] It affords
much play of originality because familiar trees may be used; and the
talk of the Trees to the Bird may have some relation to the
characteristics of the Trees. It could be used by children of six,
seven, or eight years of age. It could serve as a Christmas play
because of its spirit of kindness. North Wind might wear a wig and the
Frost King wear a crown and carry a wand. Little Bird could have
wings, one of which is broken, or simply carry one arm sleeveless.

The play might open with a rhythmic flight of the birds to the music
of "The Swallow's Plight," in _Kindergarten Review_, May, 1915. The
rhythm play of the birds would be especially pleasing because
different birds would be represented by different children. The play
would furnish a fine opportunity also for a rhythmic dance of the
wind, which could form a distinct interlude later on in the play. In
connection with the wind the beautiful picture-book, _Windschen_, by
Elsa Beskow, might be referred to. Here the wind is personified as the
playmate of Hans Georg. Its refined art, lovely color, and imaginative
illustration, would stimulate the child's artistic representation of
the wind.

_The Bird and the Trees: A Play_

_Time_ . . . . Daytime, in late autumn.
_Place_ . . . The Forest.
_Characters_: Poplar, Oak, Maple, Willow, Spruce, Pine,
Juniper, the Bird, North Wind, and the Frost King.

_Trees of the forest_. "See that great crowd of birds flying
away! They must be going South where the air is warm, and
where they can find berries to eat. There is one left
behind. Why, he is coming this way. What can he want?"

_The Bird_. "Oh, I can fly no farther! My wing hurts and I
cannot hold it up. I am tired and cold and hungry. I must
rest in this forest. Maybe some good kind tree will help me.
Dear friend Poplar, my wing is broken and my friends have
all gone South. Will you let me live in your branches until
they come back again?"

_Poplar_. "I am sorry but do you not see how my leaves are
all a-tremble at the thought of taking in a strange bird?
Ask some other tree!"

_The Bird_. "It might not be very warm there at any rate.
And the wind might blow me off the branches. I will try the
Oak, he is so big and mighty. Dear old Oak-tree, you are so
big and strong, will you let me rest in your branches
to-night among your thic