Thames Rights and Wrongs. By C. H. Cook. (Archibald Con-
stable.)—Mr. Cook, who is better known under the nom de plume of "John Bickerdyke," has here put together a very interesting volume. Beyond all doubt, there is a conflict between private rights and public enjoyment in the matter of the Thames. The writer of this notice, whose recollections of the river extend to more than half a century, can remember a time when it W3S practically open throughout its course. In one or two places— at Marlow, for instance, in the backwater belonging to Sir W. Clayton (the then proprietor)—private property was asserted ; but for the most part, the towing-path was regarded as a right- of-way, and both main and back streams were open to all, whether rowers or anglers. But then only one passenger could be seen, where fifty now come ; and one may be tolerated where fifty are unbearable. "Camping out" is delightful, no doubt ; but a river- side householder is not without reason when he objects to the campers conducting themselves in front of his windows as if they were in a South Sea island. Sometimes the limitations imposed by riparian proprietors are somewhat ungracious. The writer of this notice was some years ago refused transport by the ferryman at Mapledurham, and by the lock-keeper. The towing-path on the Oxfordshire side was practically closed to the pedestrian, though, if he had hired a boat, he could have landed at his pleasure. Surely the pedestrian is not more objectionable than the "bargee." Could not the Thames be nationalised, not by robbery of private owners, but by State purchase P
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