GOWBARROW FELL AND AIRA FORCE.
[To THE EDITOR. Or TUE .SPEOTATOR.1 Snt,—May I make a very earnest appeal to all lovers of natural beauty, unbuilt over and unexploited, to aid me in putting the crown to a great effort made on behalf of the nation last year, by helping me to obtain one of the most beautiful meadows of thirty-two acres on the whole shore of Ullswater, adjacent to Aira Force and Gowbarrow Fell ? It will be remembered that last year we were able by the gifts of thirteen hundred people to secure for ever to the publio seven hundred and forty acres on the shore of the lake, which included Gowbarrow Fell and Aira Force, and part of the eastern side of the Aim Glen. It is felt that it would add much to the worth of this national acquisition if we could obtain command of the western side also of the Aira Force Valley, between the beck and the main road from Dockwray. We have been able since then to obtain possession of the upper meadow of twenty-two acres, and the adjacent wood above the Aira Fall; but it remains to us to obtain the magnificent meadow sloping from the fall down to the lake shore to give completion to our possession. In the opinion of old residents on the lake, this meadow is not only the most beautiful meadow on the Lyulph Tower Estate, but is the one meadow which, unless obtained by us, is quite certain to invite competition amongst private owners and building syndicates, and the fact that we own the adjacent fell will naturally invite any far-sighted hotel company to so convenient a site. In order to protect ourselves, and not to stultify the 212,000 purchase that we have effected, it is essential that this fair meadow, with its magnificent views, should be obtained. It is offered to us on reasonable terms, a little more, in short, than its agricultural value,—viz., £864. Towards this we have £200 in hand, and a promise of £100 if five others will subscribe £100, or £50 if twelve others will subscribe £50. There must be some who are interested in our work who have not as yet subscribed at all. It is to them I appeal. Two working men sent me last week four shillings with such a letter of enthusiastic gratitude for the work we had done in obtaining Gowbarrow that made one feel all efforts had been rewarded. If people cannot give large sums, at least will they send their shillings ? Knowing the importance and the added usefulness and charm of this meadow for future visitors, I do not feel justified in not making this last appeal for help.—I am, Sir, &c., H. D. RAWNSLEY. Crosthwaite Vicarage, Keswick.
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