.” “Go on with the story,” said the Chipmunk. “With the sun increasing in warmth a gradual development took place. Plant life appeared at the water’s edge, put forth fronds and decided to be green. But there were no trees. Then, according to my informant, a stray seed from an unknown source fell in a moist spot and began to grow. The shoot that appeared above the earth differed from all others. The sun smiled down. ‘Behold,’ cried the spirits of the air. ‘the first tree. This is the symbol of life. Its roots shall sink deep into the earth and it will daily grow in strength, poise and beauty.’ All this came true. Hence our forests, shelter from the storm winds, nuts for the winter, and you and I.” “I shall ponder this well,” said the Chipmunk before he disappeared from the green world into his subterranean home. REDPEATHER.