56 HAMPSTEAD HEATH. 
hold his hand for a time. Lord Mansfield, after much 
discussion, consented to entertain a definite proposal 
for the purchase of a considerable part of his land, con- 
sisting of 200 acres, though he specially excluded Ken 
Wood and the land nearest to his residence. The 
Committee then entered into correspondence with the 
Metropolitan Board of Works. On July 17th, 1885, 
the writer introduced a deputation to the Board, and 
urged on their behalf that the Board should take up 
the negotiations with the two landowners, and effect 
the purchase of 260 acres. 
The Board rejected the proposal of the Committee, 
alleging that the amount of money involved in the 
purchase was too large to justify it in imposing the 
burden on the ratepayers. It refused also to avail 
itself of the option to discuss the matter with the 
Committee, with a view to reducing the cost of the 
scheme by obtaining contributions from other sources. 
The Committee were not discouraged by this rebuff. 
Public opinion was strongly in their favour, and they 
determined to press their scheme. ‘l'hey carried a 
measure through Parliament, empowering, but not 
compelling, the Metropolitan Board to effect the 
purchase, and enabling other local authorities to 
contribute. 
After long and difficult negotiations with the two 
landowners, the Metropolitan Board, and the Vestries 
of St. Pancras and Hampstead, they effected an arrange- 
ment for the purchase of the 260 acres for the sum of 
£300,000, and for the contribution towards this of 
