THE VALLEY OF PEACE. 45 



Although the members of a certain club are privileged to fish 

 the river that winds through the valley, the waterside is not over- 

 run with anglers, few of them caring to face the walk from the 

 nearest station. Occasionally a small party of cyclists finds its way 

 to the inn, but usually most people, whether motoring, driving, 

 cycling or walking, pass along the upland road to the village 

 beyond. Now and then a cricket team from the city goes down in 

 the carrier's cart to try conclusions with the rustic eleven, and at 

 odd times during the autumn and winter the hunt servants take the 

 picturesque pack to the rendezvous in the village. Nevertheless, 

 the spot still retains its comparative seclusion and tranquillity ; and 

 we, who hold in utmost secrecy the whereabouts of the little retreat, 

 rejoice in our pardonable selfishness. 



Of the sundry ways of approach to the Valley of Peace, there 

 are two that are particularly pleasing. On a day in early summer, 

 immediately following the opening of the coarse-fishing season, it is 

 charming to stroll along the footpath that leads over the hills and 

 past the spinney. The path from the second stile runs, for some 

 distance, through an avenue of lofty trees, finally still divided 

 from the river by a broad belt of woodland to emerge and wind by 

 meadows resplendent with long lush grass and fields of young corn, 

 across which each passing breeze sends ripples of brightest green. 

 And next it borders hayfields all spangled with moon-daisies and 

 meadow-sweet, clover and speedwell ; until, at length, it rises over 

 the highest portion of the hills and drops down abruptly into the 

 valley, where nature seems to have come to herself again. The 

 sheep are lying in the shade, the cuckoo calls with broken voice, 

 many of the birds are singing the last joyous songs of spring ; and 

 the ragged robin, wild rose and numerous other flowers brighten 

 and bedeck the hedgerow and wayside. And, through the tall, 

 clustering trees, the river can be seen winding its course beneath 

 the radiance of late June, and lingering awhile to seek shelter 

 among the flickering shadows of some friendly wood. So through 

 the fields the path continues, until, at last, it joins the road at the 

 entrance to the village. 



