THE VIEW FROM RICHMOND HILL.
(TO THE EDITOR OR THE "SPECTATOR.")
Sin,—While we have all been talking of " a green girdle for London" it seems to have slipped our notice that the most priceless part of the girdle—the clasp and jewel of the whole —is even now being thrown into the melting-pot. Marble Hill is upon the point of being laid out as a building estate. With it goes in one complete and irreparable ruin the most wonderful reach of the river near London, and that view from Richmond Hill which has for generations been one of the historic beauties of England. I have nothing to say, personally, against the speculator who is doing this. It is upon us, who have even yet the power of redeeming and handing down this heir- loom, that the blame will lie. It is so small a matter, and so narrow a strip of beauty lies between the perfect illusion of to-day and the abominable desolation of to-morrow, that it needs but one rich man or ten generous ones to deal with it; better still, since it is chiefly the concern of the many and the poor, let the County Council buy at once, and issue fifty thousand irredeemable debentures, bearing historic and poetic interest only. I should hope to be among the allottees.— [We gladly endorse Mr. Newbolt's appeal. If London lets the view from Richmond Hill be ruined she will suffer a loss that can never be repaired. Surely there must be citizens among us both rich enough and public-spirited enough to step in and save Marble Hill. If not, could not the City Companies band together and rescue the most beautiful prospect in the Thames Valley 9—ED. Spectator.]
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