228 NOVEMBER 



is reckoned as having been triumphantly proved. 

 But there is endless scope for tradition at Sole, 

 which is possibly the old Syntri Weg, or Solitary 

 Way, of Anglo-Saxon charters. 



Coming down on the pond the water looks black, 

 the sky-line being so high that only the dark firs 

 are reflected. A delightful water plant, the leaves 

 in shape like an adder's-tongue fern, covers the 

 edges of it, and great bullrushes stretch out far into 

 its centre in irregular patches. Other minuter 

 growths are mixed up with these ; the place is 

 a very paradise for the pond naturalist. Flocks of 

 wood-pigeons have their hiding-place near it, and 

 break the stillness with their soft cooing. There 

 are fairy rings, too, in the grassy parts, and glorious 

 pink and orange toadstools under the trees. But 

 words are feeble and inadequate to describe the 

 delights hidden away in those few acres of ground. 



I am generally intent during a walk on getting 

 some graceful wild bouquet for the drawing-room, 

 and presently as we went along we came upon a 

 sweet brier, dismantled of its leaves, but gay still 

 with beautiful hips not yet eaten by the birds. A 

 Japanese effect in the old incense burner was plainly 

 indicated, and I was in the act of cutting a fine 

 branch when Petunia grasped me by the arm. 



" Take care ! " she cried ; " oh, it's too late. 

 What a pity ! " 



" What is the matter?" I asked. 



" Do you notice that twig swaying a little as you 

 hold it ? Look at it closer what do you see ? " 



" I see a little brown twig, side by side with other 

 little brown twigs." 



