Woodside. 67 



a close fence leads off on either side, at right angles to the 

 path we are traversing. This is the Park "pale" again 

 the boundary of the Park in this direction and a footpath 

 under the fence to the left leads directly to the pond where 

 we stayed to examine the newts this morning. We climb 

 the steps, leave the Park, and enter the wood. There is 

 very little difference at first, the wood being still with only 

 little brushwood, owing to the complete manner in which the 

 massive oaks and chestnuts shut out the light. Acres of 

 bracken extend under the trees in every direction, here and 

 there interspersed with brambles which prove disastrous to 

 the integrity of our garments, as an attempt is made to force 

 our way through to reach a tree whose trunk we wish to 

 investigate, and which is placed at some distance from the 

 path. Gradually the large trees get fewer and the brush- 

 wood thicker, whilst the rays of the now rapidly westering 

 sun fall slantingly through the opening in the trees upon our 

 path. How beautiful are the sparkling rays of liquid light, 

 dancing and shimmering through the greenery, and causing 

 the leaves to throw trembling, fanciful shadows upon the 

 ground. Here a mossy bank appears too tempting a bait to 

 be neglected, and infinitely more attractive than the wooden 

 seat at the top of the bank. Here we will lie awhile and 

 admire and think. Presently we will go on again. 



To the right of us is a pretty dell ; indeed, an old water- 

 course appears at one time to have cut quite a deep valley 

 through the wood at right angles to the path we have just 

 left, and here are thorns and hazel-bushes, the former rich 

 with a wealth of blossom, the latter lovely in the fresh green 

 of their youth and beauty, whilst a little distance away we 

 remember a nook where the charming lily of the valley still 



