2l8 



Bird - Lore 



object that had called them afield, it was clear that all alike shared the common 

 desire to be out-of-doors. Here was no question of sport; there were no cricket- 

 fields or tennis-courts, nor any attractions other than those offered by nature 

 itself. It was evident, too, that most of these people had not come from the 

 immediately adjacent neighborhood, but from varying distances. They were 

 not merely casual strollers, but were taking a definitely planned outing. And 

 nowhere did I see the disgusting litter which too often in this country marks 

 the lunching-place of 'picknickers' who show their respect for their surround- 

 ings by treating them as they would a garbage-dump. 



To the impression created by the thousands seen in the parks of London 

 the preceding afternoon was added, therefore, this view of a rural population 

 taking its hoHday out-of-doors, and the two experiences combined etched more 

 deeply the lines of the picture of a nation which, in a hundred different ways, 

 was realizing upon its assets in nature. For more than four years it had given 

 unsparingly and effectively of its forces in the world war; now it renewed its 

 strength in those cleansing, purifying influences which, however they may be 

 exerted, find their best expression in fresh air, blue sky, and sparkHng water, 

 the majesty of trees, the fragrance of flowers, and the songs of birds. These are 

 the potential heritage of both poor and rich, and the nation which avails itself 

 of these priceless resources need have no fear of the materialistic influences 

 which today darken the horizon of some parts of the world. 



THE BEECHES IN THE NEW FOREST 



