...•^SSS^S"'' 



'Wild i^^itniTB 



This chapter embraces a very wide field for discussion — 

 so wide and varied that I must own I hardly know where 

 to commence. But, in spite of all its difficulties, the 

 subject is a most fascinating one, and will lead us, in 

 quest of our most delightful material, through sunlit 

 meadows, over breez}- commons, and by tangled hedge- 

 rows, each with some new treasure and delight peculiarly 

 its own. 



This is not an excursion for smart shoes and frivolous 



clothing, for some of our most charming models are verj' 



defensive, and, armed with sharp prickles and spines, 



seem to protest against our depredations. So, if we are 



contemplating a raid on the hedgerows during our progress 



where wild rose, bramble, blackthorn, and many other more 



or less prickly sojourners display their beauties, let me warn you, don'( 



wear a knitted coat, or you will soon find yourself enveloped in a perfect 



Penelope's web of tangled yarn, from which you cannot extricate 



yourself without a great deal of damage and difficulty ! High thick 



boots that have reached the age of ease, and tweed clothes past their 



first youth, is the garb />ar excellence for our expedition. Don't forget 



stout leather gloves, and a crooked stick — always a most trusty and 



serviceable companion in the country. 



Our sketching " kit " must not be a very elaborate one — -just what 

 we cannot do without ; for an extensive outfit (with easel, camp-stool, 

 umbrella, etc.) is a very tiring burden for a summer's day. Just our 

 sketch-book or block, colour-box, brushes, pencil and water-carrier — in 

 a knapsack for choice, in which we must al.so find room for a small card- 

 board box, filled with damp cotton-wool ; this will enable us to keep 



The lea! 

 with 



n* 



4' 



