26 MAY 1928, Page 13

A COUNTY'S SELF-DEFENCE.

Among the specially made " bye-laws for the good rule and government " of the county affixed outside the police station in " our village " appears the following :-

" No person shall (unless authorised so to do by the owner or occupier, if any, or by Law), uproot or destroy any ferns or other wild plants growing in any road, lane roadside waste, wayside bank or hedge, common or other public place in such manner as to damage or disfigure such road, lane, roadside waste, wayside bank or hedge, common or other public place. Provided that this bye-law shall not apply to persons collecting specimens in small quantities for private or scientific use."

The wording has a pleasant Saxon ring and the meaning a Saxon clarity ; but the important thing is that the publication of the bye-law is sign and sympfom of a set and serious inten- tion in the County Council to conserve the county from all sorts of vandals—from jerry-builders to flower thieves. What strikes one as a little curious is the emphasis on ferns. Other plants are in more danger.