Welsh Journals

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suggests that it may hold the remains of a Roman Legion complete with treasure, our eagerness to have it drained-and our annoyance at Lizbeth's passionate determination that it shall remain untouched-are as keen as the Doctor's. Gradually we suspect that apart from any Roman relics there is something else-some other sinister secret contained in its revolting depths. Passing on, there is a point of local interest in the explanation Mr. Vaughan, the lawyer, is giving on the question of Land Enclosures. He says that the squatter who could settle overnight and have smoke coming from the chimney by next morning could claim the land he had built on. "TAN HOUSE he concludes, is a corruption of TY-Y-NOS- the house of a night." But actually, this should be TY-UN-NOS, ONE night house. A small distinction but the word ONE is important. Although slight, this is a very readable book, written in an easy, effortless style. CONSTANCE HOWARTH. A GOLDEN OAK. From T. O. Nicholls, Dolwen," Llandewi-Ystradenny, Rads. The following description of an oak tree growing near Llandewi- Ystradenny may be of interest because of a most unusual characteristic. It grows on a steep hill about 200 yards west of the river Ithon and for eleven months of the year it is similar in appearance to several other oaks growing in the immediate vicinity but during every month of May all the foliage of this one tree is of a bright golden colour. Then after a few weeks all the leaves turn to a normal green. This happens each year and has done so in living memory. The tree is on Lord Ormathwaite's Estate and The late Lord Ormathwaite confirmed that his family have noted the curiosity for many years. The tree is situated about 300 yards west of the milestone (Newtown 20 Builth 14) on the main road about mile North of Llandewi- Ystradenny. 6 inch O.S. map, Radnorshire, XV1-7. It can be seen from the main road. Have your readers noted similar occurrences and what explanation can be given ?