200 LONDON PARKS & GARDENS 
where the blackbirds, chaffinches, and robins call to each 
other and flit across the path. Steep slopes, and valleys, 
and hollows clothed with trees, give possibilities of real 
rambles, in a truly sylvan scene. Under the pines, which 
are tall enough to produce that soothing, soughing sound 
even in the most gentle breeze, the carpet of pine needles 
is cushioned here and there with patches of vivid green 
moss where the moisture has penetrated. Beyond the 
Wood lies the Heath, studded with birch trees, among 
gorse and bracken. There are narrow gullies and glades, 
like miniature “ gates ” or “ gwyles ” of the sea coast, and 
at the foot of the Heath lie the marshes, often in the 
soft light as blue as the sea, and the silver Thames, a 
bright streak across the picture, chequered with the red 
sails of the barges, and tall masts of the more stately ships. 
The whole area of woods and common is only about 
133 acres, but the varied surface, and the distant views 
from it, make it appear of larger extent. It is little 
known to most Londoners, although the Heath was pur¬ 
chased as far back as 1877, an d the Wood bought by the 
London County Council in 1891. The place, however, is 
much frequented and duly appreciated by the neighbour¬ 
ing population. This peaceful country-side could be 
reached within an hour, from any point in the City. It is 
attractive at all times of the year, especially in spring, 
when the green is pale and the young brackens, soft and 
downy, are uncurling their fronds, and the dark firs stand 
up in sharp contrast to the tender greens. Or, perhaps, 
still more delightful is it in autumn, when 
“ Red o’er the forest gleams the setting sun,” 
and the oaks have turned a rich russet, and the birches, 
of brilliant yellow, shower their tiny leaves on the mossy 
