APPENDIX H 



WILD GARDENS 



THE RUSKIN RESERVE AT COTHILL 



In 1902, by the generosity of Mr. Henry Willett, the 

 Ashmolean Natural History Society of Oxfordshire became the 

 possessors of about i| acres of marsh, water, and woodland, 

 to be kept untouched as a reserve for the wild animals, birds, 

 and plants which are being slowly " civilised " out of existence. 

 Another couple of acres were added in 1904, to be used for 

 the same purpose. It is a charmingly secluded spot, and 

 its botanical treasures have been described by Mr. Druce in 

 the Society's Report for 1902. 



JOHNSON'S PIECE ON SHOTOVER HILL 



On November 6, 1908, a meeting, representative of some 

 140 subscribers, held in All Souls College, passed the follow- 

 ing resolution : " That the plot of land of some thirty 

 acres in extent lying immediately to the south-west of Shot- 

 over Plain be handed Over to the Chancellor, Masters, and 

 Scholars of the University of Oxford, on condition that, while 

 retaining the ownership of the same, the University shall 

 devote the use thereof to the public, with the exception of 

 one day in each year, and shall entrust the charge of the 

 plot to the Curators of the Parks." 



A plan was published in the Oxford Magazine for 

 November 12, 1908, 



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