MO THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."] SIB,—Your article on Richmond
Park and the Volunteers (Spectator, April 26th) recalls the following incident which took place when I lived at Richmond about thirty years ago. The local corps had been manoeuvring on Wimbledon Common, and while marching home through the Park they amused them- selves by singing in chorus. A park-keeper came forward and informed the officer in command that this was against regula- tions ; the officer at once disbanded the men, who proceeded as individuals singing as before. About the same period I recollect a flying column from Aldershot camping in Bushey Park. When marching in to take up their ground all the bands were stopped playing by order for fear of disturbing the brood mares in the Royal paddock. This was in the month of July or August. At the same time I think there would be an objection to manoeuvres in Richmond Park during the fawning season, as it is the habit of the does to hide the very young fawns during the day in the bracken, and the little creatures lie so close that it is very bard to find them. Now a lot of men scouting could hardly help disturbing, and perhaps
treading on them.—I am, Sir, &c., F. L.
[We should be sorry to see any inconvenience caused to the hinds and fawns, but if they could not get accustomed to the Volunteers, as we believe they would, we still cannot think that their convenience must be preferred to that of the Volunteers.—En. Spectator.]
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