190 JULY. 



Lng the stately solitude of the hall. But they 

 have not ; and what is more, those are common- 

 ly the most jealous of pedestrian trespassers, 

 who seldom visit their own estates, but permit 

 the seasons to scatter their charms around their 

 villas and rural possessions without the heart to 

 enjoy, or even the presence to behold them. 

 How often have I myself been arrested in some 

 long-frequented dale, — in some spot endeared 

 by its own beauties and the fascinations of 

 memory, by a board exhibiting in giant cha- 

 racters, " Stopped by an order of Sessions," 

 and denouncing the terrors of the law upon 

 trespassers ! This is a little too much. I would 

 not be querulous for the poor against the rich. 

 I would not teach them to look with an envious 

 and covetous eye upon their villas, lawns, cattle, 

 and equipage ; but when the path of immemorial 

 usage is closed, when the little streak, almost as 

 fine as a mathematical line, along the wealthy 

 man's ample field is grudgingly erased, it is 

 impossible not to feel indignation at the pitiful 

 monopoly. Is there no village champion to be 

 found, bold enough to put in his protest against 

 these encroachments,— to assert the public 

 right?— for a right it is as authentic as that 

 by which the land itself is held, and as clearly 

 acknowledged by the laws. Is there no local 



