ITS TOPOGRAPHY 23 The intersecting lines, which divide them into squares of an inch and a half, are arranged in the direction of the four points of the compass. They are for the combined purpose of readily estimating the distance,—each side of a square representing exactly half a mile,—and of showing the direction, at a glance, to those who carry a compass, a practice which I strongly recommend. The greater number of visitors to the Forest come by railway. I have, therefore, as a rule, started and terminated each route at stations, generally on the same line of railway. It is obvious that the intelligent reader will be able to combine two or more of the routes to form a more extended expedition. Thus, after taking route G to High Beachy he can follow route K to Loughton, or route H to Epping. The small figures on the maps show the height in feet above high-water mark. The routes de- scribed are indicated by the red lines. Hard gravelled roads are coloured yellow. The small-scale index map opposite page 22 shows the position of all the railway stations re- latively to the Forest. It also shows, for the benefit of those who drive, the chief roads of approach from London and Stratford. It should be borne in mind that the days when east wind prevails are the best for selecting those routes that command distant views. Winds from the west or south come laden with London smoke which obliterates them. ROUTE A LEYTONSTONE TO WANSTEAD PARK AND FOREST GATE 51/4 miles On leaving Leytonstone Station, cross the High Street, by the Red Lion Inn, and follow Harvey Road at right angles to it. This leads to the Avenues in 300 yards. These were planted 150