SIR, —I have read with interest Mr. Carslake Thompson's letter
in the Spectator of August 13th. I earnestly trust that, in the consideration of what Governments may here- after do, no one will lose the opportunity of himself aiding to the utmost of his power in the practical realisa- tion of a scheme of great importance. I have never myself felt as if the duty of providing open spaces needed for the dwellers in our big towns lay exclusively with landowners. They are not necessarily the richest members of the com- munity; some have co-operated heartily, and I hope others will in the future ; but the obligation of sacrifice seems to me to be upon us all. Nor can I feel as if local authorities were specially bound to carry through such schemes. The need of country open spaces cannot be treated like that of drainage, or water. The craving for beauty and for quiet is innate in many, but the provision of it hardly seems one to be forced on ratepayers already heavily burdened for the necessities of life. I should feel it a thing to be provided as a thank-offering by many, as a solemn memorial by others, as a glad contribution by numbers, not only voluntarily, but gladly. Such the donors evidently feel it. Some write in old age of the blessing it will be to leave such a possession, some say that they must have a share in so great a work, some send quite small gifts and hope to send again later. Every post brings me such letters, and, though we only yet have £3,510 out of the £12,000 needed, we have not been two months at work; we have two hundred and seventy-five donors. There must be many more such in England, and I am confident that the amount will be forthcoming if each will do his share of helping. My own thought is not of nationalising whole tracts, but of saving one after another—river-shore, old- world house, hill-top, sea-crag, lake-slope--as a great and lasting free-will offering to the nation, to be held in per- petuity by the Council of the National Trust, which is nomi- nated by the principal learned, artistic, antiquarian, and scientific societies. It is not always so very costly. Barns Head cost only £505, and gives us as fine a bit of rock-girt promontory as one need have, with sight of Tintagel, rich in legendary association. Gowbarrow is our largest scheme, and the price of more than seven hundred acres there cannot but be large ; but that it will be saved and dedicated by willing hearts soon I cannot but believe.—I am, Sir, &c., OCTAVIA HILL. 190 Marylebone Road.
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