On the subject of country flowers, complaints are . again
multiplying against motorists who dig up wild flower roots, especially primroses, and cart them away to their death on the dust heap. The answer to this threat is not only preven- tion ; a good deal may be done to multiply such native plants ; and now that county councils are adopting rural planning schemes, may we imagine a day when each council will make a survey of its county flora (and fauna), and if need be keep a nursery where rarer things may be cultivated, and others planted along the margins of new roads ? Did any body of people ever lose so good an opportunity of adding beauty without loss of wealth, as the bodies who built the new roads and left naked cuttings, weedy edges, and sides for jerry buildings, and for shacks and pumps of unregulated design? The Council for the Preservation of Rural England is struggling manfully, and winning considerable successes. It should be financially backed by all who have the charm of rural England at heart.
W. BEACH THOMAS.
Previous page
