The United Kingdom 69 
land. Nevertheless, some spontaneous 
plant associations and wild animals are 
to be found there at the present time. 
Hampstead Heath, of an undulating 
character, has a magnificent position 
on the heights on the north-western 
edge of the London county. It has 
an extent of 2,405 acres, and is well 
supplied with various ponds. Here 
and there trees and shrubs are to 
be seen, such as oak, Scots pine, 
hornbeam, elm, service tree {Pyrus 
torminalis), hazel, and furze. At various 
points, enclosures and plantations have 
been formed as sanctuaries for bird-life. 
Marble Hill, the centre of the 
famous view from Richmond Hill, was, 
in 1 90 1, put up for sale as building land. 
The trees were being felled, and there 
was imminent danger of the beauty of 
the view being irrevocably destroyed. 
The charm of this landscape has been 
the joy of many people, and its 
