FOOT PA THS. 
51 
WINTER ACONITES. 
The first gold gift has come to bless the year 
P'rom Earth’s abundant bosom, where the snow 
Seemed, with its silent folds, a month ago, 
To still all pulsings of the heart that, here. 
Asserts a deathless love by symbol clear 
To wistful eyes, long watching. Now we know 
Asleep, she dreams of waking — beating low. 
That faithful heart reminds her Spring is near. 
Death-like she wore her garments — we were sad ; 
In solemn dirge, snow-laden winds her fate 
Bewailed, while ran the year’s remaining sands. 
Birds carol her awaking — we are glad, 
But sing ouY songs in silence ; longing, wait 
Her gifts, like children, and extend our hands. 
Richard F. Towndrow. 
FOOTPATHS. 
Two or three pamphlets— small in size but important in contents — have been 
awaiting notice for some time. They deal with the subject of footpaths — one of 
the many subjects which specially appeal to Selbornians, and show that attention 
is being aroused, at a somewhat late period, to the necessity for preserving these 
invaluable adjuncts to the delight of a country stroll. 
The Northern Heights Footpath Association, in its two reports, shows good 
work done with regard to footpaths, and wisely impresses upon its subscribers the 
importance of preserving roadside strips. The chief work of the Association, 
however, has been the production of an excellent little “ map of public footpaths 
north and north-west of London,” which shows distinctly the public and disputed 
paths in the district. This should be taken as a model by all similar bodie.s ; 
and such bodies should be much more numerous than they are. The map can be 
had for sixpence from the Hon. Secretary, Eirene Cottage, Gainsborough Gardens, 
Hampstead, N.W. ; and the .same sum will obtain another excellent little work 
from Messrs. K. E. Taylor and Sons, 19, Old Street, Aldersgate, E. This is the 
first series of Field-path Rambles, which is devoted to the beautiful country round 
Bromley, Hayes, Keston, Chislehurst, Orpington, &c. The author’s name,’ 
“ Walker Miles,” is extremely appropriate, and a preface is contributed by Mr. 
R. Ritherdon, Hon. Sec. to the Bromley Footpaths and Common Preservation 
Society. Nine routes are given, and the directions are so full and clear that the 
pedestrian will be able to find his way anywhere in the district if he has this little 
book in his pocket. 
The i>reface, though short, is full of practical suggestion, and concludes, as 
we would do, with an earnest appeal for the more general formation of “ societies 
for the protection of public interests of this kind.” The way in which the land- 
grabber carries out his dishonest schemes is admirably described ; “ Many will 
have observed during their walks, and particularly during a holiday out of town, 
what a vast amount of wayside waste, common land, and footpaths, has been 
stolen from the public in past times. A low wire fencing intended to create as 
little attention as possible is usually erected in the first place, and is probably 
allowed to remain for a year or two. The next step is frequently the erection of 
a somewhat stronger and higher wire fencing with stouter posts than at first 
erected, which, if allowed to remain without question, in due course give way to 
either a wooden or unclimbable iron fence. When this latter has been suffered to 
