The house stands upon the highest portion of an
evenly arched hill, and close behind it is a narrow
country road which descends somewhat abruptly
on both sides to sheltered dells. Once upon a time
it was the main way from Lewes to the old country
inn at Glynde, but long ago a wide high road,
suitable for motors and other traffic, was made
some distance off, and now this little winding lane
is the undisturbed, peaceful retreat of nightingales
and other birds, who know that the quiet country
people who walk along it will leave them unmo-
lested. The way has been worn down by pack-
horses and travellers who used it for many centuries,
so that high protecting banks rise upon either side
and only the sun can force an entrance or perhaps
too at times the south-west wind. These are the
places to look for the first fresh green leaves as
they burst open their little protecting brown shields
that have guarded them until now from wintry
blasts. It may be only a step or two at the bottom
of the hill in the moist ground, where a long, low-
roofed, thatched cottage stands near the bend of
the road and gives additional shelter, or perhaps
it is in that warm corner where the earliest may-
bush blossoms. These are places where the first
tiny honeysuckle leaves are found.
There was a time, before the greenhouses and



120 WORK UNDER GLASS

frames were in existence, when these small delight-
ful surprises outside the garden were the only ones
we had. Now, however, the first days of the year
bring many treats and luxuries.
