A COMPLIMENT TO HAMPSHIRE.
Among the more hideous objects that deface the verges of our roads are—as we all confess—the petrol pumps and stations. Most are unblushingly hideous and often a cause of obstruction to traffic. But there are exceptions. An ardent motorist has spoken to me almost lyrically of some of the petrol stations in Hampshire, especially one in the neighbour- hood of Basingstoke. It has several virtues ; it is withdrawn back from the road with its own private drive, so that the car is safely out of the line of traffic while taking in oil. But besides this quality, the station and pump combined have a certain individual architectural rharnt of their own. They suggest—such is the comparison that I heard—an .old country lych-gate rather than a modern pump-cum-shack.
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