1 OCTOBER 1932, Page 14

Whether Grith Fyrd camps are likely to multiply as the

pioneers expect, we need not conjecture, but the idea is at least stimulating, much better than the rather cantankerous isolation of a Thoreau, who was altogether too inordinately proud of his own house-building. It is curious that the recent revival of rural crafts, which began with iron work, has during the year been much more conspicuous among the carpenters' than the blacksmiths. The sales of iron work, from large gates to door-latches, are considerable, and the art has improved (not least among the Hampshire Guild) but rather less has been sold in most counties, while local furniture and withy work has enjoyed a really good season. The number of enquiries that reach me suggests that the address (and knowledge) of the Rural Industries Bureau (6 Bayley Street, London, W.C. 1) is not widely enough known.