Parks in War - time The absence of labour available for such
purely aesthetic work is doubtless the reason for the growth of weeds. in the London and other parks ; but it is surprising to see alongside the spacious beds of snap- dragons, each plant set out with slow care, a small complete bed given up wholly to thistles now seeding freely and scattering the seed broadcast. Such contrast may be found on the north bank of the lake in St. James's Park. The place has never been so popular, and the number of people seems to have increased the tameness of the birds. In the course of a short walk there I saw sparrows, pigeon, ducks and geese feeding out of the hands of visitors, and even the pelican swam up to the bridge. The greater freedom allowed to the populace to transgress on to the grass has been abundantly justified. Grass, after all, is pleasant to walk on as well as to feast the eyes on. The parks share in the greater openness accorded to the unrailed squares, but someone ought to cut the thistles now—sending their seed abroad.
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