The Field bedside book [antikvár]

INTRODUCTION As the year goes by the countryside changes its clothes : the soft green and brown jerseys of spring give way to the gay coloured cottons of summer, the riot of autumn tweed is followed by the solemn dark overcoat of winter. In the same way country pursuits change with the season. Spring brings the lambs and the spring sowing; summer the hay; autumn the harvest; winter the cry of the hotmds over the fields. To the countryman small signs show the change of the seasons. The cry of the curlew means that spring is on its way, the harsh cry of the geese that winter is only just round the corner. This book by following the seasons demonstrates this pattern and with it the activities of the country throughout the year. Although by its nature a patchwork drawn from the past it exists in the present, it will continue into the future. Then too it will have a past for as the pattern of life changes, as we hear more of new-town development, urbanisation, dormitory areas on one hand and the depopulation of the rural areas on the other, as modem farming methods gradually change the agricultural pattern of the country, it may not be too fanciful to suppose that much of the countryside of Britain as represented in these pages may have vanished in 20 years time. That, however, is supposition. The main purpose of this book is to stimulate, to remind, to make the countryman look again at his familiar pursuits and to encourage everyone to take up new hobbies and interests. It is a fascinating, satisfying, anthology of coimtry life in Britain.