A CORPS OF COUNTY GUIDES.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]
SIR,—Your article on this subject in the Spectator of March 28th expresses views which have been frequently discussed by my friends and myself while indulging in otu favourite recreation of tramping and cycling through North Cumberland and the Lake District. It has amused us to elaborate the idea in imagination, dubbing ourselves the "Lake District Scouts," and endeavouring to realise how we might put our topographical knowledge to use in time of need. The idea has added zest to a study of roads, lanes and footpaths which has been going on for years, and we have often felt that there must be an immense amount of know ledge of this kind latent in the country, only waiting fot an opportunity of revealing itself. In this connection the personal experience of half-a-dozen enthusiastic pedestrians and cyclists may be of interest. One of our number, realising, some few years ago, that he did not know his native county to a degree at all commensurate with its natural charms, possessed himself of a few one-inch Ordnance maps, mounted to fit the pocket, and set out to explore every road and path in the district, from his home as a centre. Every road so traversed was coloured red, and soon the maps began to show red lines in every direction. His enthusiasm grew and communicated itself to his companions, who joined him in excursions of ever-increasing distance. Incidentally, they found that with the need to go further afield for new roads came also the power to tramp longer distances, until now they find that thirty, forty, and even more miles can be done on foot in a day without undue fatigue. Sometimes the maps are purposely discarded, lest one should become enslaved by them, experience having shown this to be a necessary pre- caution. In course of time it became difficult to find new roads, and any one who could show a new path or by-road was in great request. Friends were asked to undertake to show some hitherto unknown route, and were duly honoured if successfuL It was found, moreover, that the country people in outlying districts were always ready to give information, and seemed flattered by the desire shown to know their country. With a ten years' experience of the kind indicated, the writer is satisfied that there are great possibilities in this idea. Apart from those whose calling makes them familiar with the country, there are many who, like ourselves, would take up the study of topography as others take up botany, and it is certain that no more health-giving or interesting recreation could be taken up; while the fact that the knowledge so gained might some day be of service to the nation would add a stimulus and
dignity to the pursuit.—I am, Sir, &c., E. W. B.
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