254 OUR WOODLAND TREES. 
Some townspeople, and Londoners amongst the 
number, have, it is true, the advantage here and 
there, in the weary and stifling deserts in which 
they live, of some breaks, in the shape of parks, 
public gardens, or planted ‘squares,’ whether 
oblong or really square. But so few are these in 
most cases, that they have been very properly 
described as ‘oases’ in their deserts of houses, 
and it has rarely been thought necessary to let 
every street have its own oasis in the shape of a 
grove of Trees. It is marvellous how slow men 
usually are to recognize the desirability of reforms, 
the necessity of which, when once they are fairly 
commenced, appears obvious, and especially to 
recognize how beautiful and healthful it would be 
to have their streets lined with Trees. The idea of 
having streets thus beautified is not new; yet 
there has never been public spirit enough, or 
enterprise enough, in the inhabitants of our towns 
to set about so delightful a reform with a will. 
Why should we so long have been foolishly con- 
tent to have all our houses in certain parts of our 
cities, and all our Trees and shrubs in other parts ? 
Yet, with little exception, this is what the present 
