I am not without hope that this little book will prove interesting, and in some degree useful, to those who find an unfailing source of pleasure in wandering over England, deeming nothing unworthy of notice, whether it be an ancient church or homestead, a grand old tree, a wild flower under a hedge, or a stray rustic by the roadside. To anyone who has eyes there is much to see in this small but infinitely varied England, so much that, as Emerson says, to see it well "needs a hundred years." If a man cannot walk, it is perhaps better to ride or drive through the country than not to see it at all; but walking is the best of all known means of getting from one place to another; and take care to go with no other companions than the Handbook and a pocket-compass, for then you can cry halt wherever you please, and have no one's whims or oddities to perplex and harass you.