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The recent purchase of 850 acres near Leicester is a stirring example of public spirit of the best sort. The land keeps its historic charm ; and it has been a deer forest since the days of the Conqueror. It is assured, so far as such assurance is possible, of preservation " in perpetuity " ; and within its bounds is contained also a fit sanctuary for both birds and flowers. Another example that has much the same virtues is the splendid bit of wild Staffordshire country, secured for the public (and kept attractive to birds) through the beneficent energy and liberality of Mr. Afasefield—not, so far as I know, a poet in words, like another of his name, but certainly a poet in deeds. Not everywhere—though in most places—are the public park and the sanctuary incompatible. Apart from particular examples it would be difficult to exaggerate the general and cumulative influence on public opinion exerted by the Council for the Preservation of Rural England. And their exact title should be carefully observed. What we want to do is to preserve England as it is, not to alter its nature and
character, to suit even the aesthete's or town-planner's theory.
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