I am told I gave but little trouble at this age.

In the beautiful fields and wild coppices about Hornsey, as yet unencroached upon by suburban extension; and by the side of the then solitary banks of the New River, I was always to be found.

In cold and wet weather I had a stock of similar lessons in my home.

Small live animals were my constant companions; they taught me that love begets love.

I did love and delight in them, and when they died I mourned their loss.