Sir,—It is hardly conceivable, but I am credibly informed that the War Office contemplates the drainage of Wolmer Pond in order to grow wheat on its sandy bottom.  I say nothing of the expense of preparing a seed bed.  The War Office might as well undertake the draining of Rydal Water and Easdale Tarn to grow rye and oats.  But those who know how all naturalists since Gilbert White of Selborne have cared and do care for that pond, and those who look upon it as one of the fair beauties of the Forest, both in summer and in winter, must share with all lovers of natural beauty the devout hope that such an experiment of expensive agriculture will not be persisted in.

(Times, 28 June 1918, p. 7)