OCTOBER 51 



cut down, as many of them have two or three stems. At 

 all times of the year the drive up this chalk slope is 

 perfectly enchanting whether in the autumn, when the 

 stems are gray and green against the leaf -strewn ground, 

 rich and golden in the slanting sunlight ; or in spring, 

 when the tiny leaves make nickering light and shade ; or 

 in the cool thickness on a summer's day. The fact that 

 nothing grows under beech -wood gives a very dis- 

 tinguished and unusual effect, accustomed as we are to 

 the dull walls of evergreens. For the young who wish 

 to plant a most unusual approach, I can suggest 

 nothing better. 



The planting along the roads and hedgerows of 

 England of Apples, Cherries and Damsons, would cost 

 no more than any other trees, and would be both orna- 

 mental and useful. These three fruit trees, once well 

 planted, require no other care. The impression is that 

 the fruit would be stolen, but I believe that to be a 

 matter of custom, and when once people understand that 

 taking fruit is stealing they cease to do it. Growing 

 fruit trees in open fields is universal on the Continent, 

 and I am told that they are never touched. 



My love of autumn, with its recurring beauty, does not 

 dull with age or loneliness, and I am often astonished at 

 the interest that is still so keen about all that surrounds 

 me. Perhaps it ought not to be so, for I find quoted in 

 my notebook the following complaint: 



How much is lost when neither heart nor eye 



Eose- winged desire or fabling hope deceives; 

 When boyhood with quick throb has ceased to spy 



The dubious apple in the yellow leaves ; 

 When, rising from the turf where youth reposed, 



We find but deserts in the far-sought shore; 

 When the huge book of fairy-land lies closed, 



And those strong brazen clasps will yield no more ! 



