PREFACE
The idea of writing a Guide to the Forest
occurred to me when I observed how small a
percentage of our summer visitors ever venture
far from the point at which they are set down by
train or vehicle. This is hardly a desirable state
of things; and as steam merry-go-rounds and
" five shies for a penny " can be enjoyed with
equal facility in London, it seems a pity not to
encourage, as far as lies in one's power, a more
enterprising spirit. It appears that this reluctance
to enter the thicket springs, not from indifference
to the attractions of the Forest, but solely from a
dread, not unnatural to those unaccustomed to
the country, of losing the way; and I hope that
clear directions how to find, and follow, the most
beautiful and interesting routes will be appreciated.
I trust I am not egotistical in thinking that, as I
have lived all my life in one or other of the
Forest parishes, and for many years have been in
the constant habit of exploring its inner recesses,
the public cannot have a better adviser than myself
in this matter.
I am aware that some excellent cheap Guide-
books to the Forest have been published ; but
they do not enter with sufficient minuteness into
topographical details to serve as a handbook to
the stranger who desires to penetrate the wilder
parts of the wood. An essential part of my