The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1894-07-14


the attention of . foreigner when ex-
ploring suburban North London is the
hedges. Running along each side Of
the roadway they rise four, five and six
feet In height They are In this dis
trct commonly Of hawthorn, and are
kept carefully trimmed by their owners,
presenting refreshing, continuous
fence of this sweet lowering shrub for
miles and miles Sometimes there is q
break in this green hedge. II usually
occurs ut some large estate whose
owner, apparently Jealous lest the pub
lie may see tho treasures of his grounds
and wither them by their gaze puts up
seven-foot "boarding" Of "split oak"
--onlsen boards split from the log-all
around. 1t makes hideously ugly
fence stone or brick wall would be
no more expensive, and not so un-
slightly; but the oak fence "is the
thing" and consequently the general
rural harmony and picturesqueness 10
destroyed.
The roads arc generally mncadamized
and are always kept in excellent condi-
ton. They are raised in the center
and slope toward the sides, where
there are little .dilses' or channels to
carry OFF the water. Except on the
main roads, there is no attempt at
s'msde" sidewalks. The usual plan il
to allow the grass to grow between tho
hawthorn hedges and the dilses, except
where foot passengers beat out path
from their constant passing to and fro.
Sometimes ''shingle" is thrown upon
this pathway by the different owners
along the road; but, as rule. it is left
to it's natural state. and certainly IL
makes charming effect
Sometimes. as we pass private
grounds we notice a gap in the hedge
or oak fence, and right through the
grounds (of course not interfering with
the gardens, etc.) we find pathway
These pathways belong to the public,
and cannot be disturbed or closed.
Such passage is called q '1ight-of-
way" In many cases, should these
paths pass through a gentlemans
stable yard, gates, without locks are
put on them, but more often we find
the old stile. The stiles are not nova
bic. They are made in various ways,
but they must be climbed over, and it
is peculiar charm to the young swain
|
lady love over them.
And now we shall enter the grounds
OF one of the residents and have clos
er view of them and him. We pass
through swinging gate and walk
through beautifully laid out lawn to
the house, which is q splendid lime
stone structure. Its master receives
us politely, and when we tell him we
are strangers-Americsn desire
TO learn something of English suburban
life, he cordially shows us around his
grounds, while we ply him with ques-
tions pertaining to the programme we
have set ourselves to complete. On our
way to Waltham Cross we passed by
New river. There it looked like a canal
beautifully kept, with green, grassy
sides and lined on either side with pop
lars, elms and plane trees But here it
winds through this gentleman's
grounds and gives additional beauty
to his exquisitely planted lawn, and
gardens. He informs us that this is an
artificial river, the cutting Of its chan
mel was begun hundreds of years ago.
and that it comes froma great distance
to supply London with water. Every
is bound, by agreement, to keep that
part of it thoroughly clean; but at stated
intervals the officers of the New River
company come to examine it and remove
any foul bottom that might collect be-
tween the clennings 1t is certainly q
delightful addition to the beauty of the
grounds of suburban North London,
through which it passes, and for ap-
pearance sake, if for no other reason
they keep its banks scrupulously neal
and flower bedecked.
Through the trees we see tennis
party in FULL swing, and beyond, in the
open field, the haymakers are tossing
the hay. while the little ones romr
around it. A more beautiful picture o.
happiness it would be difficult to i'm
agine. Then we go to see the green
houses, ferneries, graperies, orchit
houses and other glass houses in thii
beautiful garden. and are delighted a
the polite interest our host takes in ex
planning everything to ua Behind thu
greenhouses is an excellent vegetabl,
garden, from which the wants of thu
household are supplied. When we re
turn to the house our host kindly in
v!tes us to have a glass of wine and ,
biscuit. This is n typical North Lon
don resident of the better class. He Il
in some business in the city, but herr
in his home he is gentleman of leis
ure for the time being, hospitable, re
fined and intellectual.
word about social amusementa
One evening of each week the gentle
; mans whist club meets at the home o
one of the members. by tEis. togethe
with the frequent dinner parties. balls
tennis and garden parties ETC., a socia
cordiality is sustained, 80 that In tn
matter Of amuscments the suburba
residents of North London are at leas
upon a level with those of similarl
placed families in any other part Of tn
world. In the matter of exercise, tn
, young men and the young women kee
!. mp the proverbial love OF the Englis
youths for outdoor games, sports an
: walking. Tennis, badminton and Gre
= quet are the favorate games OF tn
women The men join inthese. but. q
3 course, cricket is the young, and Ole
: Englishman's game par excellence
Not much more can be said, exceI
about the little ones From an earl
= age they are taught drilling, depor
ment and dancing; they enjoy the sam
games and sport as do all other chi
l.l 1~.,a .s.,l l.. AL.