ULLSWATER AND THE NATIONAL TRUST. [To THE EDITOR OF THE
"SPECTATOR."] SIR,—Your charming article on the above subject, and Miss Octavio, Hill's letter, in last week's issue deserve the practical attention of all private persons, and, above all, of the municipal authorities in all places, shores, and mountain- sides where greed of money has not yet absorbed the glories of English scenery.
Might not a large sum of money be raised among the million, as well as among the rich, to prevent the closing in of lakeside, riverside, and forest or mountain side from the public view, and from the free use of our land and water treasures, which make the British Isles a series of precious stones set in the silver sea, things of beauty and joys for ever ? I think Miss Octavio. Hill's zealous letter should inspire all English hearts like a trumpet- call. Sir, I think that a great national and universal British fund should be raised without delay.
How nearly Hampstead Heath was entirely lost to London I Many such places have been ' spared to the public, especially Richmond Park and its glories. Such places of rest and refresh- ment should be preserved for "this age," so our descendants may bless those who have tried to keep natural beauties from money- lovers and exclusive property-owners. Why should not public spirit and English generosity preserve and establish peace and happiness, health and refreshment, for all generations ? I hope, Sir, that every municipality in England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales will ask at once: " What are we doing to preserve our national and health-giving open spaces' from the spoiler ? "
I have for twenty-five years except when in England for rest, lived in, I think, the most exquisitely beautiful city of New Zealand. Its harbour is losing much of its natural sweetness by early riparian rights of ownership. Smaller lakes and shores are often closely shut in. Many of them are difficult to find, difficult to get near and see. During the last twenty-five years the Government have taken the matter in hand,and have not only saved the Maori race from extinction, but are preserving and acquiring, by pur- chase, places in lake, mountain; and shores of the sea, and many points of beauty, so that •Britons may find in New Zealand an edition of England's incomparable beauty, with the picturesque beauties of Switzerland and its snow-clad Alps as well.
—Wishing Miss Octavio. Hill much success, and for Britons energetic wisdom and liberality in this important matter, I
am, Sir, &C., FREDK. LARKINS. Westward Ho ! Devon.
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