CHRISTMAS TIME IN A NEW ZEALAND FOREST.

Otago Witness, Issue 2130, 20 December 1894, Page 24

CHRISTMAS TIME IN A NEW ZEALAND FOREST.

(Siucially written for the Witness Christmas Num Icr of DiUL)

By B. B. O ! come with me far from the town to forest deep and hoary, And watch the sunri>e through the tice< that first citrh morning's- glory ; Or listen to the bellbird'is noie, so luscious at the dawning, And let thy soul drink rapture sweet while greetiug God's good morning. Th-n deep within the forest cool we'll ramble on together ; 'Mid hanks thick clad with beauteoui ferns we'll

riiid the lancewood's fea'her ; And further in, where trees are old, we'll look aloft with wonder, At yard-long beanl- of .silver mo*s wherein the breeze doth wander. 11) en coming to an open spot through wljich a stream goes speediug, We'll rest among the boulders grey, and muse while time goes Meeting ; Or mark with joy the native birds, made friendly through their wonder, Tbat gather near on either side and on our advent

ponder. Then ere the dark'ning shadows creep through glade and rocky gully, We'll turn our steps towards the tent, with

treasures laden fully. Tbe mistletoe, both red and gold, and fragrant ferns so tender, Will help to make our tent look gay, and pleasing thoughts engender. Then when the evening meal is done— which seems so good and fitting- - We'll rest and talk, or have some fun with wekas that keep rlitti"g ; Or we may listen to their call, so weird from o'er the gully, And to the night owl's curious note, both quaint and melancholy.; And then we'll creep within the tent, well pleased if somewhat weary — And on a bed of birch leaves s-weet, hail sleep, the gerjtle fairy. Soon fades the moonlight's tender sheen, the forest sounds we banish, And we are safe in Slumber land, where weariness doth vanish.