ROMAN WESTMORLAND AND THE HEAD OF WINDERMERE.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.'
SIB,—Those who are archaeologists or lovers of history, as well as those who care for the undisturbed beauty of nature at the English Lakes, will be glad to know that the efforts to raise the purchase price, £4,000, to secure the head of Windermere and the Borrans field from building operations have proved so far successful that only £800 remains now to be raised. The chance of taking up the option is open to us to the middle of November, and it is urgent that those who are anxious to help in this national work should do so without delay. The locality has proved its interest in the under- taking by subscribing at least half of the purchase price. For this £800 we must look elsewhere. Those who approach the head of Windermere from the south will realize how important it is to preserve the amenity of the meadow land between Waterhead and the river Brathay, with the noble background of Longhrigg and the Fairfield round; and others who are interested in the archaeological aspect of this purchase will be glad to be reassured by such authorities as Professor Haverfield and Mr. W. G. Collingwood that the five acres of the Borrans field, where, in Camden's day, "there lay the carcase of an ancient city with ruined walls," are quite certain to yield to the excavators some very remarkable additions to our knowledge of Roman life. Ti[. their opinion the Borrans, as yet unexcavated, will prove the most important Roman fort in the Lake district, and it is quite possible a new chapter in the history of the Roman occupation in Westmor- land will be opened. He who will give must give quickly, if he wishes to hand on the natural beauty and historic interest of this purchase to future generations. We much appreciate the kind help that has been given to us by the press.—We are, Sir, &c., H. D. llawlasLET, Hon. Secretary. S. H. HAMER, Secretary.
National Trust Office, 25 Victoria Street, Westminster, S. TV.
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