still on foot; but their numbers are greatly reduced, and the charm of quiet is beginning to settle down upon previously frequented roads. The evenings, it is true, are closing in;' but the days are bright, as it always is in true autumn weather, the air-though crisp and fresh -is still genial, the sun shines gloriously, and there is, for the pedestrian, a sense of exhilaration, which, in its especial character, is peculiar to this delightful season. It is at such a season of genuine autumn weather that we form the plan of a pedestrian tour around the New Forest. We determine to proceed by rail from London to Brockenhurst, and to walk thence to Boldre; to return to our point of departure at Brockenhurst; to explore the Brockenhurst lanes; and then to make the entire circuit of the beautiful woodlands, by way of Burley, Ringwood, Fordingbridge, Bramshaw, Stoney Cross, and Lyndhurst, returning, in the direction opposite to that from which we had set out, to Brockenhurst. Perhaps it would be difficult in any part of these islands to find a route more likely to pro vide the splendours of autumnal leafage than the one we have indicated. For the greater part of the way the road passes along the verge of the forest—occasionally going through its outermost woods and crossing its heaths and glades. Over a part of the route the opportunity is afforded of contrasting the surrounding cultivation with the wildness of the perpetual forest, whilst from numerous points of view one may see the general as well as at other points are seen the individual features of forest scenery. |