i64 
XATURE XOTES 
A ViEW-poixT. — Within about twenty-five miles of London 
lies the richly-wooded country between Edenbridge and Oxted, 
close to the meeting-point of the three counties, Kent, Sussex 
and Surrey. The ground here rises into a fine range of hills, the 
three summits of the range being named Crockham Hill, Toys 
Hill, and Ide Hill. 
On Crockham Hill, a smooth green knoll rises above the 
wooded banks which surround it, and as one climbs through 
the low trees and makes one’s way to the top, a magnificent view 
bursts upon one. For miles to the south and west stretches 
the Weald of Sussex, fading away into the blue distance. It is 
a place to sit and spend a summer’s day, watching the ever- 
changing lights and shadows over the great wooded plain spread 
out below. It is this open space which has been secured for 
ever to the public by a subscription raised through the efforts of 
Miss Octavia Hill, the great pioneer of open spaces for the people 
for the last thirty or forty years. 
Its nearness to London makes all this neighbourhood a great 
resort of holiday makers, but also brings a constantly increasing 
number of residents, who, by buying up ground for their houses, 
leave all the time less ground open for public enjoyment. 
Three acres of land in the very best situation on the Hill 
will be a holiday ground all the time more precious to travellers 
who long to leave the dusty roads, and spend a few hours in the 
green shade of the woodland on the hill-sides, or sitting on the 
top enjoying the glorious view. 
Though the purchase-money has been got together by great 
exertions on the part of Miss Hill and helpers, yet a balance of 
about ;^ioo or /’150 is wanted to complete the laying out of the land 
in necessary fencing, &c. If any of our readers should feel inclined 
to help in this, donations will be most gratefully received by the 
Secretary of The National Trust, 25, Victoria Street, S.W. 
Thames Preservation League. — Mr. (now Sir Hudson) 
Kearley, M.P., the Minister in charge of the Port of London 
Bill, received a large and representative deputation, organized 
by this League, on Avhich the Selborne Society is represented, 
urging the desirability of preventing sheep-washing in the river, 
securing for the public a right of foot-way along the banks, and 
empowering the new Board to acquire landing-places and 
fisheries. The deputation met with much sympathy, and the 
constitution of the proposed new Board has already been modi- 
fied to some extent in accordance with the suggestions made. 
Telegraph Poles. — A correspondent, with whom we feel 
most deeply, writes to as follows. From past experience we 
fear that the Post Office authorities will try to shift the responsi- 
bility on the economical regime of the Treasury. “A visit to 
North Wales has just led to the sad discovery that, within the 
last year or two, both the estuary of the Mawddach (between 
Barmouth and the neighbourhood of Dolgelly) and the renowned 
