" Dedication "
Before the end of the year there should be in existence an accurate survey of all rights of way. When a path is once " dedicated " to the public that right is inalienable. The concession is irrevocable except by Act of Parliament.
Dedication" is a blessed word, Much 'used ; but you will scarcely find an example of direct and conscious dedication ; and as a rule the rather difficult proof of long usage has to be sought where a right is contested. The new Act should straighten things out for the future ; but the councils and the counties ought to do more' to promote this desirable con- summation. Essex is one honourable exception. It is sign. posting every, or nearly every, right of way within the county and this example might be generally followed, to everyone's advantage. It is not, I think, everywhere understood that the body to which is allotted the specific duty of pisotecting all public rights of way is the Rural District Council ; but if it refuses or omits to take notice of recommendations, the -Parish Council has the right ' of appeal' to the County
Council. . .
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