WOODCRAFT 251 



Taught to rely on their own wits, the younger 

 members form opinions of their own, and pro- 

 ceed to act upon these, at times, quite in oppo- 

 sition to those in authority. But this does not 

 last long. I have seen one of these elder 

 sisters, who was acting in mother's place, after 

 finding gentle pleadings all in vain, take up a 

 small, sharp bill-hook, cut a nice ground-ash 

 plant, and trim it up in a very quick and 

 business - like manner. Then the offender 

 would bolt off like a rabbit at top speed, all 

 to no purpose, for, double and dart as he 

 would, capture was certain. Then for a short 

 time a voice in bitter lamentation might be 

 heard. Sparing the rod was not a part of 

 their creed. " Adder ile " was, and is now, 

 considered a rare remedy for bites ; but, for 

 a good all-round remedy, one that is easily 

 administered to those that require it, and one 

 that has lasting beneficial effects, commend me 

 to the oil of the ash-plant. 



Slight differences will arise at times, even in 

 the course of woodland courtship at least they 

 did in my own time. Some of the lasses I 

 knew could throw, not only very strong, but 

 very straight. One couple I remember had 

 agreed to differ a little, and, in a huff, the 



