THE WOODLANDS IN MA Y 149 



paddock, the good soil, and the fostering shelter of the 

 forest, the owner himself is seldom backward to use 

 the sylvan gifts. His work among the timber makes 

 him master of the use of woodman's tools, and the 

 split-oak fence of his garden, and the well-built sheds 

 for cattle and stock, show a sense for order and good 

 workmanship in strong contrast to the makeshift 

 shanties around the field-labourer's cottage. In his 

 daily fare he still tastes the forest dainties which have 

 for ages been regarded as his right 



" I'll show thee the best springs ; I'll pluck thee berries ; 

 I'll fish for thee, and get thee wood enough ; 

 Show thee a jay's nest and instruct thee how 

 To snare the nimble marmozet ; I'll bring thee 

 To clust'ring filberts, and sometimes I'll get thee 

 Young scamels from the rock," 



says the woodland monster in The Tempest. The 

 forest children are adepts in these, as in other forms of 

 woodcraft, and bring in tribute of brook-trout, young 

 wood-pigeons, mushrooms, and wild fruits to the 

 cottage table, sylvan gifts. The woodland children, 

 and even the woodland dogs, seem to feel the influence 

 of the quiet and loneliness of their lives. Both seem 

 to long for human society and human sympathy, and the 

 little sons and daughters of the cottage, with their dog 

 companions, are happy and content to lie down and wait 

 near the temporary resting-place of visitors to the woods, 

 the children amusing themselves by weaving wreaths of 

 moss and flowers, and asking no more proof of good-will 

 than that implied in a kindly toleration of their presence. 



