nature's holidat. 225 



his glorious beams gladdened our royal hearts not a little. Quaffing to his 

 godship's health, by the road side, in a glass of sparkling ale, we were soon 

 again on our way. 



Not to be tedious, we rambled on through many a rich landscape, and 

 next came to an anchor at Harlesdon Green, — a miniature rural village of 

 simple beauty. Here we halted a while, to gaze around on the quiet repose 

 of Nature and her happy creatures. * * * Leaving the Koyal Oak to the 

 right, a little wicket gate stood before us. Temptingly it seemed to say, — 

 enter ! We did so, and marched gaily forward. Now this wicket gate con- 

 ducted us, by a pleasingly-tortuous course, through a long succession of 

 beautiful narrow lanes, meadows, fields, parks, and paddocks. A more rural 

 walk could hardly be imagined. Did we not enjoy all this? Oh yes ! 



Dwelling a little on a style, to survey the multitude of pretty views that 

 dotted the surrounding country on every side, and carefully examining 

 many of the little winged insects that in their happy flight crossed our path 

 by the way, — we found ourselves drawing near to the charming village of 

 Willesdon, whose sweetly-retired church could be just discerned through 

 the trees. * * * We were now inclined for a rest, and I boldly made up 

 to the White Hart (immortalized, together with the hand of mine host's fair 

 daughter, in a former number of The Naturalist.) Here we were imme- 

 diately " at home." A pretty spot is this. There is a well-arranged garden, 

 well-filled with the choice flowers of the season ; a noble lawn, smooth and 

 soft as any carpet; a variety of rustic boxes, over-arched with graceful climb- 

 ing plants, and shaded from the sun; a pond abounding in gold and silver 

 fish; a snug hostelry, a civil host and hostess, and last not least — Finis 

 coronat opus — there is the presiding goddess at the " little window " opening 

 on the lawn. I allude, of course, to the flower of the family, — mine host and 

 hostess' amiable daughter. Through her fair hands pass all the good things 

 that find their way to the guests without. Happy guests ! 



We were not long in ensconcing ourselves in a rural box. Naturalists use 



no "ceremony" in these matters. Oh no! Anon, appeared a very 



sensible joint of cold roast beef, vegetables, &c., &c. ; and such a tankard of 

 foaming ale ! To all and each (having the respectable appetite which is 

 native to a naturalist,) we did ample justice. Then we fell a^alking about 

 our early days, our early perceptions, tastes, and habits, — our present views 

 of life, ovir love of Nature, our indescribable enjoyments when beyond the 

 foul contact of cities and the dwellers therein. My companion had passed 

 many of his boyish days at Willesdon ! Here was a theme to descant on ! 

 Incidents, long cherished, were here in many instances palpably illustrated. 

 There once stood "the" house ; here it is now ! There stood "the" Rookery ; 

 here it is now ! * * * Thus flew the hours, — oh, how swiftly ! Mending 

 our draught, and mournfully gazing on our repeater, we rose to depart. Of 



