LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
RICHMOND PARK AS A MAN(EUVRING GROUND.
[TD THE EDITOR OF THE *SPECTATOR1 SIR, —I have read with much interest your article on the above in the Spectator of April 5th, and cordially endorse and approve every word. If the case is strong as regards Richmond Park being opened for troops, it is far stronger as regards Bushey Park, where there is practically no game, except a few rabbits in the plantations, and the deer. Yet, although the Park is freely open to trippers and schools, with all the Bank Holiday paraphernalia of swings, &c., the cavalry quartered at Hampton Court are confined to one small corner on the west of the avenue and not allowed anywhere else. The Board of Works meets any application with a non possumus. Blank-firing is forbidden, although absolutely essential for the training of young soldiers in ambushes and surprises, such as I know by experience they must reckon with in South Africa, to which country they are continually passing through my hands.—I am, Sir, &c., FIELD OFFICER.
[We gladly publish " Field Officer's " protest as to Rich- mond and Bushey Parks, and know well that it is shared by all thinking soldiers who have turned their attention to the matter. We shall be glad to hear from other readers, civil and military, who are interested in the matter. We must impress again on our readers that there is no question whatever of injuring the Park or spoiling the enjoyment of the general public, whose interests must, of course, be considered as of the first importance. We only ask that the soldiers may do in Richmond Park what they are allowed to do on Wimbledon Common without any man, woman, or child being the worse for it.—ED. Spectator.]
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