The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-10-05
How Some Ivy
Became Poisonous

Along the side OF a country road
rose high bank beyond which
stretched many field; and. between
the fields and the bank ran AN old
stone wall.
Near this wall. IN a pretty spot.
stood a great oak tree, to which many
birds came from year to year to build
their nests.
The old oak took great interest In
the nest building and peeped at the
pretty eggs so carefully guarded
The little birds were great Joy
to her: she watched them grow and
was very proud when they first be-
came strong and brave enough to fly.
SO, through the long summer. she
protected them and said goodbye re-
gretfully when fab came and some
few southwark.
But each spring many of her little
feathered friends returned to the old
oak. and such chirping and chatter
ing as occurred then, while the tree
pointed out the safest and most shell
tered spots for nests among her
branches. and sighed q long sigh Of
contentment as the breexes blew
gently about her.
AT the foot of the tree grew some
beautiful ivy: it. too, loved the old
oak. up whose trunk It had for years
been climbing. and enjoying with II
the long summer visits Of the birds.
Ivy grew, too, over the wall and
down the bank to the road. People
passing in the autumn often paused
to admire the beautiful colors Of the
ivy. Ia such contrast 10 tina rich. dark
red of the oak leaves.
After they passed, the tvy plants
he L. %1ft
things.
The ivy on the wall was vain and
selfish, quite unlike the ivy on tho
tree She cared little for the oak
and the birds. and thought a great
deal of her own pretty red leaves.
One day In autumn, the kind fairy
that takes care Of the plants and trees
CAME across the fields She paused
under the oak tree to rest and watch
the birds az they few busily back and
forth.
1T is a beautiful and happy world"
said the fairy. smiling.
But one can always wish for more
good things! one is never quite. con-
tented" sighed the Ivy on the wall.
oh, l am more than contented."
cried the oak. II am busy all day
long with many little buds to make
and protect from the cold of winter
that Is coming, and then there are
the birds to love, and they tell ma
many interesting things: the days are
far too short"
Il am happy. too" said the ivy on
the tree. am basily growing taller
and stronger. Each year I can see
more Of the lovely things the dear oak
sees. and the birds are my friends also.
T ra UiV
have berries for them to eat. and they
tell me stories as they feast; no won
der am happy"
Gould You make q wish were I
to grant IT." laughed the fairy.
Give me a chance" interrupted the
ivy on the wall eagerly.
The fairy grew grave. Are you
quite sure you wish TT" she asked.
Sure indeed" cried the ivy, think
ing how much more beautiful she
would like to be.
Very We'll" said the fairy. THE
first wish you speak shall be granted.
so think well before It Is too late.''
The ivy on the wall was greatly ex-
cited. She thought of everything she
could ask which would bring her
more admiration, and was too busy
thinking to notice what was passing
around her. ~
The fairy went on her way ana the
oak and Ivy, which chung So closely
to her. talked happily on OF the com
ing winter and the departure Of the
birds.
Last year I had many tiny green
flowers" said the ivy. Il hope l shall
have many. many berries this year.
The birds that spend the winter with
us may find the search for food dim
cult. and I should be sorry to have
any of them go hungry"
You have made your wish" cried
the disaFreeable Ivy. starting from
her .reverie. Such wishl Only the
birds can benefit by that. shall be
very careful what wish for. you may
be sure. and the stupid birds will have
nothing to do with It,"
Two little children, who had bean
crossing the fields at this moment
reached the wall oh. see the beau
tiful leaves" one cried. II know
mother would like some; and, as she
spoke, each picked one OF the five
leaflets. here and there, leaving clus-
ters of three. For we must not take
all the pretty leaves from one place"
they said.
Children are such a nuisance" ex-
eialWea tne IVY IN diemAy. Taking
my leaflets indeed I wish / might |
have power to hurt every one who |
touches me-"
There stood the fairy. and the chill |
dren were gone.
you have made your wish" said |
the fairy sadly. II am sorry must |
grant such selfish wish az that. but |
= fairy cannot break her word. From |
his moment You shall have power to |
poison any one who touches you, but
hat all may know that you have this
,ruel power, I shall not allow the two
ost leaflets to grow again.
You shall have bur three leaflets
instead Ut five hersafter.a You may bo
IN beautiful az ever. but little pleas
ire can you now give 70 others. and,
houEh You may be admired, you viii
llso be feared and stunned"
What the fairy said mas come true.
Children. be careful not 70 touch the
Wy with. three ieansts, for It IL poison
'us.
The ivy that grew on the old oak
,ept its i've Leaflets and has them
till It's wish was also granted. 10
his day. 1t hsa, In tha nali. many black