WOODL AN DS 



other. At the meeting of these four ways some 

 boughs hang over a green bank where I have often 

 rested. In front the lane is barred by a gate, but 

 beyond the gate it still continues its straight course 

 into the wood. To the left the track, crossing at 

 right angles, also proceeds into the wood, but it is 

 so overhung with trees and blocked by bushes that 

 its course after the first hundred yards or so can- 

 not be traced. 



To the right the track a little wider and 

 clearer of bushes extends through wood, and as 

 it is straight and rises up a gentle slope, the eye can 

 travel along it half a mile. There is nothing but 

 wood around. This track to the right appears 

 the most used, and has some ruts in the centre. 

 The sward each side is concealed by endless this- 

 tles, on the point of sending forth clouds of thistle- 

 down, and to which presently the goldfinches will 

 be attracted. 



Occasionally a movement among the thistles 

 betrays the presence of a rabbit ; only occasionally, 

 for though the banks are drilled with buries, the 

 lane is too hot for them at midday. Particles of 

 rabbits' fur lie on the ground, and their runs are 

 visible in every direction. But there are no birds. 

 A solitary robin, indeed, perches on an ash branch 

 opposite, and regards me thoughtfully. It is im- 

 possible to go anywhere in the open air without a 



