144 
ANNUAL MEETING. 
be cheered by their voices. We may hope that public opinion in 
France is being awakened in this matter, and that increasing 
respect will be paid to such considerations as we Selbornians are 
so anxious to disseminate. It is encouraging to hear, as I have 
done, even this afternoon, that the rarer species are increasing in 
England. I am told that Savernake Forest has been made a 
sanctuary for birds, and no slaughter will be allowed within that 
area. We have an encouraging task before us, one in which 
advance is being made, and it is a hopeful task which we are 
undertaking. 
So much for that part of the subject. I shall venture to touch 
on a rather thorny place in reference to a point which has struck 
me often. It is a question which will raise strong feelings on 
both sides, that is, our duty to natural scenery, and especially in 
connection with the modern pastime of golfing. I have noticed 
that in many districts those delightful commons and open spaces 
which have been free for the enjoyment of the many, have had 
that enjoyment restricted in the interests of the few. It is very 
difficult to speak at all decidedly upon this point when we re- 
member the benefit the game of golf is to those who are shut up 
in towns and who can in so short a time derive enjoyment from 
that form of sport ; but I have noticed how very much some of 
these beautiful spots have been damaged in their amenities by 
the introduction of that game. It was only a few months ago 
that I went over a spot referred to in this month’s Nature 
Notes, namely, Fabbicombe Plain, and found that free passage 
over that beautiful place has been abridged considerably. I 
think it is a matter which requires consideration and attention. 
I have always been a little held back from keen pursuit of this 
game by these considerations. What right have we to restrict 
the enjoyment of the many in the interests of the few ? I have 
talked over the matter with some friends who are keen golfers 
and may speak with authority, which I cannot, and they admit 
that there is a good deal in these considerations. They say in 
Scotland that the game is a simple, inexpensive one, in which 
the delight is shared universally. In England the tendency has 
been to make it expensive and so interest only the few. In 
Scotland the effect on the character of the country people is 
good enough, apparently, but in England, where we have rich 
people playing the game, the effect on the country lives is con- 
fessedly not good. We feel, therefore, that those who have 
keen, legitimate interest in golf have some points to consider. 
They must consider whether arrangements can be carried out 
whereby the public enjoyment shall not be diminished, and the 
effect on those who are called on to help in the game shall be 
a good one instead of a very doubtful one indeed. 
Further, as I have said before, comes the question of 
diminishing the beauty of the landscape. We have a duty to 
wild and beautiful nature, and in the interests of the best game 
possible we have no right to interfere with the face of nature in 
