Part 4
Six Year Old Girl Writes Poem Hoping To Save Forest Trees
(From "The Woman's National Daily.")
The following rhyme was written by a little 6-year-old-girl in hopes to save a beautiful forest near Evansville, Ind., and to help the Children's Outing Farm. A short account of the little girl's work as an Esperantist appeared in a recent issue of The National Daily and a number of articles concerning her abilities as a linguist have appeared in other publications.
She is the youngest child in the world holding a diploma from Dr. Zamenhof for being able to read, write and speak in Esperanto, and she also speaks French as well as English.
This little girl, who was born in Norfolk, Va., has been a lover of books since her babyhood days. She knew Mother Goose by heart when but 1 year of age and learned to read when but 2. At 4 she read Lamb's Tales of Shakespeare and had finished the fifth reader. A few months ago she was sent to school, but could not be graded, as she could read, write and spell anything, but knew nothing of arithmetic. The noted mathematician, Mrs. Hornbrook, of Chicago, having met the little girl at Chautauqua, N. Y., and knowing of her mental powers, asked to instruct her in this branch, and she soon taught her the rudiments of arithmetic.
She is the daughter of Dr. J. B. Stoner, Surgeon in the Public Health and Marine Hospital Service, and Winifred Sackville Stoner, President of the Woman's Esperanto League.
An Appeal To The Fairies
Good Fairies, save the lovely trees which live on Coal Mine Hill! Their home has been your home so long, your hearts with grief would fill Should stout men armed with axes come and fell them to the earth, These monarchs of the forest, these jewels of great worth. The giant oaks and stately elms, the rulers of this wood, Have watched the growth of Evansville and helped it as they could. They gave their shade and soft bright leaves to make a downy nest To shelter the first baby boy that Evansville possessed. Before this city had a church in which both bad and good Could ask forgiveness of the Lord, they worshipped in this wood; And those who love the beautiful and lovely scenes to see, They climb upon this grassy hill and stand beneath some tree, While gazing far as eye can reach to fair Kentucky's lands, Or looking at the river shore on which our city stands. Above their heads the bright blue sky, green grass beneath their feet, And all around a lovely scene such as we seldom meet; Green pastures with cows grazing, broad river flowing by, And many tall church spires lifted toward the sky. No fitter place for children nor grown-up folks could be Than on this lovely Coal Mine Hill where Nature we may see. 'Tis here the little orphans and poor children all around Find the greatest pleasures which in this woods abound. So, dearest, kindest Fairies, please rescue these grand trees, And save them for the children--we ask you on our knees.
THE END