A Peasant had an Apple-tree which bore no fruit, but provided a shelter for the sparrows and grasshoppers which chirped in its branches. Disappointed at its barrenness he determined to cut it down, and fetched his ax. But the sparrows and the grasshoppers begged him to spare it, and said to him, "If you destroy the tree we shall have to seek shelter elsewhere, and you will no longer have our merry chirping to enliven your work in the garden." He refused to listen and set to work to cut through the trunk. Then he saw that it was hollow and contained a swarm of bees and a large store of honey. Delighted with his find he threw down his ax, saying, "The old tree is worth keeping after all."
