“Logs to burn, logs to burn
logs to save the coal a turn
here’s a word to make you wise
when you hear the woodsman’s cries
never heed his usual tale
that he has good logs for sale
but read these lines and really learn
the proper kind of logs to burn
Beech wood fires burn bright and clear
Hornbeam blazes too
if the logs are kept a year
and seasoned through and through
Oak logs will warm you well
if they’re old and dry
larch logs of pinewood smell
but the sparks will fly
pine is good an so is yew
for warmth through wintry days
but Poplar and willow too
take long to dry and blaze
Birch logs will burn too fast
Alder scarce at all
Chestnut log are good to last
if cut in the fall
Holly logs burn like wax
you should burn them green
elm logs like smoldering flax
no flame to be seen
Pear logs and apple logs
they will scent your room
cherry logs across the dogs
smell like flowers in bloom
But ash logs all smooth and grey
burn them green or old
burn up all that come your way
they’re worth their weight in gold.”
