The following quotation from the letter of an historian will
illustrate the danger that confronts our fairest acres. Last year the VVelcombe Estate, in the midst of the Shakes- peare Country, alongside the sole unspoilt approach to Stratford-on-Avon, was sold by Mr. Trevelyan for " develop- ment "—that grim word. With great public spirit, and at no little cost, Mr. Flower saved a part. We all owe him great gratitude. But what of the rest ? This is my correspon- dent's account :—
" Every lot in the estate was sold with a separate timber valuation attached, thus positively inciting the purchaser to realize the value of the timber. The new owners, mostly small farmers with 'little capital, have acted as might have been expected, and are felling every stick for which they can got the most triflinic prices. Their neighbours, struck by a new idea, are imitating their example, and this countryside which was once richly-wooded with glorious old trees bids fair to become as bare as any upland or seaside district. One beautiful old oak which is part of the setting of our War Memorial is marked to be felled . . . Is there anything to be done ? Everyone applauds those who protest, but the timber continues to fall." •
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